These days, it’s impossible to figure out our town’s weather patterns. Just when we think it’s returning to a sense of normalcy, we will be struck with another cold front that wipes out our June gardens, or a heat wave that also holds the authority to decimate your daisies. In these uncertain times, one thing remains constant. That thing is, of course, ice cream.

Shake N Swirl
We’re starting our list off on the right foot with a newly opened Bozeman treat center! Shake N Swirl is just off 19th, in place of the now-defunct U-Swirl. The new, locally-owned frozen yogurt shop boasts tons of delicious flavors of yogurt, health drinks, and shakes. This makes it the perfect stop for anyone looking for a post-workout treat, or families looking to enjoy a bright, cool escape from the summer heat. I recommend a combination of watermelon and pomegranate for a crisp, refreshing treat.

Maven’s Market
If you frequent downtown, chances are you’ve seen Maven’s Market next to the Lewis and Clark Motel. However, a simple glance would bar you from noticing the restaurant and all its wonders towards the back of the market. A refined establishment, it definitely exudes an air of “Bozeman chic” and would be a great choice if you’re a college student looking for a fancy eatery that fits within your date-night budget. Only $3.50 will buy two scoops of delicious house-made gelato, which is sure to win over anyone.

Flavr
Right off of campus and connected to a cafe, Flavr is a dessert restaurant that boasts not only amazing macaroons and ice cream, but a fun, upbeat atmosphere full of the summer Americana vibes that those of us in Montana undoubtedly need every once in a while. One of the best-selling flavors, Espresso Explosion, definitely did not disappoint, and is sure to please even those who don’t care for coffee-flavored ice creams. On top of that, their homemade waffle cones are absolutely worth the extra buck!

Kagy Korner
Also off of campus, Kagy’s Corner Store is a locally owned gas station that boasts excellent customer service and a small-town feel. There were tons of kids milling about outside with ice creams, and multiple folks had stories to share about fond childhood experiences had at the quaint shop. For only $2 for two scoops of Wilcoxins ice cream, it’s no wonder so many are fond of this local treasure. When asked for comment, one of the staff responded that they were “happy to scoop locally sourced ice cream!” Add to that the fact that they have flavors you can’t find in-store, and it’s a no-brainer as to why this small store is so dear to so many people’s hearts.

Sweet Peaks
Ah, Sweet Peaks. There is so little that hasn’t been said already, but it all bears repeating. An iconic Bozeman ice cream shop located on East Main Street, Sweet Peaks has been the go-to pick for many sports teams, families, and adults alike. With homemade waffle cones that are to die for, and tons of classic Montana flavors (think Huckleberry), there is nothing not to love about this ice cream shop that has created such a legend for itself in the hearts of Bozemanites. In addition to its notoriety, it is open until 11pm, which makes it perfect for any hankerings on late summer nights.

Michoacan a Pedir de Boca
This local Mexican shop is a hidden gem on Seventh (and the Gallatin Valley Mall), carrying homemade popsicles and ice creams in a wide assortment of flavors. Their popsicles do take the limelight, however. Their horchata and cookies & cream flavors advertise incredible creaminess, and their fruit popsicles taste like pure fruit. If you’re looking for a Mexican street-food-themed pick-me-up, stopping by Michoacan is the way to go.

Genuine
Another Bozeman classic, Genuine ice cream has undoubtedly made a name for itself in the Gallatin Valley. An excellent place to bring the whole family, Genuine has not only incredible in-store flavors but also a variety of options for catering and take-home. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide. This is why they’ve built a ‘wheel of decision’ in their new location (on Peach Street, near Seventh). All you have to do is spin the wheel and enjoy the delicious ice cream flavor picked out for you!

The Chocolate Moose
If you’ve ever been walking downtown searching for a place to indulge your cravings with a sweet treat, you’ve no doubt waltzed into The Chocolate Moose. A downtown staple, this business sells not only a variety of flavors of Wilcoxins ice cream but also a wide variety of candies that can appeal to everyone. Whether you’re young or young at heart, everyone has an equal opportunity to fall in love with this cozy charm that resides in our very own downtown Bozeman.

La Châtelaine
A quiet French chocolate store tucked in between shops on Rouse Ave. off Babcock, La Châtelaine undoubtedly has a large appeal to the more sophisticated of Bozeman. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t have a large appeal to the average Bozemanite as well! In addition to its lovely chocolate collection, La Châtelaine also has extremely delicious house made ice creams and sorbets that run at shockingly low prices. If you’re in the mood for a taste of summer, their Guava Passionfruit Sorbet has a refreshingly cool taste that is bound to cool off both the sweatiest hikers and the most winter-ready parents.

Two Scoops Saloon
Although located a bit out of Bozeman, this new ice cream truck is bound to be worth the trip. Right off Exit 319 on I-90, this trailer is parked off to the side of the viewing area in Bozeman’s Montana Grizzly Encounter. Even if you come only for the (both awesome and incredible) grizzly bears, you’ll want to stay long enough to grab a couple scoops of delicious Genuine ice cream tucked away in an exquisite homemade waffle cone. Plus, all entry fees for the Grizzly Encounter go towards keeping the bears fed and cared for, meaning your ice cream adventures are serving a righteous cause!