Some places are worth building an entire adventure around. Penn State Berkey Creamery is one of them. As fate would have it, my Adventure Buddy and I found ourselves in State College on National Ice Cream Day, and there was absolutely no way I was leaving town without finally visiting the home of my favorite ice cream flavor ever...Monkey Business (banana ice cream, peanut butter swirl, chocolate chips). I'd fallen in love with Monkey Business last summer after trying it at an ice cream shop close to my house, but somehow I'd never actually made it to the Creamery itself. Correcting that oversight immediately became part of the day's adventure plan! We arrived around 12:30 on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, fully expecting National Ice Cream Day to mean complete chaos. Surprisingly, it wasn't. Busy? Absolutely. But the line moved quickly, everyone seemed to know exactly what they were doing and the whole operation ran like a well-oiled ice cream machine. Then I looked around. Cheese. Sticky buns. Chocolate milk. Bagels. Ice cream. Ice cream. More ice cream. At one point I turned to my Adventure Buddy and said..."I could live here." Ordering couldn't have been easier. First, you tell the cashier whether you're getting a cone, bowl or shake and pay. Then you move down to the ice cream counter, where you pick your flavor. Finally...you wait for your number to be called so someone can hand you what can only be described as an absurdly generous serving of happiness. While I waited, I sampled the Grilled Stickies flavor. Big mistake! It was phenomenal! For approximately fifteen seconds, I seriously considered abandoning my beloved Monkey Business and trying something new. Fortunately...I came to my senses. Monkey Business and I have history together. When my number was called, the gentleman behind the counter handed me a bowl that was significantly larger than I expected. And yes...I audibly squealed. Again. Right there in the middle of the Creamery. I looked at him and said, "You absolutely made my day!" Because he had. We found a table outside on the patio to enjoy the beautiful weather, performed a few completely necessary happy food dances and proceeded to enjoy every glorious bite of what is still, without question, my favorite ice cream flavor on Earth. For only $6. On National Ice Cream Day. Honestly, I don't know how that day could've gotten any better. PRO TIP: Don't skip the sample spoon! There are so many incredible flavors that it's worth trying something new before committing. Just be warned...you may accidentally discover another favorite! I also learned that Berkey Creamery ships ice cream to the lower 48 states. This information feels...dangerous. Living only about an hour and a half away, I probably don't need to have Monkey Business shipped directly to my house. But...I may have to test the process someday. You know...in the name of science! If you're anywhere near State College, do yourself a favor and make the stop. Whether you're a Penn State fan, an ice cream enthusiast or just someone who appreciates an exceptionally well-run small operation, Berkey Creamery absolutely lives up to its legendary reputation. WE ARE...ICE CREAM HEAVEN! read more

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My younger self would be dismayed with my present self for this ranking. This is probably the most iconic ice cream shop in all of Pennsylvania, and I attach a good amount of teenage memories to it. That said, while there are some really wonderful features of their ice cream, particularly the texture of small chocolate chunks they embed, it's not actually the greatest ice cream in existence. The chocolate is too milky, the mint too green and artificial, etc. It might make more sense to think of it as exemplary commercial rather than distinctly artisinal? read more

Don't think about the calories. Think about eating some of the best ice cream you have ever had. You can't go wrong with any flavor. From Arboretum Breeze with mint, chocolate, and raspberries to Shaver's Creek Bittersweet Mint, every scoop is delicious. The prices are reasonable, the service is efficient, and the experience is part dessert, part tradition, and part nostalgia. For a Penn State alum, its a required ritual when in town. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Ice Cream! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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Great ice cream. Big space and big servings. The "single" cone looks to have 4-5 scoops of super creamy and flavorful dessert. Servers were very friendly and helpful, especially when discussing how to pack some pints to go. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - the system behind the ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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Wow! Don't let the long line fool you. They have a system there and before you know it you are as happy as can been eating your scoop of ice cream. read more

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Pretty easy to rate, slam dunk. This in campus ice cream shop is a wonderful treat, pun intended. Get in the perpetual line, pay $6 for a bowl (can get cones too) move to the station for bowls, flavors listed, get ample serving of the best ice cream you might imagine. Straightforward Death by Chocolate lives (pun intended) up to its hyperbolic greatness. The coconut Happy Happy Joy Joy is a refreshing delight. Good value for the cost. Organized. Good idea: every table has a container of wet wipes. Ice cream drips, exuberance in kids make messes, sticky tables ensue, wet wipes being handy is smart. Keeps tables useable. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Death by chocolate - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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Very good but the base ice cream is a little bit sickeningly sweet. We had the grilled sticky, death by chocolate and alumni swirl. Alumni swirl was my favorite. It was still very sweet but the blueberries toned it down a nice amount. The service is good, they are a well oiled machine and are great at keeping it moving. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Death by chocolate Grilled sticky - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

