Topeka takes its frozen treats seriously. Whether you're looking for classic ice cream flavors, frozen custard, or something dairy-free, the city has a solid lineup of local shops worth knowing about. Most of them rotate their flavors regularly, which means there's always a reason to go back. Here's where to go for the best ice cream in Topeka, KS, all within a short drive of Sherwood Apartments.  

Best Frozen Custard: G's Frozen Custard  

G's Frozen Custard (1301 SW 6th Ave) has been a Topeka staple since 1991, and it's won Best of Topeka in the ice cream and frozen custard category nearly every year since 2016. They make fresh batches of custard daily with up to 15 unique flavors at any given time. The brown bread frozen custard is their signature, a famous and distinctly Topeka flavor with roots going back to the 1930s. They also offer a no-sugar-added frozen yogurt that regulars absolutely love. The vibe is old-school with mostly outdoor seating, which adds to the charm. If you've never tried brown bread custard before, this is definitely where you start. About 10 minutes from Sherwood Apartments.  

Best Dairy-Free Soft Serve: Pineapple Dream  

Pineapple Dream (6750 SW 29th St) is Topeka's go-to for Dole Whip-style soft serve. Everything on the menu is gluten-free, lactose-free, and lower in calories than traditional ice cream, with the fruit flavors being fully vegan. They rotate flavors weekly, with options like pineapple, mango, strawberry, raspberry, and seasonal picks like peppermint in winter. You can twist two flavors together for a custom combo, and they also serve floats and smoothies. Regulars compare the pineapple flavor to the famous Dole Whip served at Disney, which is the highest praise a soft serve spot can get. About 5 minutes from Sherwood Apartments.  

Best Custard and Food Combo: Sheridan's Frozen Custard  

Sheridan's Frozen Custard (5937 SW 29th St) is part of a small regional chain, but the Topeka location has built a devoted following of its own. The custard is made fresh daily and comes in cups, cones, concretes, shakes, and sundaes, with monthly limited-edition specials. What sets Sheridan's apart from other custard spots is having a full food menu alongside the frozen treats. Tenderloin sandwiches, hot dogs, chili dogs, fries, and other quick bites make it easy to turn your dessert run into a full meal. About 5 minutes from Sherwood Apartments.  

Best Homemade Scoops: The Ultimate Scoop  

The Ultimate Scoop (4140 SW Huntoon St) is one of Topeka's newer additions, opened in 2025 by Keith Berry, the former owner of Paradise Donuts. Everything here is made in-house, with a rotating lineup of nearly 150 specialty flavors that includes options like white-chocolate raspberry, carrot cake, and Oreo. Berry brings the same passion for sweets that made his donut shop popular, and the quality shows. You can get your scoop in a cup, a fresh waffle cone, or built into a sundae with all the toppings. About 7 minutes from Sherwood Apartments.  

Best Custom Mix-Ins: Cold Stone Creamery  

Cold Stone Creamery (1227 SW Wanamaker Rd) is a national chain, but the Topeka location deserves a mention for anyone who likes to build their own creation from scratch. Pick your base, choose your mix-ins from candy, fruit, nuts, or baked goods, and watch them fold it all together on a frozen granite stone right in front of you. They also do cakes, shakes, and smoothies, and online ordering is available for pickup or delivery. About 5 minutes from Sherwood Apartments.  

Best Shaved Ice: The Happy Hut  

The Happy Hut (6018 SW 29th St, inside the Villa West shopping center) specializes in Hawaiian-style shaved ice with over 50 flavors to choose from. The ice is finely shaved to a snow-like texture, so it's nothing like the crunchy snow cones you may have grown up with. You can customize your order with add-ons like sour spray, ice cream in the bottom of the cup, or sno cream on top, and the flavor combinations are pretty much endless. It's a perfect stop when you want something lighter and more refreshing than traditional ice cream, especially in the middle of a Kansas summer. About 5 minutes from Sherwood Apartments.  

Find Your Sweet Spot in Topeka  

Topeka's ice cream scene has something for every craving, and living in southwest Topeka means all of these spots are a quick drive away. If you're looking for Topeka apartments in a great location near dining, shopping, and all the frozen treats you can handle, check out Sherwood Apartments. With 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans, in-unit washers and dryers, a swimming pool, fitness center, and dog park, Sherwood is right off Wanamaker and built for comfortable everyday living. Schedule a tour today and see the space for yourself.