After a long day spent speeding through the mountain bike trails at Deer Valley, hiking through the beautiful wildflowers in Guardsman Pass, or strolling through the historic streets of Old Town, there is only one way to properly reward yourself: a giant, creamy cup or cone of premium Park City ice cream.
Park City might be famous for its après-ski in winter, but its ice cream scene in the summertime is just as impressive. Whether you’re looking for a classic scoop or an artisanal masterpiece, our Moose Management crew has done the research (and taste tests!) for you.
Here are some of our favorite spots for ice cream in Park City that you and your fam simply cannot miss.
The Gourmet: Mack’s Finest Gelato
1890 Bonanza Drive, Suite 117
If you want to know what real, European-style gelato tastes like while you vacation in Park City, look for Mack Tilling’s creations at Mack’s Finest Gelato. After a career that began in the 80s brewery scene, Mack spent the last 18 years mastering the art of gelato under Italian and European Maestros. He’s a fixture in the local food scene, regularly collaborating with Park City chefs.
It’s authentic, it’s local, and it’s some of the best gelato you’ll find on this side of the Atlantic. As his website says, this is “small batch gelato made with love.”
The Local Fave: Java Cow Coffee & Ice Cream
402 Main Street
If you’re looking for that quintessential, bustling Park City vibe, look no further than Java Cow on Main Street. It’s a local institution for a reason. With a massive selection of flavors that rotate frequently, it’s the perfect spot to stop during a shopping break. The atmosphere is light, fun, and quintessentially Park City.
Pro tip: Grab a scoop of their huckleberry—a true mountain staple—and find a bench nearby to people-watch. It’s the ultimate way to soak up the mountain town energy.
The Charming Chain: Cold Stone Creamery
6030 Market Street, Suite 125
Sure, it’s a national chain… but it’s also a fan fave for a reason. For those days when you’re craving variety and high-volume indulgence, Cold Stone Creamery is always the answer.
Churned daily in every store from the finest ingredients and with a seemingly unlimited choice of mix-ins whipped up in front of you on their famous frozen granite stone, they proudly serve some of the “best tasting, made-to-order ice cream you’ve ever had.” We agree that it’s impossible to leave without a smile (and a bit of brain freeze). It’s the perfect “family-sized” stop after a day at Olympic Park.
Honorable Mentions: Two More of Our Faves
Don’t forget to stop by Granny’s Drive-In in Heber City. Not only do they have an amazing menu featuring classic diner fare like burgers and onion rings, but their Sky High Shakes are to-die-for yummy.
There’s also Macey’s Grocery Stores that feature affordable, super-smooth soft serve Kong Cones you can savor while you shop.
The Pro-Tip: Stroll for a Scoop After Dinner
The best part about the ice cream scene here isn’t just the sugar—it’s the setting. There is something uniquely satisfying about enjoying a cold scoop while the cool mountain air begins to settle over the valley in the evening. It’s wonderful to take a stroll around town after dinner, then stop in the ice cream spot for dessert.
So, next time you’re planning your summer itinerary, don’t just map out your trails—map out your dessert stops, too. After all, you’ve earned it. Whether you’re a purist who sticks to vanilla or an adventurer ready to try a new rocky road, Park City has a scoop with your name on it. Yuuuummmm.
Contact our local ice cream-loving Moose Management staff for more info.
