Summer is almost over, despite the temperature saying otherwise. As school is starting back up again and summer vacation fades, it doesn’t mean it is too late to get out and still enjoy some summer treats. Keep the hamburgers grilling, and the hotdogs going, and of course, you have to have ice cream to end the summer in style. When it comes to eating ice cream in Idaho, there are some incredible local options, but from time to time it is nice to get a cone or a cup on the go from a national selection. Taste of Home recently released a list of the best fast food ice creams and the results are surprising. Where is the best place to get ice cream if in a hurry or choosing from a national chain? Here are the top 5 selections in the Gem State.
5) Chick-Fil-A in Idaho
Credit: Killeen/TempleCredit: Killeen/Temple
Coming in at number five on the list is a place that has many delicious eating options, and some may not realize that they have good ice cream to offer as well, and that place is Chick-fil-A. While most go for their chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries, the next time you are craving ice cream on the go, make sure to add a cone or cup to your order.
4) Baskin Robbins in Idaho
Credit: Crystal Jo on Unsplash
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Credit: Crystal Jo on Unsplash
While perhaps not a true fast food chain, Baskin Robbins does offer ice cream and is a national chain. Seeing how ice cream is what they do, it might be surprising that they don’t rank higher on the list. They have the most variety of any place on this list, as they famously have 31 flavors to choose from. If looking for some good dessert, Baskin Robbins is never a bad option.
3) Sonic in Idaho
Credit: Myron Edwards on UnsplashCredit: Myron Edwards on Unsplash
Sonic is best known for its drinks, chilidogs, and delicious treats. Ordering a slushy or a blast is what most people prefer to order, but if wanting some plain ice cream, try their soft-served ice cream. It may surprise you and is better than what many other food chains offer. If that is too boring for you, get a blast, where you can enjoy their ice cream with some candy mixed in.
2) Cold Stone in Idaho
Credit: Andres Molina on UnsplashCredit: Andres Molina on Unsplash
Similar to Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone is not your typical fast food chain, but is a national chain that you can find in most places. Their thick custard is often offered in multiple flavors and can be mixed with other ingredients to give it more taste or be eaten by itself. They are often a favorite among ice cream lovers but can be a tad pricey. To most, the cost is worth it for a cup or cone from Cold Stone
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1) Culvers in Idaho
The number one chain for ice cream in the Gem State may come as no surprise that have had it, but Culver’s comes in at number one when it comes to fast food and national chain ice cream. It can be plain, a sundae, or with goodies mixed in, and it is all good. Even their shakes are some of the best on the market, making them the best place to get ice cream of any kind when on the go in Idaho.
If you want to see the full list, make sure to click the link in the first paragraph. The biggest take on these rankings might not be who is in the top five, but who was left out of it. Some big chains are missing, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good as well. The next time you are on the go and want ice cream quickly, instead of stopping at a local place, pick one of these and you won’t be disappointed.
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11 Reasons You’re Lucky To Live In Southern Idaho
Southern Idaho is amazing and you’re lucky you live here.
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5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
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The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.
The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and inlegislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.
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The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.
Here’s when and where the forums are:
Ada County Commissioner District 2:7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1:7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11:6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner:6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide,VOTE411.ORG.
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BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.
The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”
The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.
“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”
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The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho’s favorite license plate
The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.
The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.
The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.
“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.
Idahoans chose Forests Forever as their favorite specialty license plate. | Idaho Transportation Department
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