The inside scoop on Chicago's best ice cream to celebrate National Ice Cream Day

Nothing says "summer" like ice cream! This year, National Ice Cream Day takes place on Sunday, July 20. Whether it's visiting the Museum of Ice Cream Chicago in the historic Tribune building or just looking for an impromptu trip to grab a rainbow cone, Chicagoans have plenty of choices when it comes to sweet spots for a cool treat.

Harry Potter Shop Chicago's spellbinding sundae station

While not specifically an ice cream shop, Harry Potter Shop Chicago is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with an entire week of spellbinding sundaes at its Butterbeer-branded sundae station. On Sunday, July 20, Butterbeer ice cream with toppings will be free for the first 100 customers. After those customers, all others can purchase an ice cream and receive free toppings.

Special toppings include:

• Mini chocolate frogs
• Butterbeer syrup
• Jellybeans
• House-colored sprinkles
• Chicago-specific topping: Butterbeer pop corn crumble 

Additionally, from Monday, July 21, through Saturday, July 26, every Butterbeer ice cream purchase at the Harry Potter Shop will come with free toppings. Visit the magical sundae shop at 676 N. Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago.

Other Chicago ice cream shops to visit

Jeni's Ice Cream (908 W. Randolph St.) has locations all over Chicago, but notably in the West Loop, there's usually always a line to get into this hotspot. This shop is known for having unforgettable and crave-worthy flavors. Some of their most unique flavors include Wildberry Lavender, Middle West Whiskey & Pecans, Frosé Sorbet, Boston Cream Pie, and Maple Soaked Pancakes, to name just a few.

Margie’s Candies (1960 N. Western) brings back the 50s diner feel with shakes, malts and sundaes. Known far and wide, this popular parlor has delighted patrons with rich, heavenly desserts and candies for over 90 years.

The Original Rainbow Cone (9233 S. Western) is considered an iconic ice cream institution. The south side establishment stacks the perfect combination of colors to achieve a blissful burst of flavor in every bite. For over nine decades, they’ve sliced orange sherbet, pistachio, palmerhouse, strawberry and chocolate into a work of art depicting their signature cones.

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Scooter's Frozen Custard (1658 W. Belmont) serves up locally sourced frozen custard made fresh daily. Enjoy concretes, sundaes, shakes, malts, floats, cups, and cones at this locally owned shop with authentic ingredients and exceptional service.

Eli’s Ark (1843 W. North Ave.), a gelato shop in Wicker Park, offers animal-shaped scoops that delight patrons of all ages. Try a scoop shaped like a bunny, bear, dog, chicken, pig, or unicorn, with artistically placed candy facial features and ears made of chocolate.

Bombo Bar (832 W. Randolph) is home to the irresistible bombolini—a hole-less Italian doughnut infused with ever-changing filling flavors that steals the show atop Bombo’s highly Instagrammable gelato shakes.

Pretty Cool Ice Cream (2353 N. California) is a small handmade artisan ice cream company specializing in frozen novelties. Through collaboration with local artists, each item is carefully crafted for a look and flavor that’s as diverse as the city.

Legend Tasty House (2242 S. Wentworth), located in the heart of Chinatown, puts on a show as they scrape, chop, mix, flatten, and expertly roll Thai ice cream, which is served upright in a cup with optional mix-ins and garnished with colorful, tasty toppings.

Taiyaki Chicago (2468 N. Clark St.) brings unique treats to the community. Taiyaki is a traditional dessert in Japan translating to “fried fish.” Various fillings are molded into a fish shape, baked in cast iron and filled with soft serve ice cream.