Top notch ice cream. Everytime we got to State College we try to stop by. We went mid day on a Thursday and missed all the lines! They are one size only for their ice cream, so make room! The half gallon containers are slightly overpriced, but the quality of ice cream makes up for it! We got fluffernutter and peanut butter Swirl. Simply Amazing. Peanut Butter Marshmallow is my new favorite flavor! The blue and white decor and the gift shop inside is awesome! The PSU college store is amazing. If I went to college here I would be here everyday. Summertime is key at Berkey Creamery, TONS of outdoor seating. If you are visiting PSU, move this to the top of your list! Pair it up with lunch at The Field Burger and Tap! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Peanut Butter Marshmallow - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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Good ice cream, not worth the trip to Penn State for it but good. If you are there it's worth the trip but to me nothing overly special aside the fact it was not sweet and did taste of high quality. Nice outdoor seating. Kind of like a mini mart with ice cream inside! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - entrance / patio - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

Amazing, delicious ice cream and friendly staff. The portions are generous and you can try a few samples before deciding. Lovely atmosphere on the Penn State campus. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

NO FRILLSSSS no mixed flavors but hands down some amazing ice cream. They have a ton of seating and the Line moves super quick. Ask for samples! I was hesitant as to which flavor to pick and ended up trying a few samples. Definitely recommend! Limited vegan options. read more

Oh my! This place is legit. I had heard that Penn State is proud of its ice cream, and with some justification! I got the death by chocolate on our visit to the Uni, and it was decadent! Rich, dense, creamy - I make chocolate ice cream myself, and their version is special (the chocolate mix ins add to the experience). $6 per ice cream (one size, bowl or cone, enormous portion), you pay at first counter, order at second counter, and pick up at third. After I consumed my first ice cream, I was faced with the prospect of having to drive 2 hours again to have it. So I went back to the store and got a second death by chocolate ice cream, and felt very happy... Look, I'm not proud of it. I don't usually overeat. But I didn't want to be consumed with regrets over not having it again. And I felt very satisfied on my drive back... They do have plenty of seating, indoors and outdoors. For those traveling from afar, they sell packaged ice cream (way cheaper prices than ordering online) and thermal bags. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

Finally got to get some ice cream at the famous Berkey Creamery! I had been wanting to come here for years! They had about 12 flavors or so. $6.00 a cup/cone, just one size...and that size, is HUGE! They hook it up here! We went with Peachy Paterno, Alumni Swirl, and something else....it was like a Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl....I forgot the name of it. Anyways.......all 3 flavors were EXCELLENT! Rich, creamy, so flavorful. Loved all 3 flavors but I think Peachy Paterno was my favorite. I also picked up some bagged coffee, and 2 things of Stickies (these things are like crack...so good!). Parking is right behind the creamery and it was only a couple of bucks. Definitely recommend coming here if you are near the campus. It was some GREAT ice cream! Service was incredibly friendly, too! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Alumni Swirl, Peachy Paterno and some chocolate peanut butter one (forgot the name). All excellent! Huge portions! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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They are like the Chick-fil-A of ice cream joints. There was a long line but it moves so fast and efficiently. They have a line dedicated for those just coming in to buy pre-packaged items and a separate line for ice cream. They have a great selection of ice cream to get in cones or cups to enjoy in the moment. I was disappointed they weren't scooping Alumni Swirl but I was able to get a cone of Death by Chocolate and a little baby Alumni Swirl in the pre-packaged section. Lots of seating outside and limited seating inside. It was a nice crisp spring day so we sat outside and had no problem finding seating. You can also purchase ice cream and take it home on dry ice! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Death by Chocolate - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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Never heard of a school bragging about their creamery until my fiancé (a very proud alum). Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, reasonable prices, & plenty of options! Absolutely loved the cookies & cream on a cone. Very light and creamy, almost like a custard with plenty of cookie bits. Plus, I was kind of surprised by the size! I'm looking forward to coming back for games & trying new flavors! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Cookies n cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

I was in the area, so I decided to visit the creamery again! The first time I went during the summer, I tried the Peachy Paterno, which I loved a lot! They used real peach chunks! This time around, I was able to visit the gallery next door which displays some of the history of the creamery. I found that the Black Raspberry Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate Milk had won awards so I decided to try them. The chocolate milk was great and creamy! While the black raspberry frozen yogurt was great, I like the peachy paterno flavor more and would recommend that over the black raspberry frozen yogurt. The service was great and even though there was a huge line before the cash register, I was helped within 5 minutes. They also give you sooo many scoops -- probably at least 4-5 scoops in my ice cream cone! read more

