Bozeman is a small mountain town. You may be asking, "Where can I get a delicious scoop of ice cream?" You're in luck because I'm sharing my favorite places to grab a scoop or spoon. Whether it's a hot summer night or cold winter day, it's always a good time for ice cream.

There are some chain ice cream shops in Bozeman but supporting small businesses has tasty benefits. Many of the shops use ingredients from local and regional farms for the dairy or mix-in ingredients. They also create ice cream flavors that incorporate elements from Montana. For example, huckleberries are a native berry popular across the state. You'll see huckleberry as an ice cream flavor on many of the menus and worth a sample. It's creamy, tart and a subtle purple color.

Enjoy the creamy creations of these local ice cream shops.

1. Genuine Ice Cream

Genuine Ice Cream delivers small-batch, hand-made ice cream. Bozeman is currently their only location but they have a commercial kitchen that distributes pints across the Gallatin Valley. In Early 2023, Genuine moved their shop from Main Street to their current location on Peach Street, which is much more spacious with both indoor and outdoor seating.

There are 7 Classic Flavors that stay on the menu year-round like Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Milk & Cookies. Throughout the year, Genuine rotates its seasonal menu between 50+ flavors so it's fun to come in and taste what's new on the menu. I encourage you to sample as many as you'd like. Other menu items include Root Beer Floats, Sundaes, Chocolate Frozen Bananas. Gluten-free cones and dairy-free flavors are available too.

Genuine is personally my favorite place to go for ice cream. Depending on what time of day that you go, there may be a line but it does move pretty quickly so don't be intimated.

2. Sweet Peaks

Sweet Peaks Ice Cream was founded in 2010 and has since expanded to many locations across Montana and National Parks throughout the Northwest. They have an East and West location in Downtown Bozeman. Pro Tip: the West location is usually less busy than the East location. The East location can get develop a long line in the summer months because it's easily walkable from Main Street.

The ice cream shop's slogan is "Made in the Mountains," which they proudly display throughout their menu. They use locally sourced ingredients from family farms, bee shops and more that yield delicious and fresh treats! 

Be sure to check out their selection of classic and specialty flavors. Some of those  include: Mountain Mint, Wustner Bro's Honey Cinnamon, Cabin Fever (maple syrup ice cream with whiskey soaked brownies), PB Mud Pie. 

3. Michoacán a pedir de boca

Michoacán a Pedir de Boca is a Mexican ice cream shop that offers an array of more unconventional flavors. I'm not sure exactly what their name translates to. A quick Google Translation rendered "Michoacán asking by mouth." I'm guessing there is some idiom that I'm missing.

Anyways, Michoacán offers 38 ice cream flavors on any given day. Flavors on the menu include: Mexican Peanut Candy, Coconut Milk, Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy (which is my favorite). They have sorbets for those who are looking for a dairy-free option. Michoacán also has small Mexican bites and drinks like churros and fruit water.

There is a 10% discount for essential workers (first responders, doctors, paramedics) and senior citizens. Let me not forget that Michoacán has a drive-thru, one of the few in Bozeman for ice cream.

4. Flavr

Flavr is a family-owned business, operated by MSU Alumni. This establishment has ice cream, smoothies and other specialty drinks like Boba. If you're looking for somewhere to get ice cream with parking and no line, Flavr is great for that. It's located on Kagy and Willson.

You can grab a scoop of Classic Vanilla but also something more fun like Birthday Cake or Fruity Pop N Rocks. This is a hidden gem and a great place for a sweet treat after a visit to the Museum of the Rockies.

If you're at the Bozeman Farmer's Market, you may see there market cart which has popsicles and other cool bites for a summer night.

5. The Chocolate Mousse

The Chocolate Mousse is a candy and old-time soda shoppe. This family-owned business used to be located on Main Street but they've relocated several blocks west to Willson Street, just next to Naked Noodle.

They serve Montana's signature brand of ice cream, Wilcoxson's. You can grab a scoop of that or get a blended milkshake with any of the flavors from the freezer. While you wait, you can stock up on your favorite old school and new school candies.

Chocolate Mousse is located in a busy section of Downtown so parking might take a couple of loops. I recommend starting just South of the establishment. They do close a bit earlier so check the hours before going, closing somewhere between 7-9pm depending on the day.

6. The Milky Way (Belgrade)

The Milky Way is located out in Belgrade, just a short 15 minute drive from Bozeman. Even closer if you're coming from the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport. You could get a scoop of ice cream after eating from one of the restaurants near the airport.

This pastel green and cream ice cream trailer is just the right size with the right ice cream essentials. Serving Genuine Ice Cream, you can get a delicious, no-frills scoop of ice cream. Choose cup or cone, ice cream flavor and toppings. If you're feeling more of a milkshake, they offer those as well.

Milky Way is operated by husband and wife duo so hours are limited. You can expect them to be in the same spot generally between 12-6pm.

Bonus: Wilcoxson's

The grocery store is the obvious, and easiest, place to stock up on ice cream. Might I suggest stocking your freezer with Wilcoxson's? Wilcoxson's has been around since 1912, and they make some of the best ice cream in the state. They serve Montana and greater Northwest into Wyoming, Idaho, even Yellowstone National Park. My favorite flavor is Moose Tracks but I'm more often buying the vanilla ice cream sandwiches because they are sooo good. A creamy vanilla ice cream between that soft biscuit, wafer. They also have a huckleberry ice cream sandwich that is tasty too!

Now that you know all the great local places to get ice cream in Bozeman, it's time to get out there. You have read that there are delightful array of ice cream parlors that cater to every palate. From signature Montana flavors to innovative creations, one of these six places offers a sweet adventure for all ice cream connoisseurs. Happy tasting!