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.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms 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.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms Visitors today love touring the dairy, meeting the cows and calves, and learning about the process of milking and making cheese, milk, and ice cream!
In the spring and summer, visitors can watch young calves play and romp in the big fields.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms In the peak calving season, there’s a new baby on the property every other day!
When you tour the farm, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the cows and calves of Stensland.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms There’s nothing cuter than watching a calve drink milk from a bottle… except maybe watching them beg for scratches and pets.
When the dairy re-opened, it only made sense for Stensland to start their own ice cream shop!
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms It took a few years, but now Stensland Farm has an enormous menu, and they serve up some of the best ice cream in Iowa.
Seriously - have you ever seen a banana split that looked this good?!
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms
They’re famous for their waffle sundaes, like this chocolate cherry brownie combination that looks absolutely delicious.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms
You’ll find creative creations, like a Cherry Nutella Sundae, alongside all the classics.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms
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!
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms
What’s an Iowa creamery without a sweet corn scoop? If you’re hesitant, take a chance on this and you’ll wonder how you lived this long without it.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms
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.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms
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.
Facebook / Stensland Family Farms
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.
Visitors today love touring the dairy, meeting the cows and calves, and learning about the process of milking and making cheese, milk, and ice cream!
In the peak calving season, there’s a new baby on the property every other day!
There’s nothing cuter than watching a calve drink milk from a bottle… except maybe watching them beg for scratches and pets.
It took a few years, but now Stensland Farm has an enormous menu, and they serve up some of the best ice cream in Iowa.
If Ice Cream is your favorite food, you’ll love heading out on our Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In Iowa – It’s All You’ve Ever Dreamed Of.
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