Western Montana does summer right, with sweet treats to go along with the adventure. There’s no better way to cool down after a paddle, a small-town stroll or an afternoon in the sun than with a local scoop, shake or shaved ice. And if you’re visiting for the first time, one thing’s for sure: You can’t leave Montana without trying a huckleberry shake or ice cream.
From mom-and-pop soda fountains to farm-to-freezer creameries, Glacier Country serves up some of the most delicious frozen treats around. Here’s where to get your fix—cone, cup or otherwise—along our scenic travel corridors.
BITTERROOT VALLEY
Small-town fun meets big flavor in the Bitterroot. In Hamilton, Freestone Ice Cream dishes up locally loved Wilcoxson’s Montana-made ice cream, while Bitterroot Snowballs delivers a nostalgic punch with its shaved ice stuffed with ice cream and topped with cotton candy, Pop Rocks or marshmallow. At Valley Drug & Variety’s Soda Fountain, enjoy cool treats—milkshakes, frosty malts and banana splits—at the retro counter.
CLARK FORK CORRIDOR
In Plains, Ripples Ice Cream Parlor is a community favorite, scooping up simple joys all summer long. Stop in after a river float or road trip along scenic Highway 200.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK SURROUNDING AREA
After a day in Glacier National Park, treat yourself in Columbia Falls. Sweet Retreat Creamery is loved for its rich, classic flavors and rotating specials. You’ll also find their ice cream trailer at events and markets throughout the region all summer long. Farm to Table Ice Cream (also in Bigfork and Kalispell) takes a local-first approach to frozen dessert with small-batch, handcrafted flavors, like Wild Huckleberry, Flathead Cherry and Mountain Mint Chocolate Chip.
I-90 CORRIDOR
Pull off the interstate in St. Regis for one of Montana’s best-known sweet spots, the St. Regis Travel Center, for the legendary huckleberry milkshakes at Huck’s Grill. Yes, they’re worth the detour.
FLATHEAD CORRIDOR
Craving a cone on the way to Flathead Lake? Hit Lynn’s Drive-In in Ronan for a flavor-burst soft serve, or swing by Cove Deli & Pizza in Polson for a scoop of Wilcoxson’s ice cream with a view. In Lakeside, Treasure State Coffee Company offers espresso and soft serve ice cream under one roof, while Norm’s Soda Fountain in Kalispell serves up nostalgia with every sundae.
For more frosty fun, try Glacier Shave Ice in Kalispell or Clydesdale Creamery in Whitefish for over-the-top milkshakes—piled high with outrageous toppings, like a piece of chocolate cake or a monster cookie; there’s also a boozy version! If you’re leaning healthy, Mountain Berry Bowls—with locations in Polson, Kalispell, Missoula, Columbia Falls and Whitefish—blends up vibrant acai bowls packed with fruit and topped to your liking.
MISSOULA
No summer in Missoula is complete without a cone from Big Dipper Ice Cream, a Missoula staple since 1995, known for unique flavors alongside the classics. Don’t be intimidated by the line—chatting with the locals while waiting to order is half the fun. Or stop by Sweet Peaks for delectable, handcrafted Montana-inspired scoops, with flavors like Under the Big Sky, Oreo Oatmilk and River Float (also in Kalispell and Whitefish). For something a little different, check out Tea & Crepe, where you’ll find Thai ice cream rolls and refreshing smoothies.
NORTHWEST CORRIDOR
If you’re near Eureka, cool off with homemade scoops at Mr. G’s Homemade Ice Cream or stop by the Farmacy Food Truck for a fun twist with boba teas and dirty sodas (sodas with delicious syrups, flavors and house-made cream—one even comes with Magic Unicorn Dust). In Libby, save room for a shake from Burger Express.
SEELEY SWAN CORRIDOR
At Clearwater Stop N Go—known for the famous cow statue at Clearwater Junction—grab some Big Dipper ice cream before heading into the mountains. Swing by The Ice Cream Place in Seeley Lake for soft serve twist cones after a swim or hike.
Wherever your Western Montana adventures take you this summer, there’s a scoop (or swirl, or shake) waiting to help you cool off. And remember, don’t forget the huckleberry.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
July 14, 2025
Related: Bigfork, Bitterroot Valley, Clark Fork Corridor, Columbia Falls, Dining, Eureka, Flathead Corridor, GNP Surrounding Area, Hamilton, I-90 Corridor, Kalispell, Lakeside, Libby, Missoula, Montana, Northwest Corridor, Plains, Polson, Ronan, Seeley Lake, Seeley-Swan Corridor, St. Regis, Stevensville, Vacation, Whitefish
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