The Shapiro Administration is serving up a sweet start to summer across Pennsylvania. Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and PA Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger visited Lapp Valley Creamery in Lancaster County to officially launch the 2026 Scooped Ice Cream Trail.
Now in its ninth year and bigger than ever, this 2026 program includes 59 PA Preferred creameries, including two in Chester County, stretching from one end of Pennsylvania to the other.
“Year after year, the Ice Cream Trail reminds us of what makes Pennsylvania agriculture so special: the people behind it,” said Redding. “These farm families are up before dawn, working hard every day to bring fresh, local dairy to your cone. Every scoop you enjoy on this trail is a direct investment in Pennsylvania’s farms and the communities that depend on them.”
The trail marks a milestone of nine summers of connecting dairy lovers with the farm families who make Pennsylvania’s ice cream some of the finest in the country. This year’s trail features 59 participating PA Preferred creameries including the return of Hall’s Ice Cream, rejoining the trail this season. From working dairy farms where visitors can meet the cows to artisan micro creameries crafting bold, rotating flavors, the 2026 lineup offers something for every kind of ice cream adventurer across all corners of the commonwealth.
“The Ice Cream Trail is economic development you can taste. When a family stops at a creamery in a small Pennsylvania town, they’re not just buying a delicious treat. They’re supporting a local business, a farm family, and a community,” said Burger. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to growing Pennsylvania’s tourism and agriculture sectors together, and this trail is a perfect example of what that looks like in action.”
Travelers can plan their 2026 Ice Cream Trail adventure, explore participating creameries, and sign up for free. The digital passport rewards dedicated dairy lovers with points for every stop and purchase made between June 4 and Sept. 7, 2026.
Prizes include:
- A commemorative insulated bag if you visit a total of 6 stops on the trail
- An entry into the grand prize drawing for a Merrymead Farm Family Experience and overnight stay at Normandy Farms if you complete a total of 10 stops
- Both the insulated bag and a grand prize entry if you complete 16 stops
This year, 17 participating creameries are also offering exclusive trail discounts from 10 percent off at Destiny Dairy Bar and Batch Microcreamery, to buy-one-get-one soft serve at The Milkhouse at Oregon Dairy, and 25 percent off pints at Fox Meadows Creamery locations.
“The Scooped Ice Cream Trail connects consumers directly to PA dairy farm families, giving them a firsthand look at the commitment these families have for their animals, land, and local communities,” said Emily Barge, Communications & Marketing Manager, Center for Dairy Excellence. “When people visit a farm, try the ice cream, and talk to the family who made it, it allows them to personally connect with Pennsylvania dairy and where their food comes from.”
Chester County is represented by the Chester Springs Creamery at Milky Way Farm and Hangry Bear Creamery in Kennett Square.
Milky Way Farms boasts long lines throughout the summer with over 40 ice cream flavors to choose from, all named after the farm’s resident cows, including Joy’s Peanut Butter Fudge, Bea’s Banana Chocolate Chunk, and Opal’s Orange Pineapple. Summer hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 1-9 PM.
Hangry Bear makes small-bath premium ice cream, and you can even order 6 pints of custom-made creations or attend an ice cream-making party. Some current ice cream flavors include Salted Caramel Crunch, Kara Needs S’more Coffee, and Bro’s Brookie Dough. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 11 AM-9 PM, Friday from 11 AM-9:30 PM, Saturday from 10 AM-9:30 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM-9PM.
Get the rest of the scoop on all participating creameries at Visit PA.
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