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Updated 7/28/2026
Don’t get me wrong, we love Culver’s, but in this age of frozen custard, we love to find an actual ice cream shop! The simplicity of the taste, the complexity of the flavors, and the explosion of taste on our tongues. Now, we aren’t talking about soft serve here – but simply darned good ice cream. Here is why Heyn’s Ice Cream is a Must Visit in Iowa City!
Key Takeaways
- Heyn’s has served homemade premium ice cream in Iowa City since 1989.
- Its ice cream contains 14% milkfat, compared with the federal minimum of 10% required for ice cream.
- More than 40 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and soft serve are available, although the daily selection can change.
- Gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free choices are available, but guests with allergies should ask about ingredients and cross-contact.
- Heyn’s has locations in Iowa City and North Liberty and also sells ice cream through several wholesale partners around Iowa.
Since 1989, Heyn’s Ice Cream has been a staple for the locals in Iowa City. Boasting over 40 flavors, all made with quality ingredients.
A Local Ice Cream Shop With a Sweet History
Heyn’s has been serving Iowa City since 1989, but its story is about more than ice cream. The original shop began as a second location of Dane’s Dairy before Paul Heyn took ownership and gave the business his name.
Current owner Peggy began visiting Heyn’s when she was 12, reportedly helping herself to quarters from her father’s change jar to buy kid-sized scoops of Blueberry Cheesecake. Paul eventually suggested that she get a job and save her father’s quarters.
She started working behind the counter at 14, became the manager five years later, and eventually inherited the business after Paul passed away. In 2015, Heyn’s expanded by opening its second location in North Liberty.
Why Is Heyn’s Ice Cream So Creamy?
Heyn’s makes its premium ice cream with 14% milkfat—also commonly called butterfat. Federal standards require ice cream to contain at least 10% milkfat, so Heyn’s begins with a richer base than the minimum.
That extra richness helps give the ice cream its dense, creamy mouthfeel. Of course, good ice cream is about more than one number. The ingredients, recipe, freezing process, amount of air incorporated, and storage all affect the final result.
What matters most is what happens when you taste it. Heyn’s ice cream feels rich and substantial instead of light and airy, allowing flavors such as Lemon Custard, Cappuccino Chunk, and Black Raspberry Truffle to linger a little longer.
| Ice Cream Standard | Milkfat Content |
|---|---|
| Federal minimum for ice cream | 10% |
| Heyn’s premium ice cream | 14% |
An Old-Fashioned Iowa City Ice Cream Shop
The first thing you notice may be the aroma of freshly made waffle cones. Then you see the woodwork, handwritten menu boards, and smiling employees waiting to offer suggestions when you become completely overwhelmed by the flavor list.
Heyn’s feels like the kind of neighborhood ice cream shop many of us remember from childhood. You don’t place an order on a giant screen or choose from three flavors dispensed by a machine. You stand at the counter, study the chalkboard, ask questions, and possibly sample a flavor or two before making a very serious decision.
That atmosphere is part of the fun, but it wouldn’t matter if the ice cream didn’t deliver. Fortunately, it does.
When you walk into their store for the first time, it is like stepping back into time. The old woodwork, handwritten chalkboards boasting their entire menu, and “soda jerks” behind the counter with a big smile on their faces.
How to Choose a Heyn’s Ice Cream Flavor
With more than 40 flavors, choosing one can feel like an enormous commitment. Fortunately, the staff has traditionally been generous about offering samples, which is useful when your heart says Cappuccino Chunk but your taste buds are flirting with Blueberry Cheesecake.
If you prefer plenty of mix-ins, start with Monster Mash, Kara’s Creation, or Chocoholic Delight. Fruit lovers may gravitate toward Lemon Custard, Black Raspberry Truffle, or Blueberry Cheesecake. Coffee lovers should take a serious look at Cappuccino Chunk.
| Flavor Style | Heyn’s Flavors to Consider |
|---|---|
| Loaded with mix-ins | Monster Mash, Kara’s Creation, Chocoholic Delight |
| Fruit-forward | Lemon Custard, Black Raspberry Truffle, Blueberry Cheesecake |
| Coffee-inspired | Cappuccino Chunk |
| Classic and comforting | Cookie Dough, Butter Brickle, Cake Batter |
| Seasonal | Cinnamon, Peppermint Candy, Egg Nog |
Seasonal and daily availability can change, so treat this as inspiration rather than a guarantee. Heyn’s also continues experimenting with new recipes while keeping its longtime favorites. Current Heyn’s flavors
It was difficult to pick our flavors, but samples were freely offered to taste flavors and see if we found our match for the day. We knew we would try the waffle cones as the smell taunted us from the moment we entered, and they often contain generous servings.
