Summer in Erie just tastes better with ice cream.
From neighborhood ice cream trucks and classic roadside stands to orange-vanilla twists, homemade ice cream, root beer floats, and colorful frozen treats, Erie-area families have plenty of sweet ways to cool off.
We recently asked Erie-area families to share some of their favorite local ice cream spots. While we could never fit every beloved stand, shop, and truck into one article, these are 10 Erie-area frozen treat stops families mentioned, search for, and love returning to summer after summer.
Did we miss your family’s favorite? Tell us! There are so many great ice cream spots in Erie County, and every family seems to have their own summer tradition.
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1. Alsie’s Ice Cream Truck
Gourmet ice cream sandwiches, neighborhood routes, and treats for everyone
Where: Erie neighborhoods and surrounding areas. Request through the Alsie’s app
One of Erie's newest additions to the ice cream scene has quickly become one of your favorites. If your kids hear an Alsie’s truck coming down the street, you already know the excitement level.
Alsie’s is a tech-enabled ice cream truck serving Erie neighborhoods and surrounding areas with gourmet ice cream sandwiches, small-batch popsicles, and classic ice cream truck favorites. Families can download the Alsie’s app to get notified when a truck is nearby — and even request a visit to their neighborhood.
One of the biggest reasons parents love Alsie’s? They make it easier for more kids to say yes to a treat. Alsie’s has dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and dye-free options always available, with all treats pre-packaged.
Alsie’s can also be booked for all kinds of summer fun, including birthday parties, pool days, school events, graduation parties, corporate lunches, community events, and more. For smaller groups or indoor events, the Alsie’s ice cream cart is also available to book.
Why families love it: Alsie’s brings the ice cream truck magic directly to your neighborhood, party, or event — with options that work for more families.
Book Alsie’s or get the app to see when they’re near you →
🍦 Update: Erie families had more favorites!
After this list first published, Erie-area families had plenty to say — and we love it. A few more reader favorites came up again and again, including Denny’s Ice Cream Stand, J’s Mainstreet, Maria’s, and The SweetErie. Consider this your reminder that Erie County has way more than 10 great places to grab a summer treat!
2. Creamland
A classic Erie summer stop for sundaes and cones
Where: 6221 W. Ridge Road
Creamland has been part of Erie summers for years, and local families still rave about it. It’s one of those places that just feels like summer the second you pull into the parking lot.
Try it for: Big sundaes, classic cones, and old-school ice cream stand vibes.
3. Niagara Creamery
Locally made ice cream and fun flavor flights
Where: 804 E. 38th Street
Niagara Creamery is a fun pick for families who love trying new flavors. Their ice cream flights are especially popular with kids who can never pick just one.
Try it for: Small-batch ice cream and flavor flights.
Update: Erie families had plenty to say after this list first published — and we love it. A few more reader favorites came up again and again, including Denny’s Ice Cream Stand, J’s Mainstreet, Maria’s, The SweetErie, and Straw Hat Sundae Shop. Consider this your reminder that Erie County has way more than 10 great places to grab a summer treat!
4. Sara’s
The famous orange-vanilla twist near Presque Isle
Where: 25 Peninsula Drive
A Presque Isle beach day and a stop at Sara’s just go together. The retro drive-in feel and iconic orange-vanilla twist make this a longtime Erie summer tradition.
Try it for: The twist cone and post-beach summer vibes.
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5. Whippy Dip
Soft serve, dipped cones, and colorful toppings
Where: 2527 Chestnut Street and 3100 W. 12th Street
Whippy Dip is one of those kid-approved spots that always feels fun. Think dipped cones, crunchy toppings, and lots of colorful frozen treats.
Try it for: Soft serve and classic summer cone-shop fun.
6. Straw Hat Sundae Shop
A sweet little stop worth the drive
Where: 207 S. Lake Street, North East
If your family is headed toward North East this summer, Straw Hat Sundae Shop is a fun stop to add to the list. Their donut ice cream sandwich gets talked about for good reason.
Try it for: Creative treats and donut ice cream sandwiches.
7. Lucky Duck Creamery
A local favorite in Waterford
Where: 11220 Peach Street, Waterford
Lucky Duck Creamery popped up in several reader recommendations, making it a great excuse to try somewhere new this summer.
Try it for: A local favorite outside the usual Erie spots.
8. The Freezerie
Homemade ice cream and unique flavors
Where: 4393 W. Ridge Road
The Freezerie is known for homemade ice cream and creative flavor choices beyond the usual chocolate and vanilla.
Try it for: Homemade ice cream and unique flavors.
9. White Turkey Drive-In
Root beer floats and retro drive-in vibes
Where: 388 E. Main Road, Conneaut, OH
It’s a little drive from Erie, but families still love making the trip to White Turkey for frosted-mug root beer floats and classic summer nostalgia.
Try it for: Root beer floats and old-school drive-in charm.
10. Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Italian ice, Gelatis, and colorful frozen treats
Where: 1406 W. Gore Road and 427 State Street
Sometimes summer calls for Italian ice instead of ice cream, and Rita’s is always a hit with kids. Their Gelatis — layered Italian ice and frozen custard — are especially popular.
Try it for: Gelatis, frozen custard, and fruity summer treats.
More reader-recommended Erie-area ice cream stops
Denny’s Ice Cream Stand
This one came up fast — and passionately. Several readers said Denny’s is a must-stop, with one even saying they drive from Fairview to go.
J’s Mainstreet
Another reader favorite that deserves a mention, especially for families who already have it on their summer ice cream rotation.
Maria’s
A simple but enthusiastic reader recommendation — and sometimes that’s all you need to know it’s worth checking out.
The SweetErie
A novelty candy and ice cream truck serving Erie and Millcreek. Perfect for families who love a fun frozen treat on wheels.
Have another favorite we missed? Tell us! We may keep adding to this list all summer long.