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Delicious and efficient ice cream place despite how large and busy it gets! It's often loud and hard to find nearby seating, but in the heart of SC campus, you're never too far from another public bench. read more

We made a point to stop here on a cross country try road trip because my hubby remembered how tasty and creamy the ice cream is here- and he was right! Maybe the best I've tasted in a while. Nice selection of products for the Penn State students and priced fairly, as well. We sat outside, but inside is pretty basic campus cafeteria feeling. The service was fine- they could smile more, but I'm from the south read more

It's a rainy and cold day, but the Creamery is hopping. The indoor tables are full and many people are outside at those tables. Although the line is long, it moves quickly. The people working here are friendly and helpful. The ice cream is fantastic! It's creamy and delicious and reasonably priced. The parking is tough. There's a parking garage around the corner but we didn't want to pay for parking. There's a lot nearby so we tried that and got a warning on our windshield not to park there again. read more

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Visiting and told a must go place. They completely delivered. Great atmosphere great ice cream

Half ice cream shop half experience, the cult-like following had a line wrapped around the corner for a majority of the day (during graduation weekend) but we went back close to close and got our servings. They had nut free stations which was perfect for my twist. I know I'll be back and tempted to buy some to go and maybe some gear read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Vanilla BEAN - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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I do not understand why this place does not have five stars. The Berkey Creamery is a Penn State tradition and one of the oldest university creameries in the United States, and that history really shows. It is staffed by students and there is a friendly vibe. Be warned, though, on football weekends, the line can wrap around the block. The ice cream is excellent and made with quality ingredients. It tastes rich, fresh, and full of flavor. The portions are generous whether you order a cone or cup, and because the ice cream is so rich, even a regular serving is plenty. They also offer a variety of unique flavors like Peachy Paterno, Happy Happy Joy Joy, and many others, which makes the experience even more memorable. It is the kind of place where you want to come back and try something different each time. They also sell ice-cream novelties like their ice cream sandwiches which are made with different ice cream flavors and cookies like chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and butter cookies. Their milkshakes are also very good. In addition to ice cream, they sell their own cheese, milk, cream, and meat products, along with souvenir items like shirts, mugs, and cups. If you want to take some home, they also sell pints and half gallons, along with dry ice so you can keep everything frozen in a cooler while you travel. There are also fabric insulated bags available for the same purpose, which is very convenient. Some of the negative reviews do not seem fair to me. My experience was very positive, and I thought the quality, the choices, and the overall experience were all excellent. The Berkey Creamery is a great stop for anyone visiting Penn State or State College, and I would definitely recommend it. read more

I know, I know, why not 5 stars? I mean, this is your Alma Matar, so why only 4 stars? Well, it's really good ice cream but certainly not the best. But it is the best on campus! The creamery has changed over the years and now they have the version (ice cream shop) we all wait in line for today. If it's a football weekend, prepare for a super long line and wait times. It's a very nice and modern facility with restrooms and tables and chairs inside and out. I always get mint chocolate chip but I would also recommend a shake or any flavor of ice cream. Always yummy! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - a group of people walking down a sidewalk - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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Stopped by the Penn State Creamery while visiting campus, and it did not disappoint. I got two scoops--cookies and cream, and strawberry--in a cup. I only managed to snap a photo of the cookies and cream because I devoured the strawberry scoop almost instantly... it was that good. Super fruity, refreshing, and honestly the perfect treat for a 90-degree summer day. The cookies and cream was classic--rich, creamy, and loaded with cookie chunks. But that strawberry? That was the winner for me. It tasted like real fruit, not artificial at all, and hit the spot in the heat. Always a must-stop when I'm on campus. Pro tip: be ready for a bit of a line, but it moves quick and is absolutely worth the wait. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

Looking for amazing ice cream then this is the place to go. As someone who loves ice cream, you may see me here at least four times a month. I cannot say enough positive things about the creamery! I'm glad for the indoor and outdoor seating. It's the best place to come with family or friends. Quick order at the counter and get your scoops at the following windows. If you're traveling through Penn State the Creamery is the place to go to. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

We made a stop here for dessert while visiting Penn State for a campus visit. It has a fun college vibe and the ice cream was wonderful! I ordered a cup of the blueberry and chocolate chip ice cream. Yum! It had a light taste but was super creamy. My husband got the Death by Chocolate in a cone. He said it was excellent. If you go, be sure to save room for your ice cream as they are huge servings! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Blueberry & Chocolate Chip - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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The mint chip ice cream was delicious and super creamy, and the white chocolate raspberry was just as amazing. They were very accommodating with allergies and were willing to change the scooper to avoid any cross-contamination, which I really appreciated. Portions are huge, and the service is fast. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Mint Chip and White Chocolate Raspberry - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

