Chill Out! Six Sweet Stops for Ice Cream in the Champaign-Urbana Area
The dog days of Champaign-Urbana summer: afternoons at aquatic centers, sweaty baseball and softball games, long stretches of gardening in the heat. In depths of the sweltering season, it’s time for some sweet, frozen relief. Below are six local stops that will make your summer a little cooler.
Jarling’s Custard Cup
Jarling’s Custard Cup is a Champaign icon for a reason. Their creamy custard is the stuff of local legend, and Tom Hanks (yes, that Tom Hanks) has extolled its virtues. Made in small batches with ingredients sourced from Midwestern dairy farms, it’s rich, smooth, and endlessly customizable. Oh, and if you’re from out of town? No worries. Jarling’s ships nationwide.
Recommendation: Their classic lemon custard never disappoints, and neither does the cold-fudge sundae. Then take it over to Hessel Park across the street for a lovely stroll.
Sidney Dairy Barn
Take a countryside detour, whether you’re out for drive or long bike ride, and reward yourself! Just about 15 minutes from Champaign-Urbana, Sidney Dairy Barn inspires pilgrimages from near and far for their old-fashioned ice cream. Sure, they offer shakes, malts, floats, and sundaes, but you can never go wrong with a cone or cup featuring their flavor of the week. Mint, lemon, pineapple, and strawberry are all on deck in the next few weeks.
Recommendation: Try the flavor of the week, especially twisted with vanilla, or go big with their beloved “Tornado” packed with your favorite candy, nut, or fruit toppings.
The Main Scoop
With locations in Urbana, Mahomet, Monticello, and Paxton, The Main Scoop makes it easy to chase down premium ice cream wherever the day takes you. Their rotating flavor list keeps things interesting, with unique options changing daily and plenty of dairy- and gluten-free choices. Plus, they’re open until 10pm most evenings—perfect for extending date night just a little longer, with a flight of four scoops to share.
Recommendation: The Italian-style flavors are especially refreshing: Cold Brew Stracciatella, Pistachio, and Limoncello Sorbet.
Paris Super Crepes
For a sweet treat with a little extra flair, head to Paris Super Crepes in Campustown. Their dessert crepes are filled and folded with vanilla, chocolate, or matcha ice cream and punctuated with unique toppings. It’s a great stop when you want something cold and sweet, but also a little more dressed up.
Recommendation: The Chocolate Lover Crepe is an exercise in extravagance, with Nutella, chocolate truffle, pistachio, almond, Pocky sticks, whipped yogurt, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate pearls.
Flesor’s Candy Kitchen
A Tuscola institution since 1901, family-owned Flesor’s Candy Kitchen will make your summer day trip instantly sweeter. Indulge in their homemade ice cream in a sizeable waffle cone, or if you’re feeling truly decadent, a classic banana split topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Recommendation: An old-fashioned, super-cold root beer float enjoyed at their soda fountain feels like a delicious trip back in time.
El Oasis
The fact that El Oasis is close to Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center in Urbana makes it a perfect stop after a long day of swimming under the blazing sun. The homemade Mexican ice cream and paletas (popsicles) bring a fresh, bright twist to the summer treat lineup. Avoiding dairy? Water-based ice cream options are easy to find—and they’re delicious.
Recommendation: Try a paleta in a flavor you’ve never tried before, like elote, mangonada, tamarind, or avocado.
Make your summer in the Champaign-Urbana area a little sweeter. It’s hot. You’ve earned this!