The Best Ice Cream in the Central & Northern Black Hills

Many people don’t realize they could easily spend a day or
two touring the area’s ice cream parlors alone.
So, stop what you’re doing, and map out where you plan to get your next
scoop—or two, or three—in your next dish or cone. Let’s start with the best ice
cream in the central and northern Black Hills.
Where many people live and work in downtown Rapid City, you’ll find statues of
presidents on sidewalk corners, a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, unique shops
and two incredible ice cream parlors.
The first one you’ll need to visit is Silver Lining Creamery in Main Street Square.
The ice cream shop features homemade ice cream in flavors like red velvet cake
and monster cookie. Seasonal flavors are available, as well as milkshakes and
pints to go.
Make sure you have a bit of extra time when you visit Armadillos Ice Cream
Shoppe on Main Street. The family-owned shop is a staple in Rapid City, and folks
line up in the summer months to get a taste. Armadillos has a flavor of the day,
sundaes, and shakes. Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and nachos are also on the
menu.
Spending a day sightseeing and doing activities in the central Black Hills outside of
the city? Carve out room in your schedule—and your stomach—for some ice
cream!
In Keystone, you’ll want to visit Turtle Town on Winter Street for a variety of ice
cream flavors that the whole family will love. A bonus? The shop serves decadent
truffles and fudge—favorites among Black Hills residents and tourists. Right near
the 1880 Train depot on Winter Street is Benky’s Cream & Sugar, which not only
serves up fresh flavors of ice cream but saltwater taffy and espresso drinks as
well.

Down the road in Hill City, you’ll have access to more delicious ice cream at
Cream on Main Street. Cream specializes in artisan, handmade ice cream and
baked goods. Also on Main Street is another Turtle Town location, serving up
more magnificent ice cream flavors, fudge and truffles.
If you’re heading into the northern Black Hills, be sure to stop at Emma’s Ice
Cream Emporium in Sturgis. This fun shop on historic Main Street specializes in of
course ice cream, but also cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes and cookies. Waffle cone
fanatics will enjoy the shop’s fancy waffle cones.
Another family favorite is Leone’s Creamery on Main Street in Spearfish. The shop
serves fresh, hand-crafted flavors that are sure to make your mouth water. Fun
flavors like rainbow trout and cherry cola are on the menu, as well as vegan
options like vegan orange coco-stachio. Leone’s is very popular among people
living in the Black Hills, as well as visitors.
If you’re a milkshake fan, you’ll also want to check out Java Joint & Milkshake
Parlor on Glendale Drive in Lead. These milkshakes are made with genuine
creamy goodness and a whole lot of creativity. When you see the historic sites in
Deadwood, you can visit Main Street Espresso & Big Dipper Ice Cream on Main
Street to cool off and get your fix. These ice cream shops have the added benefit
of serving fancy coffee drinks in addition to sweet treats.
What are you waiting for? If you’re screaming for ice cream, take your appetite on
a tour of the best ice cream shops in the central and northern Black Hills.