If you have never visited Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream in Columbia, you may have heard about them when they made national headlines for making a Cicada (yes, the bug) ice cream flavor. While they are known for their unusual flavor creations, don’t expect everything to be so over-the-top. Unique flavors like lavender honey and blueberry maple are always a hit but you can find vanilla, too. Visit Sparky’s this summer for homemade ice cream that is to die for!

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream serves some of the best and most unique ice cream treats in the state. Find this small, eclectic shop in the heart of downtown Columbia.

Katie H./TripAdvisor

Named after the owner’s beloved bulldog Sparky, his replica stands outside the shop greeting customers. Many people are initially fooled because his statute is so lifelike!

Markeith E./Yelp

Inside, you will find a small dining room, ice cream case, and dry erase boards informing you of the latest flavors and collaborations.

Kristin E./Yelp

You will also find a few tables if you want to get out of the heat. There is plenty to look at with dozens of paintings hanging to display the work of local artists.

Vera P./Yelp

It can be pretty difficult to decide which flavors to try. You really can’t go wrong with any selection.

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream/Facebook

When you really can’t decide, try a double scoop in a cup or a cone. They can always recommend which flavors go best together.

Christopher S./Yelp

Since everything at Sparky’s is homemade, the flavors change often. If you want to try the famous Cicada ice cream, you’re going to have to wait a few more years. The Cicadas aren’t due back to mid-Missouri until 2024.

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream/Facebook

They often work with other locally owned businesses to offer items like wine infused ice cream or the Harold’s doughnut sundae. If you’re hitting the town after your visit, start the night off right with a boozy milkshake!

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream/Facebook

Their ice cream is really a work of art. They focus on unique combinations and ensure every bite is jam packed with flavor.

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream/Facebook

On summer days, the line can get pretty long but it is definitely worth the wait!

Patrick T./Yelp

The wooden tokens - good for a free scoop - are a great ideas to reward your kids for completing chores or getting good grades. Who are we kidding, adults love a free scoop, too!

Sparky’s Ice Cream/Twitter

Check out Sparky’s Homemade ice Cream this summer and cool off with refreshing flavors in their unique and fun atmosphere.

Sky S./Yelp

Find Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream at 21 S 9th St., Columbia.

Katie H./TripAdvisor

Markeith E./Yelp

Kristin E./Yelp

Vera P./Yelp

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream/Facebook

Christopher S./Yelp

Patrick T./Yelp

Sparky’s Ice Cream/Twitter

Sky S./Yelp

Have you visited Sparky’s before? What is your favorite flavor? Tell us about your experience at Sparky’s in the comments section!

If you’re looking for more cold treats for hot summer days, check out this list of 10 snow cone shops in Missouri.

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