7 Hidden Ice Cream Shops in Ohio Towns

Nestled in charming corners of the Buckeye State are ice cream shops that locals treasure but travelers often miss. These small-town parlors offer unique flavors, historic settings, and the kind of personal touch that big chains can’t match.

From farm-fresh dairy to century-old recipes, these seven hidden gems showcase why Ohio deserves recognition for its incredible ice cream scene.

1. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Chagrin Falls: Small-Town Roots of a Famous Brand

Before becoming a national sensation, Jeni’s began in this picturesque village east of Cleveland. Housed in a historic building overlooking the town’s 20-foot waterfall, this location maintains small-town charm despite the brand’s growth.

Founder Jeni Britton Bauer’s innovative flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Salty Caramel were first perfected here, using local dairy and ingredients. The shop features seasonal specials not found at other locations, making each visit unique.

Locals recommend enjoying your scoop on the shop’s back patio, where the sound of rushing water creates the perfect backdrop. During autumn, the surrounding fall foliage transforms this spot into one of Ohio’s most magical ice cream experiences.

2. Dietsch Brothers in Findlay: Family Legacy Since 1937

Time seems to stand still at Dietsch Brothers, where handcrafted ice cream has been made the same way for over 80 years. The shop’s vintage counters and black-and-white checkerboard floor transport visitors back to a simpler era.

Family recipes passed down through generations result in exceptionally creamy textures that locals swear can’t be found anywhere else. Their signature chocolate-covered pretzel ice cream combines sweet and salty in perfect harmony, while seasonal fruit flavors use produce from nearby farms.

Beyond ice cream, Dietsch’s handmade chocolates have earned national recognition. Many Findlay residents mark special occasions with a trip here, creating a tradition that spans generations of Ohio families.

3. Hartzler Family Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe in Wooster: Farm-Fresh Flavors

From cow to cone in less than a mile, Hartzler’s offers ice cream at its freshest. The family’s dairy farm sits just down the road, where grass-fed cows produce milk that’s minimally processed and never contains antibiotics or growth hormones.

Their small batch production method creates exceptionally rich ice cream with flavors that change with the seasons. Summer brings black raspberry made from berries grown on neighboring farms, while autumn features pumpkin pie that locals claim tastes just like grandma’s recipe.

The shop’s country store atmosphere features wooden booths and windows overlooking rolling farmland. College students from nearby Wooster often make this their study break destination, enjoying scoops of Cow Tracks or the signature Chocolate Velvet.

4. Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs: Homemade Ice Cream on the Farm

Young’s combines a working dairy farm with an ice cream destination that draws visitors from across the Midwest. Unlike typical ice cream shops, here you can actually meet the Jersey cows whose milk becomes your dessert just hours later.

The farm’s signature Cow Patty flavor isn’t what you might fear, but rather a delicious combination of chocolate ice cream, chocolate pieces, and chocolate-covered toffee. Their Bulldog Tracks and Mint Cookie Monster have achieved legendary status among Ohio ice cream enthusiasts.

Beyond ice cream, Young’s offers farm activities like mini-golf and a petting zoo. Located near the artistic community of Yellow Springs, the shop attracts an eclectic mix of families, college students, and tourists seeking authentic farm-to-spoon treats.

5. Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville: Classic Parlor with Big Servings

Stepping into Tom’s feels like traveling back to 1950, complete with spinning counter stools and servers in crisp white uniforms. Founded in 1948, this Zanesville institution remains virtually unchanged, serving enormous portions that challenge even the heartiest appetites.

Their homemade hot fudge sauce, made from a secret recipe, draws fans from hundreds of miles away. Regulars recommend the turtle sundae topped with house-roasted nuts, while others swear by the banana split that requires two people to finish.

Celebrity visitors have discovered this hidden gem over the years, with signed photos decorating the walls. Tom’s makes their ice cream in small batches using vintage equipment, creating dense, creamy textures that modern production methods simply can’t replicate.

6. Johnson’s Real Ice Cream in Bexley: Old-Fashioned Charm in a Village Setting

Four generations of the Johnson family have perfected their ice cream recipes since 1950 in this Columbus suburb. The shop’s bright blue exterior stands out on Bexley’s Main Street, drawing locals who’ve been loyal customers for decades.

Johnson’s churns their ice cream with higher butterfat content than most commercial brands, resulting in exceptionally rich flavors. Their signature Dutch Chocolate uses imported cocoa, while the Buckeye Classic pays homage to Ohio with a perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate.

Summer evenings bring lines out the door as families gather after baseball games and school events. The shop maintains traditions like making their waffle cones fresh throughout the day, filling the neighborhood with an irresistible aroma that serves as Bexley’s sweetest form of advertising.

7. Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor in Canton: Home of the Famous Bittner Sundae

Since 1926, Taggart’s has been serving its legendary Bittner sundae, a massive creation featuring vanilla ice cream blended with chocolate syrup and roasted pecans. The parlor’s vintage wooden booths and original soda fountain have witnessed nearly a century of first dates, celebrations, and family traditions.

Football fans visiting the nearby Pro Football Hall of Fame often discover this local treasure by accident. Many return years later specifically for another taste of Taggart’s hand-dipped malts or their signature olive-nut sandwich, an unusual savory option that somehow perfectly complements their sweet treats.

The shop’s historic building features original tin ceilings and a working antique cash register. Fourth-generation Canton residents bring their children here, pointing out booths where they sat with their own grandparents decades earlier.