Few things can ease the humidity of summers in Nebraska, but even in the winter, the ice cream shops of Lincoln are impossible to resist.

402 Creamery

Hidden among the ever-changing shops, bars, and restaurants of Lincoln’s Haymarket, this innovative ice cream parlor is small, yet mighty with a solid lineup of signature flavors that includes Monster Cookie and Cinnamon Snickerdoodle.

In addition to their core list, 402 Creamery has a monthly rotation of exciting flavors that can range from The Goat - a goat cheese base, mixed with cherry swirls and graham cracker bits - to a raspberry jalapeno ice cream that incorporated a local brew.  

Each flavor, made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, is packed with rich flavors and quality textures unlike anywhere else. 

Their passion is visible within each creation, and their patience when I request a sample of nearly every flavor is admirable, but my favorite part is that they top off each scoop with a piece of waffle cone that can be used in place of a spoon.

With each visit, I find a new favorite, but if you’re worried about becoming attached to a flavor that may leave, order the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache - a divine blend of sweet and salty, to creamy and crunchy. Whatever you decide to try, you won’t be disappointed.

402 Creamery will soon be opening a second location in South Lincoln.

UNL Dairy Store

Spanning several generations, the UNL Dairy Store has been a local tradition for Nebraska students and families since 1917. A creation of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Food and Science Department, the east campus landmark creates a variety of handmade ice creams made by students - many of which go on to do big things in the food industry.

While the Dairy Store serves up the creamiest of flavors, many of which are centered around Nebraska’s university culture - including Scott Frost Butterscotch (a nod to Nebraska’s head football coach) and Scarlet and Cream - they also offer meats and cheeses. 

During Nebraska’s warmer months, I recommend taking your flavor of choice outside - might I suggest their classic lemon custard - to explore the campus botanical gardens (though I warn you, woodland friends may lurk nearby, as the east campus squirrels enjoy Dairy Store ice cream just as much as their customers).
The Dairy Store facility is open for tours if you book in advance.

Ivanna Cone

This classic ice cream parlor has been nestled within the Haymarket’s historic Creamery Building for over two decades. 

With a retro interior featuring pops of color and funky decor, their list of flavors are just as fun as their name. Though their flavors are always changing, some of their recent menu items include Orange Dreamsicle, Modelo Can, Salted Caramel Cheez-it (I’m very curious), Thai Tea, and Lavender Limeade Sorbet (a vegan option). However, their creations are made in small batches, so when the flavor runs out, it’s gone - making them all the more special.

If you choose to enjoy your dish inside, check out the upstairs Comedy Loft or grab a book across the hall at Indigo Bridge Books & Cafe. But if you’d like to skip the potential line, they sometimes open a serving window in the alley, known as Gallery Alley - a walkway full of lights, murals, and artwork between the Creamery Building and a local art gallery, The Burkholder Project. 

Either way, you’ll be delighted with a unique, art centered experience (and heads up: they’re cash only, but there’s an ATM located in the building).

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