Illinois has some truly amazing ice cream stands, shops, and stores peppered throughout the state. The good news is, this handy map will help you find some of the best ice cream in Illinois on the south side. From soft serve to hand-dipped, you'll catch all your favorite desserts and much more. while the ice cream trail features five different stores and takes less than 2 hours to complete in entirety, we recommend stretching this one out into a fun-filled weekend excursion.
Grab your keys and get ready for a sugar rush that'll have you bouncing across the state. You can get specific Google Map instructions here.
This ice cream binge clocks in at less than two hours of drive time, which is perfect for a "sundae" drive.
1. The Custard Stand - Sesser, Illinois
This roadside shop opened in 1949 and employs local high school students. They serve lunch and dinner and are open late, so you can get your favorite sundae anytime.
Click here for more information about this ice cream shop!
Address: 101 S Park St, Sesser, IL 62884
2. Ye Old Country Store Ice Cream / Fudge Shoppe - Du Quoin, Illinois
This shop looks like it's from the 1940s, but it actually opened in 2008. Regardless, you'll find 36 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream at this family owned store - and don't forget to try their famous fudge.
Click here for more information about this ice cream shop!
Address: 218 E Main St, Du Quoin, IL 62832
3. American Ice Cream Truck - Carbondale, Illinois
Stocked with classic, Blue Bunny treats, this truck can be booked for special events like holidays and birthdays. Otherwise, you'll find the locally-owned, old-fashioned truck serving children of all ages in town.
Click here for more information about this ice cream shop!
Address: 633 E Main St Carbondale, Illinois
4. Cool Spoons - 695 N Giant City Rd Carbondale, Illinois
This well-loved store opened in 2012 and serves 18 flavors of frozen yogurt and custard. You also get over 150 toppings to choose from.
Click here for more information about this ice cream shop!
Address: 695 N Giant City Rd, Carbondale, IL 62902
5. Southern Illinois Mercantile Company
Southern Illinois Mercantile Company is a locale mercantile with a huge selection of odds and ends—vintage, artisan, and incredibly unique. But what’s even cooler about this shop is that they also feature ice cream, too! Grab a cone while you’re perusing the goods and spend an afternoon meandering with a delicious treat in-hand.
Click here for more information about this ice cream shop!
Address: 112 E Main St, Marion, IL 62959
So, what do you think? Are you ready to indulge in some of the best ice cream in Illinois? Make sure to let us know in the comments section how the experience was! Also, if you can't get enough frozen dairy treats, find 20 more ice cream shops only in Illinois.
Do you have a favorite local Illinois ice cream stand? Make sure to use our new nomination tool so that we can feature them!
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