Where do you go when you crave cold, delicious ice cream? You could buy some at the store. But it’s much more fun to head out to your local ice cream shop! Some shops serve a special kind of ice cream you can’t get in stores. That’s where the ice cream parlors we’d like to introduce today come in. Each of these five spots serves tasty soft serve, a special kind of ice cream known for being soft and airy. Read on below to discover our favorite soft-serve spots across the state!

1. Peppermint Twist Drive In

About 30 miles west of Minneapolis, the small town of Delano has one of the cutest ice cream shops in the state. You can’t miss it as you drive up thanks to its eye-catching exterior. The bright pink building is decorated with whimsical illustrations sure to delight visitors of all ages. Stop in for a burger and fries, and finish off your meal with a tasty dessert. You can’t go wrong with a yummy soft serve cone or a fruity-flavored shake!

2. MN Nice Cream

This Minneapolis ice cream parlor is known for its decadent ice cream creations. Choose a cup or a cone, then start with a base of soft serve - there are several different flavors - followed by just about any toppings you could possibly want. Specialty cones include the Cookie Monster, made with cookie dough, Oreo, caramel, and sprinkles; the Camper, topped with peanut butter bark, pretzels, graham cracker, marshmallow, peanut butter sauce, and sprinkles; and the Gone Bananas, served with bananas, peanuts, peanut butter sauce, puppy chow, and sprinkles. And that’s only a few delicious creations to be had here. You can also build your own!

3. Conny's Creamy Cone

This charming St. Paul establishment is a must-visit spot for ice cream lovers. Step up to the eye-catching white and red stand and order your favorite treat! You can’t go wrong with a soft-serve cone in any of the many flavors up for grabs. Classic vanilla, chocolate, and twist are popular options. You can also get a flavored cone in banana, black cherry, lemon, piña colada, and more than a dozen other delicious flavors. Cones may also be dipped in chocolate, butterscotch, cherry, or a special dip of the week. This charming ice cream parlor is sure to delight!

4. Camp Creemee

Duluth is home to some great ice cream spots, too. We especially love Camp Creemee, a little-known soft-serve spot that’s actually inside of a brewery. The ice cream here will keep you cool on even the hottest North Shore days. Flavors include vanilla, maple, and more. You can even get special treats like soft-serve ice cream sandwiches made with fresh-baked cookies!

5. Mr. Twisty

If you’re looking for soft-serve in St. Cloud, you might want to head to Mr. Twisty. Whether you get a cone or a cup, you’ll find plenty of great flavor combinations here. Get your cone dipped, your sundae topped with your favorite toppings, or your soft-serve mixed into a tasty shake. The edible googly eyes that come on treats here make it an extra-fun place to stop. No matter what you order, you’ll be glad you tried out this popular spot!

There you have it, some of our favorite soft-serve stands in Minnesota! Do you have any other favorite soft-serve spots you’d like to suggest? Let us know in the comments or by filling out our nomination form! And if you’re interested in more fantastic Minnesota ice cream shops, consider following our ice cream trail across Minnesota.