Cool off this summer with ice cream and a view

Ice cream is best enjoyed with a view served on the side. Venture outside your typical go-to spots and try one of these area ice cream shops with scenery to enjoy while cooling off in the sweetest way possible. Whether you prefer basking at a neighborhood park, strolling through outdoor exhibits or stare at peaceful water, you can embrace summer at these joints without venturing too far from town.

The Merrimac Scoop
Pair a trip to Lake Wisconsin with a sweet treat at The Merrimac Scoop. Located on the southern shore of the Merrimac Ferry’s route, this bright blue ice cream shop has its own pier for its customers to take advantage of while digging into their cone or dish of choice. Take a load off with any of the 24 flavors of premium ice cream or frozen boozy drinks. N2499 WI-188, Lodi, facebook.com/MerrimacScoop

La Michoacana
Just a hop, skip and a jump from West Towne Mall is La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream, which serves up flavor-packed Mexican ice creams and popsicles made in-house. From La Michoacana you can head to any of the surrounding parks, including the surprisingly pretty Sunset Memory Gardens cemetery, Mineral Point Park, High Point Park or Owen Conservation Park. Fresh fruit is the highlight at La Michoacana, and the frozen concoctions are often topped with powerhouse sauces, spices or chocolate. 6712 Odana Road, michoacana-wi.com

Paradise Island Ice Cream
Make a side trip a few blocks from Lake Monona for tricked out banana splits, tajín-covered mango concoctions and other yogurt-based treats at Paradise Island. Colorful stacked cups of yogurt and sorbet are an iconic item at this parfait haven, but the slushie piña coladas are equally tempting on an extra humid day. Peep inside the popsicle case while you’re there to check out the rainbow of desserts inside the freezer. 4552 Monona Drive, Monona, paradise-island-ice-cream.business.site

Monona Bait & Ice Cream
Access this shoreside ice cream parlor and treat yourself to some Babcock Hall ice cream right by Lake Monona. Take your time picking between the more than 15 flavors. Iconic flavors like Blue Moon and Union Utopia are on hand, as well as novelties like Raspberry Cheesecake and Pomegranate Yogurt. 4516 Winnequah Road, Monona, mononabaiticecream.yolasite.com

Icki Sticki
Shave ice, slushie packets and shaken delights just scratch the sugary surface of offerings from Icki Sticki’s Mount Horeb location. The Mount Horeb Public Library just planted its new butterfly garden, so grab a to-go snack and check it out yourself. Or wander over to Liberty or Sunrise parks for some green time. Rev up with a dose of affogato, or go simple and cool off with a cone, dish, float or sundae. 1225 Springdale St., Mount Horeb, ickisticki.com

Calliope Ice Cream
The Garver Feed Mill houses all sorts of stop-worthy establishments, and Calliope Ice Cream is no exception. Since 2011 the Calliope gang has been showing the Dairy State who’s boss, creating timeless renditions of classic cocktails like Old-Fashioned while also churning unique flavors such as Mexican Hot Chocolate and brandy-infused “Hearty Breakfast” flavor with French toast and bacon. Enjoy your scoops at Garver or take a walk through the nearby Olbrich Botanical Gardens. 3241 Garver Green, calliopeicecream.com

M-N-M’s Coffeehouse
Down the road from Schumacher Farm Park in Waunakee is a cute coffeehouse called M-N-M’s, which sells typical cafe eats as well as Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream and freshly baked goods. Go old-school with a Creamsicle or root beer float, or get your ice cream hand-dipped up to three times for a chocolatey experience. Explore the trail system at Schumacher Farms Park with cone in-hand through guided tours across the historic grounds. 509 W. Main St., Waunakee, mnmcoffeehouse.com