A Trip To This Incredible Ice Cream Farm In Iowa Will Delight You In Every Way
By Kim Magaraci|Published August 05, 2018
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Iowans love their ice cream, and with how many dairy cows dot our landscape, it’s no wonder we make some of the best in the country! One little family farm makes some of the most delicious farm fresh dessert around, and just one visit to Stensland Family Farm is all it takes to fall in love.
Stensland Family Farm has been a part of the Larchwood, Iowa landscape for generations, but they've had their ups and downs over the years.
Over 100 years ago, Tobias Stensland founded the farm as his family's homestead. His son, Arthur, began a dairy operation in 1952 with just 12 cows. Art's sons helped out on the farm, but after a generation of working the farm, his oldest son Doug helped Art close down the dairy farm and the family was content to live and relax on the property. In 2003, though, Art's grandsons asked if they could restart the dairy to help them earn college money. Jason and Justin both worked alongside their father, Doug, to restart the dairy farm along with their younger brother, Kyle. They eventually acquired over 250 cows, and opened their creamery in 2015. Now, they process milk, cheese, and ice cream.
The fascinating story of the Stensland Family is just one of the reasons this farm has so much charm and character behind it.
Cookie Dough fanatics will fall in love with one of their most popular flavors, that combines delicious farm fresh cookies and cream with chunks of real cookie dough. It's the perfect desset!
Whether you want a towering sundae or just a few scoops on a cone, a visit to Stensland Family Farms is the best day trip that any ice cream lover in Iowa could take.
Stensland Family Farms is located at 1664 Ashley Ave., Larchwood, IA 51241. They do offer tours of the creamery by appointment, so call 712.202.1910 (option 4) or email chelsea@stenslandfamilyfarms.com for availability and details. They have an ice cream shop in Sioux Falls, ND and on the Larchwood farm as well! Larchwood is open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. every day. Sioux Falls is their more full-service location, so if you feel like taking a road trip, visit them at located at 3101 West 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105.