Bakers had great ice cream and many flavors. They give you a great amount of ice cream as well (a lot) but there can be long lines and maybe a bit pricey but overall very good read more

The Creamery at Penn State is on another level -- hands down the best ice cream you'll ever find! I'm lactose intolerant and haven't had ice cream in over 20 years, but I couldn't resist taking a single teaspoon taste... and WHOA. The flavor, the creaminess, the pure quality -- absolutely unforgettable. My family enjoyed full scoops (and trust me, they made sure to describe every bite in detail), and their smiles said it all. Whether you're a die-hard ice cream lover or just curious, this is a stop you simply cannot miss when visiting campus. read more

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This place is amazing! This was my first time going to the creamery. The flavors of ice cream are amazing! And they give you massive scoops, which is well worth your money. My all time favorite is death by chocolate. It definitely pairs well with berries (especially strawberries). The service is amazing and all the cream is local. They have ice cream that is locally made and even a variety of cream cheese. There is tons of seating outside and a few places to sit inside. The place is huge. I definitely will be coming back here. read more

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Not much to say that hasn't been said, but the creamery is a must visit in state college. It's run like a tight ship, down to selling freezer packs and dry ice for your trip home. Make sure you visit a few times to try out seasonal flavors as well! read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Banana chocolate peanut butter!! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

When you visit a particular area, you always gotta try the thing that place is known for. For New York City, it's thin crust pizza. For Queens, it's authentic ethnic food. For Penn State, you gotta try ice cream at the creamery in terms of food. It's definitely a step above the many artisanal ice cream places in NYC like Van Leuwen and definitely better than the chains like Ben and Jerry. How could it not be? There are cows literally a few miles away. In my recent visit I got scoop of a some kind of variation of chocolate ice cream. It was pretty fresh and tasty and was perfect for a hot summer day. The space itself does slightly feel touristy with all the random gift shop type items that they have. But the service was fairly quick even on a hot summer day. Had I lived closer I probably would have gotten a gallon or two of ice cream to go. read more

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I've had my fair share of ice cream and this is excellent ice cream. The hype (and plethora of five star reviews) is well deserved. Our friend took us here while showing us a bit around campus. We all went with cups that were filled above the brim by fast and friendly staff--definitely generous portions for $6/each. I got the Lion S'mores, which is vanilla (with blue coloring... yay school spirit!), graham crackers, chocolate chips, and a marshmallow cream. Aside from being very tasty flavor-wise, also a perfectly creamy, almost on the custardy side, texture. Would definitely pop in for another round the next time we're visiting the area. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Lion S'mores - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

Stopped here on the way home from a recent trip. Had the monkey business flavored ice cream. Was excellent, and even tho there was a long line, service was super quick. Big thumbs up. read more

Penn State Berkey Creamery - Monkey business flavored ice cream. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - University Park, Pennsylvania

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Mid. It's over hyped, parking is a joke, and the options are limited. Pricing is high too. I always tell people to try cause If you don't you'll always wonder. But no one is making this stop on the regular unless your a college kid walking there with dads money. Anytime Penn state has something going on the line will be crazy long. read more

Amazing ice cream! Not sure if you can do better than PSU ice cream. If you're on campus, the Creamery is a must-visit! They also sell pretty good coffee and Ye Old College Sticky Buns! read more

Not much review, is the ice cream good? For sure, if you are in Happy Valley it is worth a stop price is reasonable, out door and indoor seating options but definitely more outdoor seating than indoor. read more

This is a must-stop when in the area - the creamery goes right back to the roots of the agricultural college...and you can taste it. There are a (rotating) variety of selections of ice cream to choose from - nowadays showing on a screen - all tasty. Stopped in 3 times in 3 days while hanging out nearby - ordered the same flavor - peanut butter - some of the best I've had. Service can be a bit slow at times as there is often a huge line (I was actually there between semesters & it was still packed) - it is worth the wait. They were doing a great job with sanitization with 'moist towelettes®' on each table - which also came in handy if you couldn't keep up with the melting ice cream ;) Place comes off as clean & bright - there are also cold prepackaged wraps/sandwiches for sale & other snack items available. No parking in the immediate area, but there is a parking garage right around the corner - oh ..also a decent amount of outside seating. Definitely worth seeking out! read more

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Good ice cream. I only wish there were smaller size options. I'm excited to try the cheese and salami. Coffee was also good with multiple flavors available. read more

Life changing ice cream! I was told to visit the creamery when I came to Penn State. I've sampled other universities' ice cream and can honestly say this is the best. My only sadness is that the flavor I like the most seems to be seasonal in nature and unavailable most visits. This is definitely a place to visit when on campus! read more