Best Ice Cream on the Range

If you’re on the Range and looking for the best ice cream, we’ve got you covered. It can get surprisingly hot here in Minnesota, so here here are seven of the best ice cream sweet spots on the Range. We’re also sharing our favorite ice cream flavors, and letting you know how much these ice cream treats cost. And, maybe best of all, these ice cream stops are close to the Mesabi Trail and our ATV trails, so wheel on in!

5 & Go – Virginia, MN

While 5 & Go is primarily a coffee and wraps shop, they do have one item on the menu that should land first on the list since it’s actually a great way to start a hot and humid day: Affogato.

They make exceptional drinks at 5 & Go, and their affogato is no exception. Espresso over creamy ice cream with a small selection of syrup flavors to compliment it is perfect to perk up and cool off. And at just $6.50, that’s a real treat.

Pro Tip: if you’re hungry, their wraps/burritos are insanely good. Cluk’n Mac or Cholulu Chicken are outstanding!

Kandy N Konez – Gilbert, MN

This colorful little shop has a hidden treasure that makes it very special, and that is their Dolce ice cream! While they have plenty of classic options, their Dole Whip brand ice cream is fruity, light and smooth. It’s also gluten and lactose free. Kandy N Konez has a selection of different flavors to try alone or swirled together, and it makes an excellent dessert.

The Freeze 32 – Virginia, MN

This ice cream and burger stand can be found by Olcott Park in Virginia. The Freeze has all the classics plus some neat blends that incorporate some favorite candy flavors! We suggest trying out their Reese’s Breeze, it’s delicious and has just the right amount of crunch. Try it for $6.00.

A&W – Aurora, MN

Who can beat a classic carhop root beer float? The A&W is a favorite stop for visitors passing through Aurora and their frosty float mugs on a hot summer day are refreshing to even just hold. Along with a snack, their floats are a delicious way to drop the heat. Get this nostalgic favorite for under $5.00.

Sugar Shack Ice Cream – Eveleth, MN

It’s a cute little shop between Eveleth and Virginia that’s a great place to stop by for a road-trip treat! They have all manner of classic and decadent flavors, but we asked for their brightest creation and got the Hook, Line & Sinker. It is white chocolate (that is somehow blue) with caramel swirls and chocolate fishes. One scoop on a waffle cone is just $5.00

It’s packed full of flavor and there are some picnic benches nearby, so no need to make a mess in the car! The Sugar Shack is just off of Hwy 53 in Eveleth. Visit their downtown Virginia coffee and sandwhich shop, too.

Nette’s – Chisholm, MN

This little family-owned carhop has quite a surprising and mouth-watering selection of burgers, but their ice cream flavors are even better. We suggest trying Nette’s shakes. Their key-lime shake  is just the perfect mix of savory and sweet that blends perfectly with a burger and tots. They also have some gluten free options to enjoy!

Canelake’s Candies – Virginia, MN

We can’t forget the historic Canelake’s Candies As the oldest operating candy shop in Minnesota, they know their sweets! Canelakes has a tasty selection of ice cream floats complimented with their old-fashioned soda fountain. A “green river” or vanilla coke makes for a refreshing on-the-go beverage while exploring downtown Virginia. Canelakes has a wide selection of flavors but we happily recommend their mango float. It is simply delightful and tastes like summer somehow.

We hope you find “your” best ice cream on the Range during your travels. Remember, calories don’t count in summer!