There is nothing quite like the taste of a memory. It is true that the senses of taste and smell triggers the parts of the brain that harbor memory, which is why those delectable experiences can transport a person to another time and place. Here are some must visit shops and restaurants with delicious ice cream treats for creating those memories when you come to Brainerd and Baxter, MN.

Ice cream cone at Goody’s Gourmet Treats, Brainerd, MN

371 Diner – This 50’s themed diner is like stepping back in time with its bar-stool counter and massive list of malt and shake flavors. Served in a fountain glass topped with whipped cream and a cherry with the rest of the shake in the mixing tin, there is a flavor to suit all the tastebuds. Come for the ice cream, or homemade pie, or huge servings of delicious food.

14901 Edgewood Drive, Baxter, MN, 56424

Boulder Tap House – Baxter — It might be known for it’s burgers, wings and sports-bar vibe, but Boulder Tap House also has a delicious selection of shake and malts.

15674 Edgewood Dr N, Baxter, MN 56425

Cold Stone Creamery – If mix-ins and made-to-order is more your style, check out Cold Stone Creamery where the options are endless. Made on a cold granite slab while you watch, this is as much a food experience as any other.  

15175 Edgewood Dr. N, Suite 3 120, Baxter MN 56425 

Dairy Queen – Most childhoods include a regular stop at the Dairy Queen. With two locations in Brainerd/Baxter, you’ll find the location on Washington Street near the Mississippi River has the walk-up window and drive-through for your convenience and is a more traditional Dairy Queen with primarily ice cream treats. The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in the East Brainerd Mall there is a full menu of food items plus the ice cream treats you know and love. 

12 Washington Street, Brainerd, MN 56401 

Goody’s Gourmet Treats – Located in the Northern Pacific Center the smell of sweet treats will draw you in. Find 24 assorted flavors of hard scoop ice cream to choose from. Enjoy your Cedar Chest Ice Cream in a dish, cake cone or waffle cone. Also find a store full of popcorn, candy, and gifts. Your sweet tooth will thank you for stopping at Goody’s! 

1531 Northern Pacific Rd., Brainerd, MN 56401 

Slice on Oak – If you are looking for creamy goodness of gelato, look no further than Slice on Oak in Downtown Brainerd. Made in-house and offering a handful of flavors, different every week, it’s a little slice of heaven. What is gelato? It’s similar to ice cream except is has a lower milk fat content yielding a softer, denser texture and smaller ice crystals. That’s a result of the base and a slower churning process which introduces less air into the final product.

625 Oak St, Brainerd, MN, 56401

Triangle Drive Inn & Treats – Over 20 hard scooped ice cream flavors you can choose from at the Triangle along with sundaes, malts, shakes, floats and banana splits and soft serve ice cream. Try their specialty, the Tornado, a version of the Blizzard. Walk up to the window and then enjoy your sweet treat at a picnic table or on the lawn. A must try is the S’mornado!

714 Mill Ave., Brainerd, MN 56401 

The Spot 371 – Located just north of Baxter on Highway 371 is a tucked-away gem worth a stop. It is a coffee, ice cream and candy shop with a whole host of food and treats to choose from. Find favorites like malts, hard scooped ice cream, bubble waffles, smoothies, malts and shakes.

18521 MN 371 S, Brainerd, MN, 56401

A couple of spots that might be worth the 15-minute drive from Brainerd/Baxter include:

For more information on things to do in Brainerd & Baxter, visit our website.