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Tucked away in Sandusky, Ohio, there is a place where ice cream dreams come true and have for well over a hundred years. Toft Dairy has been scooping up giant cones and creating happy memories since 1900, making it the oldest dairy in the state.
Families travel from all over to taste flavors that feel both classic and brand new. If you love ice cream and a good story, this sweet spot deserves a place on your list.
A History That Dates Back to 1900
Long before smartphones and cars filled the roads, Toft Dairy was already making ice cream in Sandusky. Starting way back in 1900, this family business has watched more than a century of history roll by.
Being called Ohio’s oldest running dairy is no small thing. Generations of families have grown up tasting the same beloved treats, passing the tradition from grandparents to grandkids.
One reviewer shared that they have been visiting Toft’s their entire life, which shows just how deep those roots go. Another mentioned making a special road trip just to see where it all began.
That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident. It takes years of quality and care to earn a spot in people’s hearts, and Toft’s has clearly done exactly that over 120 years and counting.
Portions So Big You Might Need Help
When Toft’s says large, they truly mean it. Customers rave about portions so huge that one scoop can feel like a full meal.
With over 280 mentions of the generous serving sizes in reviews, this is clearly what people notice first. One visitor warned that if you order a banana split, you had better be hungry or bring a friend, since it holds almost a whole quart of ice cream.
Another reviewer joked that the portions are simply insane, and they meant it as the highest praise. The value feels real when you see just how much creamy goodness lands in your bowl or cone.
Sharing is a smart move here. Many couples split a single treat and still walk away completely satisfied, proving that bigger really can be better.
A Dizzying Selection of Flavors
Picking just one flavor at Toft’s is honestly a challenge. With so many choices lined up, even regulars struggle to decide.
The flavor selection earned 162 mentions in reviews, and folks love it. One guest admitted there were too many selections to try, so they grabbed a flight and still barely scratched the surface.
You will find everything from familiar favorites like cookies and cream to creative treats such as blueberry waffle cone and lemon blueberry cheesecake. There is even a wildly fun flavor called Tilly Tracks, packed with tiny peanut butter filled chocolate cows.
Whether you crave something simple or something adventurous, the menu has room for every taste bud. Just be warned, you may want to come back several times to try them all.
The Famous Ice Cream Flight
Can’t decide? The ice cream flight is the perfect answer for indecisive dessert lovers.
This clever option lets you sample four small scoops at once, giving your taste buds a mini tour of the menu. One reviewer chose mint cookies and brownies, cookies and cream, feelin’ dangerous, and chocolate chip cookie dough all in a single order.
The mint cookies and brownies stole the show for that visitor, who called it the best mint ice cream they ever tasted, with no artificial flavor at all. Another flight fan raved about chocolate chip cappuccino and confetti cake.
For around twelve dollars, you get to explore several flavors without committing to just one. It is a great pick for curious eaters, first-time visitors, or anyone who simply wants a little bit of everything.
Blueberry Waffle Cone Is a Fan Favorite
Among all the flavors, blueberry waffle cone keeps stealing hearts. Reviewers mention it again and again as their absolute favorite.
What makes it so special is the mix of sweet blueberry ice cream with crunchy bits of real waffle cone folded right in. One happy customer noted that the waffle cone pieces were still perfectly crunchy, which added a fun texture to every bite.
Another visitor who stopped by after a long day at Cedar Point highly recommended it as the must-try choice. It seems like once people taste it, they cannot stop talking about it.
If you are the kind of person who loves both fruit and a little crunch in your dessert, this flavor was practically made for you. Do yourself a favor and grab a scoop.
Peanut Butter Lovers Rejoice
Calling all peanut butter fans, because Toft’s has plenty to make you smile. With 25 mentions in reviews, the peanut butter ice cream is a serious crowd pleaser.
One guest tried peanut butter s’mores and described it in one word: yummy. The rich, nutty taste pairs perfectly with sweet and salty add-ins that keep things interesting.
Then there is the playful Tilly Tracks flavor, which hides tiny peanut butter filled chocolate cows inside. A reviewer found them both hilarious and delicious, which is a pretty great combo for a dessert.
Peanut butter has a way of making ice cream feel extra rich and comforting. If that sound speaks to you, Toft’s offers several ways to enjoy it, so you can find the perfect nutty treat for your mood.
Sundaes That Steal the Show
Sundaes at Toft’s are the kind of dessert that makes you gasp when it arrives. They are big, beautiful, and loaded with toppings.
