Sample the sweet treats along the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway! Take a drive down nostalgia lane with old fashioned soda fountains, old-time candy shops, and family-owned businesses.
Try the famous Twin Bing candy bar at Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe in Sioux City. Down the road in Missouri Valley, try an ice cream delight featuring Twin Bing at JC's Dairy Den. Sherbet lovers flock to Christy Creme in Council Bluffs for their daily rotating flavor and delicious burgers. If you forget to stop on your way out of Council Bluffs, Sugar Makery has another location in Glenwood to grab their gourmet popcorn. And at the southern end of the byway, sip on a cherry coke in Sidney at the Penn Drug Company's soda fountain, one of the oldest in Iowa. Explore more fun locations on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway on the Explore the Byway page. |
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Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe
Palmer Candy Company has been making candy in Sioux City since 1878. The company continues to be family-run nearly 150 years after it started. 1923 is another milestone year for Palmer's, as the company debuted the Bing candy bar that features cherry nougat mounds covered in peanuts and chocolate. The iconic Twin Bing candy bar was introduced in the 1960s.
Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe is located just off the byway (Interstate 29) in downtown Sioux City. Learn more about the history of Palmer Candy Company and find your favorite candies including homemade brittle, gourmet truffles, roasted nuts, chocolate snorkels, La Fama chocolates, and everything Twin Bing. The candy shop also houses a small museum with retired candy making equipment, vintage photos and other fun historical items. Check their website for hours and contact information. |
JC's Dairy Den
Are you craving more Twin Bing deliciousness after a visit to Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe? Then stop at JC's Dairy Den in Missouri Valley to try their signature Twin Bing Tornado.
This sweet shop, open seasonally, is a popular spot on Highway 30 in Mo Valley for ice cream, malts, and shakes. JC's also serves burgers and specializes in loose meat sandwiches and homemade tenderloin. Grab a savory or sweet treat in the drive-thru to continue your scenic drive on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway (or the intersecting Western Skies Scenic Byway), or sit outside to enjoy your ice cream treat or sandwich at the outdoor seating located behind the shop. |
Penn Drug Company
On the southern end of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, take the Pleasant Overview Loop to reach Sidney, Iowa's rodeo town and seat of Fremont County. Located on the southwest corner of the town's unique square is Penn Drug Company, Iowa's oldest family-owned drug store.
Penn Drug Company has served southwest Iowa since 1863 and features one of Iowa's oldest soda fountains--it is still operating today! Throughout its 161 years of history, Penn Drug has been led by generations of the Penn family and folks committed to maintaining this piece of Iowa history. Today, Penn Drug is owned by Angie and Leo Ettleman, and Mark Vogt, who purchased the store in 2015. |
Sugar Makery
Sugar Makery is a family-owned sweet shop that offers more than fifty flavors of specialty gourmet popcorn, a large selection of candy, homemade ice cream, and more than 200 glass bottle soda varieties! The shop also features homemade chocolate items, homemade butter, cream, fudge, and nostalgic bulk candy.
Enjoy your ice cream on their outdoor patio in the summertime at their Glenwood location. A second location in Council Bluffs is located near the Wabash Trace trailhead by Lewis Central High School. |
Christy Creme
Take a detour off the byway route in Council Bluffs and head north on Old Lincoln Highway. Just as you begin to leave the city, stop at Christy Creme. Since 1954, this third-generation family-owned business has served Omaha Steaks burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, fries, and more. Their ice cream menu includes soft-serve cones and sundaes, milkshakes, malts, floats, and more. There are 10 different flavors of sherbet that rotate on a daily basis.
Christy Creme is a true neighborhood mom-and-pop shop. They contribute to local schools and other charities, and are proud to call Council Bluffs home! |
Three more for the road . . .
Wells Ice Cream ParlorShort drive from byway to Le Mars.
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Tastee TreatLocated near the Wabash Trace trailhead.
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