Recently, I stopped by Igloo Frozen Custard to experience what I heard was a delicious custard and Lafayette tradition, first hand. My business colleague and I had no idea what was in store for us! We were greeted by Owners, Bill and Kathy Lodde. The ambience is bright and cherry atmosphere is bright and welcoming with the diner feel. In the warmer months, order from the walk up window then eat outside. We really could get a sense of community when Bill was preparing orders for a group of local teachers lunch. He has them ready and waiting, so they dont waste their precious lunch time.

The story of the Igloo Frozen Custard goes back to 1932, when Florence and Charles Kirkhoff opened The Original Frozen Custard near Columbian Park, also in Lafayette. Then, in 1998, the 3rd generation decided to branch off and Bill and Kathy Lodde decided to open their version as the Igloo and now have two Igloo locations. Now Bill and Kathy's sons are starting to get involved in the family business, making this a 4th generation family business. The custard recipe at the Igloo, is the same frozen custard recipe made by Bill's grandfather, father and brother at the Original Frozen Custard. The Igloo makes 16 different flavors of custard daily, changing some seasonally and all are made in-house. Hand-dipped flavors include, mint chocolate chip, birthday cake, blue moon, and the staples; vanilla and chocolate. They also feature holiday and seasonal flavors such as pumpkin, peppermint, cinnamon, apple cider sorbet and more! Your taste buds will be begging for more!

Beverage Heaven...  They are known not just for their frozen custard but also their fruit drinks and flavored sodas. I think we tasted every drink on the menu! I must admit I'm a sucker for a good fountain drink or flavored beverage. All of the simple syrups they use are made in-house. They use the best vanilla extract Bill can get his hands on for all the vanilla flavored drinks. I would have to say, my favorite, one I'd never tried before, was the marshmallow soda. It was the perfect fusion of Coca-Cola and a little bit of sweetness with the marshmallow flavoring. I can't believe this was my first one! Igloo's Fruit Beverage called "fruit drink" is "Pop's secret tropical blend". All made fresh with real juices. It is oh so sweet with a side of tang! This recipe has been around for 4 generations as well. Buy by the cup or gallon. It is a perfect party drink too. If I lived in Lafayette this would be my PDRD (Proper Drink Run Drink).

Igloo Frozen Custard Treats were the biggest treat of the day. We sampled the cheesecake on a stick and a myriad of their novelty treats but seriously, if you like cinnamon and are visiting in the fall or winter when they have cinnamon custard, order the Snickerdoodle Sandwich as known as the "snickwich" OMG! I couldn't stop. A huge Snickerdoodle cookie that sandwiches cinnamon custard and frozen perfectly together. Periodically, but more in the Autumn Season, they offer a Granny Smith Sundae. Apples, crushed snickers and vanilla custard, Wow. Who knew that combination would taste so divine?

My travel companion and I decided we needed something to soak up all the treats so we tried the chicken tenders. Real chicken not pressed meat, cut into tenders. Very tasty and it made me remember my youth. We also tried the Nacho Coney fries. THE BEST TOPPED FRIES I HAVE EVER EATEN, No Really!!!! The Coney Sauce I couldn't put my finger on exactly all the spices and that's because it is another secret family recipe. Bill has a knack for that and the Coney Fries. I took some Coney Sauce home so my husband could try it. He is a fry connoisseur and let's just say he was so impressed with the sauce that we went back that weekend so he could order his own. I suggest trying the burgers too. They are reminiscent of the old-fashion burgers from the mid-century.

There are so many choices when visiting Igloo at either location in Tippecanoe County. Bring your appetite big or small there is something for everyone at The Igloo Frozen Custard. Igloo has two locations Igloo Frozen Custard 1817 Troxel Dr, Lafayette, IN 47909 and 4909 Tazer Dr, Lafayette, IN 47905 Lafayette, IN 47905. Both are featured on The Sweet Temptations, Ice Scream You Scream, and Just Cruisin' Trails.

Blog Written by: Lindsey Skeen