One reviewer tried the strawberry shortcake sundae and said it was the best dessert they ever had. That is high praise for a single treat.
Around Valentine’s Day, a special sundae appears that is so large two people can happily split it, and it only cost about ten dollars. A couple shared one and called it absolutely incredible.
Whether you are celebrating something special or just treating yourself on a regular day, a Toft’s sundae feels like a party in a bowl. With generous scoops and plenty of extras piled on top, these desserts turn an ordinary visit into something you will remember for a long time.
Classic Banana Splits Worth the Trip
Some desserts never go out of style, and the banana split at Toft’s proves it. This old-school favorite has fans coming back again and again.
A reviewer declared it the best ice cream in Northern Ohio and told everyone to order the banana split, calling it amazing. Just remember the warning that comes with it.
Because the portions are so large, one guest explained that the banana split sundae is almost a whole quart of ice cream. You will definitely want a big appetite or a hungry friend by your side.
The owners even responded to a review, thrilled that a customer loved the banana split. That kind of pride shows how much care goes into each one.
For a true classic done right, this is the treat to beat.
Milkshakes That Taste Like Summer
On a warm day, few things beat a thick, creamy milkshake, and Toft’s serves them up right. These shakes are big enough to share and full of flavor.
One guest ordered the sunshine milkshake and said it tasted exactly like a creamsicle, that dreamy mix of orange and vanilla. They also mentioned it was easily enough for two people to enjoy.
Made with the same quality ice cream that made Toft’s famous, each shake feels rich and satisfying. It is the perfect grab after a long, hot day exploring nearby attractions.
If you love sipping your dessert instead of scooping it, a Toft’s milkshake delivers big time. With flavors that bring back sunny memories, you might find yourself craving one long after your visit ends.
Bring a friend and split the fun.
Friendly Staff Make You Feel Welcome
A great scoop is even better with a warm smile, and Toft’s staff earns lots of love for that. Friendly service popped up in 213 reviews, which says a lot.
Even when lines look long, guests notice how quickly things move because there are plenty of helpers on hand. One visitor praised the clean space and said the crew kept everything running smoothly.
Another reviewer called the staff more than helpful, making the whole trip feel easy and pleasant. When you are surrounded by so many choices, having kind people to guide you really helps.
No place is perfect, and a rare review mentioned a rough moment, but the overwhelming feedback points to a cheerful, hardworking team. That welcoming spirit is a big reason families keep returning year after year to this beloved spot.
Cozy Indoor and Outdoor Seating
Finding a comfy spot to enjoy your treat is easy at Toft’s. The parlor offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can pick whatever suits the weather.
On sunny days, the covered patio with picnic tables is a favorite hangout, especially for bigger groups. One reviewer loved that the shaded patio made it easy to sit together with family and friends.
When it is chilly or rainy, the indoor seating gives you a cozy place to relax while your ice cream slowly melts. Guests mentioned both options in their reviews, appreciating the flexibility.
Having a place to sit and savor your dessert turns a quick stop into a real experience. Instead of rushing off, you can settle in, chat, and enjoy every single bite in comfort.
It makes the whole visit feel relaxed and special.
Options for Every Diet
Not everyone can eat regular ice cream, and Toft’s understands that. Happily, they offer choices so nobody has to miss out on the fun.
One thoughtful reviewer pointed out that there are dairy free and no sugar added options available. That means guests with allergies or special diets can still enjoy a sweet treat.
Another visitor mentioned the couple of dairy free flavors when recommending the shop to friends after a Cedar Point day. It is a small detail that makes a big difference for many families.
Being inclusive shows that Toft’s cares about all its customers, not just some. Whether you avoid sugar, skip dairy, or eat everything, there is something here waiting for you.
That welcoming approach is one more reason this century-old dairy keeps winning over new fans and keeping longtime ones coming back for more.
A Must-Visit Stop Near Cedar Point
Planning a trip to Sandusky? Toft’s belongs right at the top of your list, according to countless happy visitors.
One reviewer said the parlor should be as famous as Cedar Point itself when it comes to must-see spots in the area. That is a bold claim, but the loyal fans clearly agree.
Many people swing by after a thrilling day at the amusement park or right off the ferry from South Bass Island. The ice cream is the perfect reward after all that excitement.
Located at 3717 Venice Road, the shop opens at 10:30 AM and stays open late on weekends. With a stellar 4.8 star rating from over 3,600 reviews, this beloved dairy has earned its reputation as a true Ohio treasure worth every single mile.