Does Heyn’s Have Dairy-Free or Vegan Ice Cream?
Heyn’s advertises gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options in addition to its traditional ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and soft serve. The available choices may rotate, so call ahead if one of these options is essential to your visit.
“Gluten-free” does not necessarily mean an item is safe for everyone with celiac disease or severe allergies. Ice cream scoops, mixing equipment, cones, toppings, and preparation surfaces may come into contact with allergens. Ask the staff about ingredients and handling procedures before ordering.
Miss Sarah took her flavor in a dish because she was still full of Mellow Mushroom pizza and thought she could save it. By adding a lid to it, it did keep up well overnight in our hotel fridge/freezer and she enjoyed it for breakfast!
Heyn’s Ice Cream Prices
Heyn’s does not publish a complete price list on its official website. Prices vary according to the serving size, cone, toppings, and specialty treat selected. Check the menu when you arrive or call the store if you need current pricing before your visit.
What hasn’t changed is the generous selection. You can choose from cones, dishes, sundaes, shakes, malts, and take-home containers. My biggest expense would probably come from trying to decide how many flavors qualify as “research.”
Heyn’s isn’t trying to reinvent dessert with smoke, mirrors, or a scoop that requires a small business loan. It serves rich, locally made ice cream with fun flavors, generous choices, and the friendly feeling of a neighborhood shop.
My Lemon Custard was light, refreshing, and exactly what I wanted on a hot day. Miss Sarah proved that ice cream can also be breakfast if you have a hotel freezer and a complete disregard for conventional meal categories.
Heyn’s has remained an Iowa City favorite since 1989 for a reason. Whether you choose a waffle cone, sundae, shake, or container to take home, it deserves a place on your Iowa ice cream road-trip list.
This store is quaint, has friendly service, and has delicious treats – Heyn’s Ice Cream is a Must Visit in Iowa City!
Heyn’s Ice Cream Hours
Both Heyn’s locations currently list the same regular hours:
- Monday through Friday: 1–9 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Noon–9 p.m.
Holiday and seasonal hours may differ, so confirm them before making a special trip.
| Location | Address | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | 811 S. First Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52245 | 319-354-1981 |
| North Liberty | 25 E. Cherry Street, North Liberty, IA 52317 | 319-665-2249 |
HeHeyn’s Ice Cream locations
You can find Heyn’s Ice Cream at 811 South 1st Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52245, 319-354-1981, and 25 Cherry Street, North Liberty, IA 52317, 319-665-2249.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heyn’s Ice Cream Made Locally?
Yes. Heyn’s states that it makes its ice cream in-house at its locally owned Iowa City and North Liberty shops.
How Many Flavors Does Heyn’s Have?
Heyn’s offers more than 40 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and soft serve. The selection includes signature recipes, classic flavors, and seasonal choices.
Can You Buy Heyn’s Ice Cream Outside Its Stores?
Yes. Heyn’s provides ice cream to wholesale partners around Iowa, including selected restaurants, recreation areas, coffee shops, orchards, and other businesses. The official contact page maintains a current list.
Can You Take Heyn’s Ice Cream Home?
Yes. Take-home containers are available. Ask the shop about current sizes and prices, especially if you need enough Lemon Custard to survive until your next Iowa City visit.
Does Heyn’s Offer Samples?
Heyn’s says it continues to offer samples along with its classic flavors and new creations. Be considerate during busy periods, but don’t be afraid to ask when you are caught between two unfamiliar flavors.
Does Heyn’s Have Allergy-Friendly Ice Cream?
Heyn’s advertises gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options, but that does not guarantee an allergen-free preparation environment. Contact the shop directly if you have celiac disease, a severe food allergy, or another medical dietary requirement.
Places To Stay Nearby
