Sweet Spring Scoops
Spring is the perfect time to treat yourself to some delectable handmade ice cream, and the perfect destination for that is Cowlicks Ice Cream Shoppe. Returning for its third season, Cowlicks Ice Cream Shoppe will open for the season on April 29 with the same customer favorites and ready smiles. If you’re camping at the nearby campgrounds or just need a treat, stop by their quaint shop for something tasty.
Vernon and Edith Bontrager didn’t originally set out to open an ice cream store. Regardless, an opportunity presented itself when Edith’s former employer put her ice cream store up for sale. She had always enjoyed the work and decided it was time for her family to make the jump to owning their own store. Formerly known as Brenda’s Ice Cream, Cowlicks officially opened in the spring of 2024. Moving into its third season in 2026, Edith and Vernon are excited to see what the spring and summer will bring.
“We live on a small farm near the store so it’s an ideal location. We were ready for a change and thought it might be the perfect time for that. I really enjoyed working with Brenda and we just felt it was the right time, so we made the purchase,” Edith says.
Offering more than 30 hand-dipped ice cream flavors, soft serve, milkshakes, parfaits, floats, whirlwinds, sundae options and hot food items, Cowlicks Ice Cream Shoppe is an easy jaunt from the neighboring campgrounds and the perfect destination for summer fun. In particular, the rum black cherry flavor and assortment of subs and wraps, along with the hot pretzels, are customer favorites that will be gracing the menu.
This new season, Edith and Vernon are focusing on adding outdoor seating so customers can enjoy a sunny afternoon treat under the covering of a new pavilion. The staff focuses on delivering food and ice cream quickly and provides a relaxing setting for a scenic family outing.
“We really hope to see families and the community come out when we open for the season. We’re working to make our outdoor area inviting for customers. If you’re returning to visit us, we hope you’ll enjoy our upgrades,” Edith says.
For those who are coming back, Cowlicks Ice Cream Shoppe will also be adding new, smaller sizes to its menu to accommodate more requests. A family-owned business, Cowlicks Ice Cream Shoppe is frequently staffed by Edith, her husband Vernon and their four sons.
Cowlicks Ice Cream Shoppe will be open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with new hours of noon to 8 p.m. starting in September.
“We hope families come out to see what we have to offer and find a new favorite at Cowlicks Ice Cream Shoppe. Come check out our cozy place and find your next new flavor,” Edith says.
Located at 1405 W. 700 S., Cowlicks Ice Cream Shoppe hopes you’ll stop by for a treat.
