5 Must-Try Maine Ice Cream Stands to Kick Off Summer

There’s something magical about the first ice cream cone of the season in Maine. After months of snow, slush, and mud season, nothing screams summer is here quite like pulling up to a roadside stand and ordering a scoop (or three). Whether you’re craving a nostalgic custard, a wild blueberry cone, or a flavor you can’t even pronounce, Maine’s got you covered.

Here are five must-try ice cream stands to kick off your summer in the Pine Tree State:

1. Red’s Dairy Freeze (South Portland)

A true Maine classic since the 1950s, Red’s Dairy Freeze is the kind of place that instantly transports you back in time. Their soft serve is legendary, especially when dipped in chocolate or cherry. Swing by on a sunny evening and you’ll find half the neighborhood lined up for cones, shakes, and sundaes. It’s the perfect start to ice cream season.

2. Tubby’s Ice Cream (Wayne)

If small-town charm had a flavor, it would taste like Tubby’s. This roadside gem is known for its homemade ice cream, generous portions, and friendly service. Locals swear by the butter pecan, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Grab a cone and enjoy it by the lake for the full experience.

3. Mount Desert Island Ice Cream (Portland & Bar Harbor)

If you’re looking for something a little different, MDI Ice Cream has you covered. Known for bold, creative flavors (think Blueberry Basil or Vietnamese Coffee), this spot takes ice cream to a whole new level. Fun fact: even President Obama has stopped here for a scoop. Whether you’re in Portland or Bar Harbor, MDI is a must-visit for adventurous ice cream lovers.

4. Gelato Fiasco (Brunswick)

No summer trip in Maine is complete without a sweet treat—stop by Gelato Fiasco in Brunswick, where you can savor inventive, creamy gelato made from local ingredients. From classic flavors to unique seasonal creations, every scoop is a little taste of Maine summer magic.

5. Gifford’s Ice Cream Stands (Multiple Locations)

No list of Maine ice cream is complete without Gifford’s. With stands across the state—in places like Bangor, Farmington, Skowhegan, and Waterville—Gifford’s is the definition of a summer tradition. Their Wild Maine Blueberry and Moose Tracks are classics, but you’ll also find rotating seasonal flavors that keep things exciting.

BONUS: Beal's Ice Cream (Multiple Locations)

For many Mainers, Beal’s is pure nostalgia. With shops in Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, and beyond, it’s a go-to for heaping cones of homemade ice cream. Their menu boasts over 100 flavors, from classics like Maple Walnut to more adventurous picks like Maine Black Bear. If you’re looking for that old-school ice cream parlor vibe with a Maine twist, Beal’s delivers every time.

Maine summers might be short, but the line at your favorite ice cream stand? Eternal. Whether you’re going double-fisted with waffle cones or sticking to a classic kiddie size, these ice cream stops are the stuff of summer legend.

And if you end up with a few too many scoops of Moose Tracks (no judgment—we’ve all been there), our Gift Shop Maine hoodies and tees have plenty of room to keep you comfy. Rock some Maine-made humor while you drip chocolate jimmies down the front—you’ll fit right in.

Because in Maine, the cone melts fast, but the memories (and gear) stick around.