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Get nostalgic at Iowa’s old-fashioned soda fountains

Get nostalgic at Iowa’s old-fashioned soda fountains

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

By Katie Giorgio

February 2, 2025

Soda fountains are nostalgic, fun, and tasty spots to grab a drink or treat. Check out eight soda fountains in Iowa that are still operating today.

Soda fountains used to be all the rage in the United States, particularly in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. They were stand-alone restaurants or, more often, part of an apothecary, pharmacy, ice cream parlor, or candy store. While the experience of sitting down at a counter and ordering up your favorite carbonated beverage isn’t as easy to do as it was decades ago, we did find a few spots across the state of Iowa where you can slip and sip back in time.

Read on to learn more about eight of Iowa’s old-fashioned soda fountains, where you can order a dose of nostalgia and quench your thirst.

1. Wilton Candy Kitchen

310 Cedar St., Wilton

(563) 732-2278

The famed Wilton Candy Kitchen has served sweet treats with old-fashioned service since 1860! What started as a confectionery later expanded into a restaurant, soda fountain, and ice cream parlor. Today, it carries on that legacy, but it also has a museum you can tour to learn more about the history of this well-known local soda fountain. We recommend ordering one of Wilton’s old-fashioned sodas made right there at the fountain, which has a host of flavor options. 

2. Sweet Mercantile Soda Fountain and Candy Shop

98 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids

(319) 200-7766

Sweet Mercantile is a relatively new kid on the block when it comes to historic soda fountains. But what Sweet Mercantile lacks in history, it makes up for in charm. Located in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village, this soda fountain offers a wide array of soda fountain offerings and ice cream treats to choose from. Heck, you can even grab a float! Plus, it houses a candy store where you can stock up on sweet treats, both modern and nostalgic. And there’s a party room you can rent for a fun gathering. 

3. The Corner Sundry

101 North Buxton St., Indianola

(515)-961-9029

The Corner Sundry has been a mainstay in Indianola for some 70 years. What originally served as a traditional corner store selling dry goods, snacks, drinks, ice cream, and tobacco products has turned into a community gathering spot when you need a taste of old-fashioned fountain drinks, ice cream, coffee, sandwiches, or snacks. Belly right up to the counter or grab a table. They have also stepped into the modern era, offering reservations and online orders. No matter how you experience it, you will surely appreciate your taste of the Corner Sundry. 

4. Lagomarcino’s 

2132 East 11th St., Davenport

(563) 324-6137

Known for their fine chocolates, Lagomarcino’s has been a part of the Quad Cities treat scene since 1908. The Davenport location opened in the Villages of East Davenport in the 1990s and features a classic soda fountain, ice cream, and their signature chocolates. Now run by the fourth generation of the Lagomarcino family, who brought their culinary flair when they immigrated from Italy, it’s a delicious spot to treat yourself to some decadence. 

5. The Farmacy Soda Fountain and Coffee House

506 2nd St., Ida Grove

(712) 300-6063

This soda fountain is new on the scene in a historic space that has been restored. Here at the Farmacy, you can order ice cream (in a dish, cone, shake, or malt) as well as a wide variety of cream sodas, ice cream sodas, root beer floats, and phosphates (a mix of phosphoric acid, soda, and syrup). Plus, this spot has also begun to offer a whole host of coffee beverages and plans to continue expanding its menu to include paninis, build-your-own-sandwiches, and side dishes.

6. Penn Drug

714 Illinois St., Sidney

( 712) 374-2513

This is one soda fountain where you can sip on your sweets and shop to your heart’s content. Part soda fountain, part drugstore, and part gift shop, Penn Drug is one of the oldest soda fountains in the state of Iowa, continually operating since 1863. You can peruse adorable seasonal decor, grab medication to keep your cupboard stocked, get your flu shot, and then order up a classic phosphate beverage and a bowl of soup. We suggest ordering a banana split, which comes in a tasty waffle bowl. You can thank us later. 

7. Montross Pharmacy

118 North 1st Ave., Winterset

(515) 462-2282 

Since 1921, Montross Pharmacy has been a cherished landmark on Winterset’s downtown square. Step inside and take a seat at the vintage counter, where their famous milkshakes and soda fountain drinks continue a century-old tradition. Beyond the beloved treats, this historic spot serves as both the community pharmacy and a charming gift shop, blending modern convenience with nostalgic appeal.

8. Charlie’s Soda Fountain

2 N 4th St, Clear Lake

When you are in the Clear Lake area, make a point to stop by Charlie’s Soda Fountain. In the heart of downtown, just a block from the lake, this quaint shop serves delicious soda concoctions and ice cream treats. They have also added some interesting more modern menu options to try out, including boba lemonades and acai bowls, both of which are very refreshing in the summer months. Grab a seat at the counter and savor the sweetness. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.Get nostalgic at Iowa’s old-fashioned soda fountainsGet nostalgic at Iowa’s old-fashioned soda fountains

  • Katie Giorgio

    Katie Mills Giorgio is a freelance writer, editor, and nonprofit professional living and working in her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She’s written for a wide variety of publications, including WashingtonPost.com, BHG.com, and U.S. News & World Report. 100 Things to Do in Cedar Rapids Before You Die, her first book came out in October 2022. Learn more at katiemillsgiorgio.com or follow her on Instagram at @ktmgiorgio.

CATEGORIES: FOOD AND DRINK
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