Old Gold Creamery Introduce
In the heart of Iowa City, nestled within the historic Iowa Memorial Union (IMU), lies a sweet secret that has quickly become a local gem: Old Gold Creamery. This delightful ice cream shop is more than just a place to grab a cone; it's a vibrant new addition to a landmark building, offering a welcoming space for students, faculty, and the wider community to gather and enjoy a classic treat. As a recent and "really great little addition to the Iowa Memorial Union," Old Gold Creamery is helping to revitalize the IMU's offerings and provide a new reason to visit this cherished campus hub.
What truly sets Old Gold Creamery apart is its commitment to quality and community. The shop proudly serves Heyn's ice cream, a beloved local creamery, ensuring that every scoop is made with a deep connection to Iowa's own food scene. This partnership between the University of Iowa and a local business highlights a shared commitment to supporting regional excellence. The menu is designed to cater to all tastes, whether you're in the mood for a simple scoop, a rich and creamy shake, a decadent sundae, or a classic root beer float. This variety makes it the perfect destination for any craving, big or small.
The atmosphere at Old Gold Creamery is designed to be both inviting and inspiring. The shop is part of the ongoing transformation of the IMU, a project that is modernizing the space while preserving its rich history. This blend of old and new is evident in the shop's energetic and bustling vibe, which has brought a renewed "synergy and energy" to the ground floor of the building. It’s a place where you can feel the excitement of the university community while enjoying a relaxing moment with a delicious dessert.
As one customer noted, the experience is enhanced by the surroundings. After getting your ice cream, you're encouraged to "check out the rest of the IMU as there's all sorts of new things happening in there" and to "go outside to the patio facing the river to actually eat your ice cream." This thoughtful suggestion highlights a key feature of the location: the beautiful, scenic views of the Iowa River. Even during a drought, as the review mentioned, the view is still "good," offering a peaceful and picturesque backdrop for your treat. This combination of great food and a beautiful setting makes Old Gold Creamery a destination rather than just a quick stop.
The introduction of Old Gold Creamery was driven by student demand for more food options in the IMU. By providing a dedicated space for ice cream, the university has successfully met this need and created a new student employment opportunity that is considered "the most exciting one" by an employee. This focus on student and community needs demonstrates the shop's role as a true community partner. From the delicious strawberry shakes to the wide variety of Heyn's ice cream flavors, every aspect of Old Gold Creamery is designed with the local Iowa City community in mind, making it a beloved and welcome addition to the campus.
The shop is a perfect example of a new business that honors its location's heritage while looking to the future. It provides a taste of local flavor in an iconic setting, creating a unique and deeply satisfying experience for everyone who walks through its doors. Whether you are a long-time resident, a student, or just passing through, a visit to Old Gold Creamery is a chance to connect with the heart of Iowa City's campus and enjoy a delicious treat at the same time.
Old Gold Creamery is located on the ground floor of the historic Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) at 125 N Madison St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA. Its specific spot is at the south end of the ground floor, conveniently situated "just downstairs from the Hubbard Park entrance."
This central campus location makes it incredibly accessible for students, faculty, and staff. For visitors, the IMU is a well-known landmark and a hub of activity. The building's convenient parking ramp on the south side and its proximity to major campus walkways ensure that getting to Old Gold Creamery is a hassle-free experience. The added bonus of a patio overlooking the Iowa River provides a scenic, easily accessible place to enjoy your treats.
The location within the IMU, a space that is currently undergoing renovations to better serve the community, means that a visit to Old Gold Creamery is also an opportunity to see the positive changes happening within the building.
- Ice Cream: Serving a variety of flavors of hard-serve Heyn's ice cream.
- Soft Serve: The shop also features a soft serve ice cream machine.
- Shakes: Delicious and creamy shakes, including popular options like the strawberry shake.
- Sundaes: Classic sundaes with a variety of toppings.
- Root Beer Floats: A traditional favorite, available for a refreshing treat.
- Other Treats: Cookies and brownies are also available.
- Beverages: A selection of drinks to complement the ice cream.
Old Gold Creamery's menu is focused on providing high-quality, classic ice cream parlor treats that are made even better by their use of locally sourced ice cream.
- Local Heyn's Ice Cream: Proudly serves hard-serve ice cream from the local Heyn's Creamery.
- Prime Location: Situated within the iconic Iowa Memorial Union, making it a central and easy-to-find spot.
- Scenic Patio: Features an outdoor patio with a great view of the Iowa River, perfect for enjoying your dessert.
- Student-Driven: The shop was opened in response to student demand for more dining options.
- Revitalized Space: The new ice cream shop has brought a fresh energy and synergy to the ground floor of the IMU.
These features combine to create a unique and highly appealing destination. The connection to local business and the beautiful setting are key highlights that make Old Gold Creamery a truly special place in Iowa City.
Address: 125 N Madison St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA
Phone: (319) 335-3595
For the people of Iowa, and particularly those in Iowa City, Old Gold Creamery is more than a simple ice cream shop; it is a testament to community, quality, and local pride. Its suitability for locals stems from its deep roots in the city—serving a local ice cream brand and being housed in a historical, well-loved building. It provides a fantastic way to support local businesses while enjoying a delicious and affordable treat. The location within the IMU makes it a convenient and natural meeting place for students and a great stop for families and visitors alike who want to experience the heart of campus life.
The welcoming atmosphere and the thoughtful amenities, such as the river-facing patio, make it a perfect spot to relax and unwind. It is a place where traditions can be made and cherished, whether it's a weekly visit for a shake or a special stop during a campus tour. Old Gold Creamery perfectly blends the classic joy of ice cream with the unique character of Iowa City, making it a suitable and much-loved addition to the local landscape.
Old Gold Creamery Details
Service options
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Quick visit
Children
- Good for kids
Old Gold Creamery Photos

Old Gold Creamery Location
Old Gold Creamery
125 N Madison St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA
Old Gold Creamery Reviews
Really great little addition to the Iowa Memorial Union! I had the strawberry shake and it was quite good! Make sure to check out the rest of the IMU as there's all sorts of new things happening in there! I also recommend going outside to the patio facing the river to actually eat your ice cream, even in a drought it's a good view!
September 06 · Spencer Owen- May 03 · Jalex Stark
- December 26 · Genevieve Salvato
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