The Search For the Best Ice Cream in Northern Colorado

Ice cream is one of the most delicious things in the world. You can have it in a variety of ways. In a cup, a cone, with nuts, sprinkles, syrup, whipped cream, and many other ways. There are also countless flavors to enjoy, and different ways to make it. Everyone seems to have their favorite brand from the grocery store, or their favorite shop to go into on a weekend night or after a tough day at work. There are many places to choose from when getting ice cream in Northern Colorado. There are big chains, local chains, and one-of-a-kind local shops you won't find anywhere else. I have been searching for the best ice cream in Northern Colorado, and here are the places I've tried so far, along with my thoughts.

Walrus Ice Cream in Fort Collins

Walrus Ice Cream is located at 125 W Mountain Ave in Fort Collins. They have been around since 1987. The ambiance is great for families with many tables to sit at, toys for children, and plenty of flavors to choose from. The ice cream is good with some unique flavors. It can be difficult to know what each ice cream is or what flavor it is based on the names, but you can get Saturdaes, shakes, a cone, or a cup. It is a good choice, and a place I will revisit, but not my favorite place. 

Josh and John are in Loveland

Josh and John's is located in downtown Loveland at 501 Cleveland Avenue and is a great place to go to for those in the area. The ice cream is a little more grainy than others on this list, and in my opinion, the fruitier flavors are the best way to go, over vanilla, chocolate, or the typical kinds. In the heart of Loveland, it also makes for a great place to enjoy some ice cream on a summer night. Another place I would gladly return to, but again, not the top spot on my list. 

Paradise Ice Cream in Loveland

Paradise Ice Cream is located at 1399 Sculptor Drive in Loveland. They have some unique flavors with the right amount of smooth, frozen ice cream that is stretchy and soft. They are decently priced, and they have some unique choices. You can have the typical cup or cone, but you can also get ice cream nachos, where you can use waffle chips to dip in your ice cream. This is perhaps my favorite place I have found so far due to price, location, taste, flavors, and density of the ice cream.

Old Town Churn in Fort Collins

Old Town Churn in Fort Collins, located at 234 N College Ave, is by far the best ambiance of any place on this list. The store is in a giant ice cream bucket and located at The Exchange, where you can sit in a courtyard and enjoy a summer night, have a drink or dinner before or after your ice cream, and play mini golf as well. The ice cream is good, but the menu can be slightly confusing. Odds are high that there will be a line and you will have to wait, but it is worth the wait. They give good-sized scoops, and the prices are good, and it is a must-visit when in Fort Collins.

Edison's in Fort Collins

Edison's is located at 172 N College Ave and is one of the newest ice cream stores in the area. Anytime you drive by, there is likely a line going down the sidewalk. They have been around since 2024, making them a baby compared to others on this list. You can buy a pint in a mason jar, cones, cups, or, if you can't decide on what flavor to get, get the flight, which allows you to get four different flavors. This one is similar to some others on the list, and is a place everyone should try, but due to the long wait at times, it is tough to make it number one, although it is worth the wait at certain times. 

The Danish Cone Factory in Estes Park

The Danish Cone Factory in Estes Park is a must for anyone who visits the area. In the same store, you can get taffy, caramel apples, and ice cream. There is a wide selection of flavors, and they give you large scoops. This is my favorite place overall, but due to location and how far of a drive it is for most, I have disqualified them. The substance, the flavors, the selection, and of course, being in Estes Park gives it the nod of my favorite place I have tried so far though.

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For more details on any of the places, make sure to click the links in the paragraphs. These are only the places I have tried so far, but the search will continue. Please reach out if you have a place you recommend. None of the above are bad options, and are only my opinions, and all would make for a good night of ice cream, the next time you crave a cone or cup.