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This Ice Cream Will Change Your Life

Raised in Rapid City and lucky to call it home, this outdoor enthusiast loves to explore the Black Hills with her husband and two dogs. When she’s not at work you’ll find her out hiking, at a local ice cream shop, or perhaps home taking a nap.

May 06, 2022

Ice cream lovers – this one is for you.

Dog enjoying vanilla ice cream from Armadillos in Rapid City, SD
Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe


For as long as I can remember (or since its opening in 1996), standing in line outside of Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe to get a delicious twist cone has been one of my favorite summer traditions. Even when I lived out of town and was just home visiting for a few days, ice cream from Armadillos was at the top of my to-do list. And I am not the only one. Locals love this little ice cream shop for so many reasons. The main two: they have some of the most delicious ice cream I’ve ever tasted, and you get your money's worth with everything on the menu. 

Ice cream sitting on table at Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe in Rapid City, SD
Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe


You’re probably thinking, “What makes this Armadillos so great?”. The answer you’re seeking is called the Flavor of the Day. Die-hard fans, like myself, know exactly what dates to go to get the oh-so-amazing Strawberry Butter or delicious Black Cherry – because I have them actually marked down in my personal calendar. After a few days the flavor changes to something new. Pro tip: I don’t know what it is about the vanilla ice cream but it’s the best, if you twist it with any flavor of the day it’s absolutely delicious.

Person eating ice cream cone on the patio of Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe in Rapid City, SD
Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe


Not a fan of whatever the current flavor is? Have no fear! Armadillos also has spectacular sundaes, malts, shakes, dipped cones, smoothies, Italian Ices, and more. The menu is expansive and after all these years I still don’t know it all by heart, which is somewhat shocking. A few of my personal favorites are the Lauren’s Landslide which is a chocolate and vanilla twist cone that is then dipped in chocolate, drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with cookie dough. Or try Tyler’s Turtle– vanilla ice cream with hot fudge, caramel and pecans.

Ice cream line at Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe in Rapid City, SD
Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe


If you like ice cream and you find yourself in Rapid City, or honestly anywhere in a 300 mile radius, you need to seriously consider checking out Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe. I’m actually going to go right now.