Big Dipper Ice Cream

“...stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot oftener, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. ” 

In the corner of the Stapleton Building of downtown Billings is locally owned & crafted ice cream shop by the name of Big Dipper Ice Cream. Big Dipper has been serving up ice cream since 1995, starting with Missoula and then later expanded to Helena.

When driving downtown you can’t help but notice Big Dipper’s retro sign and yellow tables filled with people enjoying their cold treats. Upon entering the building you’re surrounded by white tile, vibrant merchandise, neon signs, and vintage styled benches and stools wrapped around the walls.Its interior gives off a 50’s diner and ice cream parlor feel with sleek and modern vibes...

And There’s something to be said about the feeling of nostalgia that ice cream can give you, especially when in a shop such as this. The smell of vanilla and caramel instantly hits your nose, transporting you back to the playground days with a giant ice cream cone on a hot and sunny day. 

The Big Dipper serves 20 to 25 flavors of premium, high butterfat ice cream that is made on site. Their flavors can be very unique, in fact at one point they served a Street Fight Red beer ice cream from Angry Hank’s Brewery only blocks away from the Big Dipper and like to make other flavors from local breweries. Other wild and seasonal flavors can include peppermint latte, banana cream pie, green tea, raspberry Oreo, chai tea, lavender peach sorbet, and of course the classics! 

Don’t forget the Toppings! Sprinkles, caramel, marshmallow, hot fudge, candy, chocolate chips and more can finish off your flavored ice cream to make it even more amazing! 

You can chose to put your flavored scoops into a homemade waffle cone, sugar cone, or a cup! And if you’re wanting something else Big Dipper also offers Sundaes, Floats, and Shakes. 

But one of the best things Big Dipper offers is the ability to take this ice cream home with you! With making it on site they can pack you up a quart or pint of any ice cream in the flavor that you want! Take home to binge eat on the couch while watching your favorite Netflix show! They’re also open year- round, because every now and again you get a hankering for something cold even when it’s a blizzard outside! 

“ I think the Serving size of ice cream is when you hear the spoon hit the bottom of the container.” 

Next time you’re enjoying the downtown area, whether it be for lunch, dinner, or some drinks, be sure to stop into the Big Dipper to top off your day with a nice dessert!