Hot Days, Cold Scoops

July 2026

Article by Kara Schwalbe 

What screams summer more than a family outing for a cold treat on a sweltering evening? Here are 10 Billings spots with frozen goodies you have to try. 

Softies 

Seasonal | 2407 Broadwater Ave 

A beloved Billings’ classic steeped in nostalgia. Ordering soft serve at the walk-up window is a local milestone that brings back every summer memory. The menu features flavor-burst edges, dipped cones, refreshing slush mixes, and their signature "Bliz-it" mix-in cups.   

 

Spinners 

Open year-round | 3031 Grand Ave 

With 12 rotating soft-serve and frozen-yogurt flavors and dozens of toppings, this is the ultimate destination for "create-your-own-masterpiece" types. Since everything is sold by weight, you can let your creativity soar! 


Big Dipper  

Open year-round 100 N Broadway, 

A Downtown fixture serving handcrafted hard ice cream, sundaes, and shakes. Choose from their selection of classic or rotating specialty flavors.  

 

Town & Country Foods 

Open year-round 1603 Grand Ave 

Don’t overlook the grocery store for a great selection of Wilcoxson’s. A Huckleberry ice cream sandwich is the quintessential Montana treat.   

 

Aloha Coffee & Hawaiian Shave Ice 

Seasonal 3925 Grand Ave 

This drive-thru serves Hawaiian shave ice made with homemade simple syrup and concentrates from the islands. Grab one to enjoy in their picnic area at a nearby park like Landon’s Legacy or Rimrock West.   


Candytown USA  

Open year-round 1025 Shiloh Crossing Blvd 

Step back in time at this old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream parlor. Look for weekly discounts like Milkshake Monday or Sundae Sunday. 

 

Brockel's Chocolates 

Open year-round 117 N 29th St 

While primarily a chocolate shop, they offer hand double-dipped, chocolate-coated ice cream bars in a couple of different flavors. The perfect pick-me-up while you’re wandering downtown.   

 

The Local Berry 

Open year-round 605 24th St W Suite 4 

Originally a food truck, this storefront has been a Billings staple since 2023. They serve made-to-order acai bowls for a healthier, refreshing alternative.   

 

Crispy Cones 

Open year-round 1001 Shiloh Crossing Blvd #7 

See what the hype is about at this new shop in Shiloh Crossing. Freshly grilled dough cones are lined with a creamy spread, dusted with sugar, and piled high with soft-serve ice cream and your favorite toppings.  

 

Banano 

Open year-round 1001 Shiloh Crossing Blvd 

Founded right here in Billings, this Shiloh Crossing shop serves real-fruit smoothies and frozen yogurt for those seeking a lighter frozen treat.  


Gelavita 

 Open year-round | 520 Wicks Lane 

The newest “craveable” treat in town: gelati. Delicious layers of smooth Italian ice and frozen custard, all made fresh in-house. This shop pairs cool treats with a fun, chill atmosphere built for hanging out. They’re even developing high protein options, giving you every excuse to make this your regular neighborhood pit stop. 


Originally printed in the July 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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