It’s so very hot in the Midwest right now, which means it’s the perfect time to set out on the Ohio Ice Cream Trail.
The Ohio Ice Cream Trail presents a delightful opportunity to explore the diverse ice cream offerings of the state, with a record-breaking 150 locations now spanning Ohio’s cities, small towns, and hidden gems.
This ever-growing trail celebrates the creative and fresh ice cream flavors crafted by local businesses, honoring the region’s rich dairy legacy and the entrepreneurial spirit of Ohio’s creameries and scoop shops.
The trail, launched in 2018 with just 15 stops, has officially entered supersized territory in its eighth year. And while the scoop count has skyrocketed, the heart of the trail remains the same: celebrating local flavor and the businesses that turn Ohio summers into something sweet.
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Ranking 11th in the nation for milk production, Ohio boasts a thriving dairy sector, housing over 1,400 dairy farms and producing nearly 650 million gallons of milk annually. The ice cream shops featured on the trail are the end result of that farm-fresh commitment — each one offering a unique, handcrafted take on the frozen treat.
Who made the cut?
Among the trail’s many highlights are three beloved Central Ohio destinations.
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream in Bexley, a family-owned business operating for nearly 70 years, continues to serve up scoops of nostalgia with a deep bench of classic flavors.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, a national name with Columbus roots, is still delighting fans with its seasonal drops and unexpected collabs (Middle West Whiskey & Pecans, anyone?).
And Velvet Ice Cream in Utica remains a summer pilgrimage site, offering old-fashioned charm and a scoop of Ohio ice cream history at their picturesque Ye Olde Mill, which dates back to 1914.
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Also returning to the trail are Whit’s Frozen Custard and Graeter’s, the latter of which traces its legacy back to 1870. Fortunately for Columbus residents, multiple locations of both are just a short drive (or walk) away.
There’s No Such Thing As Too Much Ice Cream
With 95 new stops added this year, the 2025 Ohio Ice Cream Trail also spotlights fresh favorites like Quarry Hill Orchards in Berlin Heights, blending orchard fruit with vanilla ice cream, and Erin Ann’s in Sylvania, known for its allergen-friendly frozen desserts.
So grab a spoon, support your local scoop shop, and treat yourself to a summer road trip that’s equal parts scenic and sweet.
You can download the 2025 Ohio Ice Cream Trail map here.
Featured image via Facebook.
