What started as an attempt to replicate mineral waters, the first soda fountains introduced carbonated water which was claimed to offer many health benefits. The concept flourished in pharmacies, ice cream parlors and candy stores across the U.S., reaching their height in the 40s and 50s before fading into history. However, these 12 Iowa communities have preserved the legacy of their soda fountains, maintaining a historic gem and community gathering place that's family-friendly and road trip worthy. 


1. Penn Drug, Sidney

A chocolate and cherry topped sundae sits on a black marble counter.

Known as one of Iowa's oldest family-owned drug stores, Penn Drug has been continually operating since 1863. Today, it delights visitors to Sidney with the nostalgia of a classic soda fountain, serving phosphate drinks and ice cream sundaes alongside an old-fashioned menu featuring dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


2. Wilton Candy Kitchen, Wilton

A historic white brick building with red trim surrounding the large front windows beneath a white and red striped awning.

Since it's opening in 1910, the Wilton Candy Kitchen has been a community staple that attracts residents and tourists alike and has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Step inside to indulge in a deliciously flavored soda or ice cream treat or a light lunch. Then, walk through the Candy Kitchen Museum to learn about its legacy and admire historic photos, memorabilia and clothing.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


3. Main Street Ice Cream Counter, Cherokee

A red-shirted employee stands behind an old soda fountain counter.

Located on Cherokee's historic Main Street, this soda fountain helps preserve the history of the community. Stop by and enjoy an old-fashioned phosphate soda made with a flavor of your choice and sip on it while relaxing at the old counter.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


4. Christy Creme, Council Bluffs

A family orders ice cream at an old soda fountain with a green awning.

This local legacy is a third-generation family-owned establishment that has been serving Council Bluffs since 1954. Along with the classic soda fountain and ice cream options, they also serve classic meals, including delicious hamburgers that come from a local provider, and feature over 10 different flavors of sherbet ice cream that rotate on a daily basis.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


5. Old Time Soda Fountain, Allerton

An old soda fountain with a white topped counter, red stools, black and white tiled floors and a wood hutch behind the counter.

A true testament to community pride, the Old Time Soda Fountain was saved by a local non-profit organization to preserve the historic landmark that was established in the 1800s. Today, this Allerton staple is operated by volunteers who are thrilled to be a part of the community's history. Stop by for a fountain drink, frosty root beer, malt or sundae.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


6. Lagomarcino's, Davenport

A yellow-sided building with yellow and green striped awnings over two lower windows on either side of the door and three upper windows.

This longstanding Quad Cities attraction has offered an American story of family and tradition for over a hundred years. Started by an Italian immigrant in 1908, Lagomarcino's is now a fourth-generation establishment that has earned James Beard awards and been featured in publications across the country. Along with their classic soda fountain and ice cream treats, they also sell delicious handmade chocolates and other sweets.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


7. The Farmacy Soda Fountain & Coffee House, Ida Grove

An old soda fountain with a marble counter, red stools and a black and white tiled floor.

This new Ida Grove attraction expertly pairs two tasty things together -- ice cream and coffee. The Farmacy was brought back to its original glory to continue serving the community deliciously flavored phosphate drinks, root beer floats, sundaes, shakes and malts alongside signature lattes, espresso drinks and sweet pastries.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


8. Stoner Drug, Hamburg

Three soda fountain handles stand behind a whipped-cream-topped root beer float.
Photo Courtesy Stoner Drug Co. Facebook

Founded in 1896, Stoner Drug still maintains its soda fountain today. Along with classic soda and ice cream treats, this Hamburg gem also serves daily lunch specials featuring either a sandwich or soup paired with a side and sweet pastry for dessert.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


9. Montross Pharmacy/Fountain, Winterset

A green countered soda fountain featuring black stools and chalkboard menus.
Photo Courtesy Montross Pharmacy Facebook

If you ever find yourself in Winterset and are craving something sweet, be sure to stop by the Montross Pharmacy. Inside, you'll find the soda fountain/gift shop area. Grab a seat at the counter and indulge in a classic phosphate drink or milkshake, then roam the gift shop to take a piece of the memory home with you.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


10. Sweet Mercantile, Cedar Rapids

A gourmet sundae topped with whipped cream, chocolate and a cherry sits on a wooden counter.
Photo Courtesy Sweet Mercantile CR Facebook

Located in the historic The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia, this historic gem can satisfy any sweet tooth in Cedar Rapids and beyond. Take a seat at the counter and choose from their collection of specialty sundaes, ice cream sandwiches or scoops, milkshakes and malts and, of course, sodas and floats.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


11. The Corner Sundry, Indianola

A tin tray containing a styrofoam box with a sandwich and chips alongside a coke and ice cream sundae.
Photo Courtesy The Corner Sundry Facebook

Sitting on Indianola's charming town square, The Corner Sundry offers a sweet addition to the area's shops and restaurants. What originally started as a variety corner store selling dry goods, snacks and ice cream, it has now fully embraced its soda fountain service. Step inside and step back in time with a classic phosphate or ice cream treat, or grab a coffee, sandwich, some candy or snacks.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


12. The Villager Flower & Gifts, West Bend

Standing behind an old soda fountain with a red counter, red stools and a colorful array of ribbons hanging from the ceiling.
Photo Courtesy The Villager Flowers & Gifts Facebook

Whether you're looking for a stunning floral arrangement or gift for a special somewhat or a sweet treat, The Villager  in West Bend has everything you need. Claim your spot at the counter and choose from a variety of soda flavors to try something new with each visit.

While you're in the area, be sure to add these attractions to your itinerary:


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