The 5 Best Ice Cream Shops Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

There’s a reason ice cream sales spike when the temperature rises — Americans eat about 23 pounds of it per person annually. Here, frozen treats serve a dual purpose: a way to cool down after a day on the trails or lake, and a nostalgic reward that turns any outing into a celebration. The Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee focuses on the spots that bring flavor, creativity and a whole lot of smiles to locals and visitors alike.

Little Truckee Ice Creamery

At Little Truckee Ice Creamery, the art of small-batch ice cream is taken seriously — but never too seriously. Founded by a husband-and-wife team who left corporate life to pursue a passion for artisan desserts, this local creamery keeps it real with locally sourced dairy, house-made mix-ins and inventive seasonal flavors that rotate with the mountain weather. They make every batch by hand at their production kitchen in Truckee, which doubles as their flagship scoop shop. From bold flavor experiments to childhood throwbacks like Cookies & Cream, their menu invites repeat visits. And if you catch their ice cream truck around town, you’re in luck — it’s the kind of roadside stop that never disappoints.

Poppy's Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream

Located at the entrance to Tahoe City’s Cobblestone Center, Poppy’s is part frozen yogurt bar, part classic scoop shop — and entirely built for fun. The experience is just as customizable as the toppings bar, which lets customers dress up their yogurt or ice cream creations with everything from fresh fruit to crushed candy. Poppy’s emphasizes high-quality ingredients and a bright, welcoming environment, making it a favorite for families and sweet-toothed wanderers coming in off the beach or bike path. The vibe is laid back, but the attention to detail is clear. Whether you're in the mood for tart froyo or a rich scoop of espresso chip, Poppy’s hits the spot.

Susie Scoops Ice Cream & Smoothies

Susie Scoops may sound like the title of a children’s book, but the dessert game here is no fairy tale. Located in Incline Village, this small but mighty shop packs serious variety into a charming space. Their offerings include hand-dipped ice cream, creamy soft serve, smoothies and floats — all made with a goal of keeping it classic while delivering quality. The team at Susie Scoops believes dessert should be accessible to everyone, so they also offer dairy-free options and gluten-free cones. With generous portions and a friendly crew behind the counter, it’s the kind of place where a single scoop often turns into a double, and nobody regrets it.

Thanks, ChatGPT.