Spartan Ice Cream Center

Spartan Ice Cream Center, located at 665 Brook Drive in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers a unique and incredibly satisfying ice cream experience that has become a beloved local secret. More than just a typical ice cream shop, this center is a special part of the Milton Hershey School campus, where students are involved in the creation of their delectable, homemade ice cream. This dedication to hands-on learning and quality ingredients results in "insanely good" treats that consistently delight the community. For residents of Hershey and surrounding areas, Spartan Ice Cream Center provides a refreshing escape, promising rich flavors, generous portions, and truly affordable prices that make it a standout destination for satisfying any sweet craving in the heart of Pennsylvania.

What truly sets Spartan Ice Cream Center apart is not just its delicious products, but also the unique story behind them. The ice cream is made continuously throughout the summer by Milton Hershey School students in the Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE) program, ensuring peak freshness and a thick, creamy consistency. This educational component adds a special layer of appreciation for patrons, knowing they are supporting a meaningful program while enjoying their treat. Customers rave about the affordability, noting that it's "3 dollars for a cone" and "7 for half gallon," which are exceptional prices for homemade ice cream of such high quality. Flavors like "peach" and "coconut" are particularly highlighted for their ability to transport customers into "ice cream bliss," making every visit a memorable journey. This combination of exceptional taste, incredible value, and a heartwarming backstory solidifies Spartan Ice Cream Center as a cherished local gem and a must-visit spot for anyone in Pennsylvania seeking a truly special ice cream experience.

Spartan Ice Cream Center is conveniently located at 665 Brook Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. This address places it on the campus of the Milton Hershey School, near the ice rink and across from the Community Recreation Center. While it might not be on a bustling main street, its specific location within the well-known Milton Hershey School grounds makes it a recognizable and accessible destination for local residents.

The accessibility of Spartan Ice Cream Center is a notable feature, particularly for those familiar with the Milton Hershey School campus. Although it's part of a school, it is open to the public, especially during designated summer hours, making it a viable option for anyone in the Hershey area. Parking is generally available on campus, ensuring a convenient visit for those arriving by car. Its proximity to community facilities like the pool (for Hershey members only, as noted by a reviewer) suggests it's a natural stop for recreation-goers. For residents of Hershey and surrounding towns, reaching 665 Brook Drive is straightforward, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy high-quality, locally made ice cream directly from its source. This blend of a specific, yet accessible, campus location within the Hershey community contributes to its charm as a cherished local secret and a go-to spot for a delightful treat in this part of Pennsylvania.

Spartan Ice Cream Center offers a specialized and highly-praised range of frozen treats:

• Homemade Ice Cream: The core offering is high-quality, thick, and creamy homemade ice cream, made by Milton Hershey School students.

• Wide Variety of Flavors: Approximately 32 premium flavors are available on rotation throughout the summer, ensuring a diverse selection. Notable mentioned flavors include:

  • Peach (highly recommended for "ice cream bliss")
  • Coconut (also highly recommended for a blissful experience)
  • Honey Vanilla
  • Teaberry
  • Malted Memories (a flavor developed by Milton Hershey School students)
  • Peanut Butter Cup
  • Milk Chocolate
  • Birthday Cake
  • Vanilla Bean
  • Toasted Marshmallow
  • Wild Strawberry
  • Graham Cracker Swirl
  • Reese's Peanut Butter
  • Watermelon Sorbet Made With Jolly Rancher Candy
  • Chocolate Brownie Blast
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
  • Coffee
  • Cookies n' Cream
  • Mint Chocolate Chip
  • Candymonium
  • Lemon Cookie Butter (seasonal)

• Hand-Dipped Cones: Available in standard cone sizes, as indicated by the affordable $3 price point for a cone.

• Take-Home Half-Gallons: Customers can purchase half-gallon containers of ice cream, ideal for enjoying at home, priced at an affordable $7.

• Soft Serve: In addition to hand-dipped, they also offer various soft serve flavors, including peanut butter, strawberry dole, and classic chocolate and vanilla, along with dairy-free options.

• Dairy-Free Options: Specific dairy-free choices are available, such as Raspberry Sorbet and dairy-free vanilla soft serve.

• Shaved Ice: They also feature 15 shaved ice flavors for a lighter, refreshing option.

• Doggy Dishes: Vanilla and dairy-free vanilla ice cream are available for canine companions.

Spartan Ice Cream Center distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong local appeal:

• "Insanely Good" Homemade Ice Cream: The most prominent highlight is the exceptional quality of their ice cream, described as "insanely good," indicating a superior taste and creamy texture that stands out.

• Student-Made Product: The ice cream is made by students in the Milton Hershey School's Agricultural and Environmental Education program. This unique aspect adds a meaningful dimension to the product, supporting student learning and enterprise.

• Exceptional Affordability: Prices are highly praised for their affordability, with cones at $3 and half-gallons at $7, offering incredible value for homemade ice cream of this quality.

• Bliss-Inducing Flavors: Specific flavors like "peach" and "coconut" are called out for their ability to transport customers into "ice cream bliss," suggesting a high level of flavor execution and customer satisfaction.

• Diverse Flavor Rotation: With approximately 32 premium flavors available on rotation throughout the summer, customers always have new and exciting options to discover, encouraging repeat visits.

• Community Integration: Its location on the Milton Hershey School campus, near a pool for members, highlights its role as a convenient and beloved spot within the local Hershey community.

• Dairy-Free and Doggy Options: The inclusion of dairy-free soft serve and sorbet, as well as special "doggy dishes," demonstrates an effort to cater to a wider range of customers and their pets.

• Direct-from-Source Freshness: Being made on-site by the school's program ensures peak freshness, contributing to the thick and creamy quality of the ice cream.

For direct inquiries or to confirm current hours and flavor availability at Spartan Ice Cream Center, please use the following contact information:

Address: 665 Brook Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA

Phone: While a specific public phone number for the Spartan Ice Cream Center itself isn't explicitly provided in the details, the Milton Hershey School generally has public contact information. We recommend checking the Milton Hershey School's official website or Project Market information for the most accurate contact details or current hours.

Summer Hours (as of recent information): Thursdays and Fridays, Noon – 2:30 p.m.

Spartan Ice Cream Center is exceptionally well-suited for locals in the Pennsylvania region, particularly those in Hershey and its surrounding communities, for a unique blend of quality, value, and community connection. Its presence on the Milton Hershey School campus, while perhaps less visible than a storefront on a main road, is a well-known secret among residents, making it a familiar and easily accessible destination for those in the know.

The core appeal lies in its "insanely good" homemade ice cream, crafted by Milton Hershey School students. This commitment to artisanal quality, combined with an educational mission, resonates deeply with locals who appreciate both delicious products and community-driven initiatives. The wide variety of rotating flavors, including unique and highly-praised options like peach and coconut, ensures there's always something new and exciting to try, encouraging regular visits and fostering a sense of local pride in their unique offerings.

Furthermore, the affordability of Spartan Ice Cream Center is a significant draw for Pennsylvanians. With cones priced at just $3 and half-gallons at $7, it offers exceptional value for homemade ice cream, making it an accessible and budget-friendly treat for families and individuals alike. This combination of high quality and low prices is a strong incentive for locals to choose Spartan Ice Cream over other options. The friendly atmosphere and the indirect support for the Milton Hershey School's programs further strengthen its appeal as a community favorite. For anyone in the Hershey area seeking a truly delicious, affordable, and uniquely local ice cream experience that supports a great cause, Spartan Ice Cream Center is undoubtedly a top recommendation, promising "ice cream bliss" right in their own backyard.

Spartan Ice Cream Center

665 Brook Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA