July is National Ice Cream Month! With the hot, hot summers in Nebraska, it's no surprise that we have hundreds of places to grab a great ice cream cone or dish. We looked at the highest-rated ice cream shops - aside from big chains like Dairy Queen, Culver's, and Coldstone Creamery - to see which deserve your hard-earned ice cream money this summer.

Cheri O's, Ashland

This coffee shop serves up tons of tasty treats, including delectable hand-dipped ice cream.

Settlers Trading Post, Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing, Bayard

The Settlers Trading Post is at the base of Chimney Rock. It stands on the site of a former old west trading post and today offers great food and ice cream in homemade waffle cones.

Chocolaterie Stam, Papillion

This locally-owned franchise location is packed full of amazing chocolate, but the real star of the show is the creamy gelato in constantly revolving flavors.

The Chubby Monkey, Shelton

The owners of the Chubby Monkey chose their eatery's cute name because it made people laugh. Their tasty ice cream is enough to elicit a few delighted giggles, too.

Cody Park, North Platte

When you stop in North Platte's impressive Cody Park in the summer months, be sure to check out their concessions. Visitors say the ice cream alone is worth a visit to the park!

Durham Museum Soda Fountain, Omaha

Inside the restored art deco train station that houses the Durham Museum you'll find an old-fashioned soda fountain serving up vintage-style ice cream treats.

eCreamery, Omaha

Once seen on Shark Tank, eCreamery has quickly become an area favorite. They'll even make your own custom flavor for you, so if you've always wanted to see how coffee ice cream with bubble gum bits tastes, here's your chance.

Frosty Drive In, Valentine

This carhop service-only drive in is a nod to the past with its classic, uncomplicated menu including super tasty ice cream.

Goodrich, Multiple Locations

Goodrich is a favorite treat of the baby boomer generation. Going out for ice cream meant getting a mouth-watering malt at Goodrich, which was always a special family outing. Sadly, their numbers have been dwindling and today you're most likely to find one inside a Subway restaurant.

The Hub, Burwell

The Hub was originally opened in 1906 and was re-opened by the original owner's great-grandson 99 years later. Now a popular coffee shop, The Hub serves up some of the best ice cream in the area.

Ivanna Cone, Lincoln

This unique and well-loved family-owned handmade ice cream shop serves some quirky flavors like French toast, poppyseed, and lemongrass ginger. They serve traditional flavors as well, and the store has firmly established itself as a local favorite.

Petrow's, Omaha

Petrow's started out as a tiny drive-in stand in 1950. Since then, it has grown and expanded into an Omaha institution. They serve a full menu, but the frozen desserts really stand out.

Platte Valley Creamery, Scottsbluff

The Platte Valley Creamery makes all of its own ice cream in-house, and locals say it's the absolute best ice cream ever.

Potter Sundry, Potter

This eatery in the tiny town of Potter serves a full menu, but most people come here for the Tin Roof Sundae. The popular treat was invented here, and people come from all around the U.S. to partake in the delicious sundae.

R.F. Goeke Variety Store and Soda Fountain, Atkinson

This cozy, nostalgic variety store is a page out of the past. You'll find everything you'd expect to see in a small-town general store along with a soda fountain serving up delicious sweet treats in the back.

River House Soda Fountain, Plattsmouth

In the early 2000s, this former bar was turned into a cafe. Their delicious sandwiches are a great reason to visit, but let's be honest - you really want to go for the fantastic ice cream treats (the super-friendly service is a big plus, too).

Staab's Drive Inn, Crawford

Staab's may be known for its delicious fried chicken and juicy burgers, but make sure to save room for a malt or other delectable ice cream treat.

Ted and Wally's Premium Homemade Ice Cream, Omaha

Ted and Wally's is a beloved Omaha institution that you really can't pass up when you're in town. Their house-made ice cream flavors are always rotating, and they even offer coconut milk-based options for those who don't do dairy. Expect to see a line out of the door on a hot weekend day, though.

UNL Dairy Store, Lincoln

You really can't visit Lincoln without getting some premium hand-made ice cream treats here on the UNL campus. Grab a cone to enjoy while you walk around exploring some of Lincoln's many other must-see attractions.

Zesto, Multiple Cities

Zesto used to be a national franchise chain, but now each Zesto is individually owned and operated. Each location still serves up delicious ice cream, though, so we have no complaints.

So which of Nebraska's many, many ice cream shops is your favorite? Where do you head on a hot summer day to cool down with a cone or shake? Let us know in the comments.