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There’s just something about a milkshake that makes life a little sweeter. For me, it brings back memories of Sunday afternoon drives through the countryside with my mom — windows down, radio humming and a stop at a little roadside stand for a milkshake always part of the plan. Those moments were simple, unhurried, and full of love — the kind you don’t realize is golden until you’re grown.
On National Milkshake Day, I can’t help but feel a tug of nostalgia for those sweet times. And here in Arkansas, there’s no shortage of places that still capture that same magic — starting with a purple-hued local legend that’s been serving up smiles since 1989.
The Purple Cow: Where Nostalgia Meets a Perfect Shake
With locations in Little Rock, Hot Springs, Conway, North Little Rock, Benton and one opening this fall in Rogers, The Purple Cow is more than just a restaurant — it’s a full-on experience for “the young of all ages.” Walk through the doors and you’re greeted by checkerboard floors, chrome details, and that unmistakable ‘50s diner charm — all wrapped up in a wash of signature purple.
But it’s the milkshakes that made The Purple Cow famous.
Named by USA Today as the best place to get a milkshake in Arkansas, The Purple Cow’s shakes are hand-dipped and made with ice cream from Yarnell’s, an Arkansas-owned premium creamery. Their signature treat? The Purple Cow milkshake, a sweet, creamy vanilla base with a mysterious grape hue. Some say it’s grape soda. Others say it’s a secret blend. One thing’s for sure — it’s iconic.
Looking for something with a kick? Try one of their “grown-up” shakes, like the Apple Pie Lightning, featuring vanilla ice cream, real apple pie chunks and a shot of Rock Town Distillery’s Apple Pie Arkansas Lightning.
Beyond the shakes, they’re known for gourmet burgers, fresh salads, daily-made soups, deli-style sandwiches, white cheese dip and even beer and wine. And yes — true to diner tradition — they serve your shake in a tall parfait glass and bring the extra in the mixing tin. It’s basically two shakes for the price of one.
Arkansas Milkshake Stops Worth the Drive
While The Purple Cow may be the crown jewel, Arkansas is packed with local favorites blending up thick, sweet, hand-spun perfection. Here’s where to head next:
The Park Wife’s Favorite Shake Stops
- Diamond Drive-In | Clarksville – A must-visit for my family when driving to our cabin.
- Dairy Dream | Mountainburg – Creamy, made-to-order shakes with old-fashioned charm.
- Salem Dairy Bar | Benton – Cones, sundaes and shakes.
- The Bulldog | Bald Knob – World-famous strawberry shortcake with ice cream is just the tip of the iceberg.
- Old Tyme Burger Shoppe | Texarkana – Juicy burgers, thick shakes, and loyal fans.
- Dairyette | Mt Ida – Also try a banana split and chocolate-dipped cone.
- Spark Café Soda Fountain | Bentonville is a 50s-inspired ice cream shop attached to the Walmart Museum on the downtown square.
- Ozark Café in Jasper – Over 100 years old and still serving rich, no-fuss shakes in the heart of the Ozarks.
More Milkshake Spots Across Arkansas
Here’s a roundup of even more shake-worthy destinations from every corner of the state:
- The Frosty Treat | Hot Springs
- Presley’s Drive-In | Jonesboro – Tornadoes and Shakes
- Dari-Delite | Ozark & Paris – Home to the Flavorburst Combo Cone
- Lighthouse Drive Inn | Wickes – 24 handspun soft serve flavors
- Feltner’s Whatta-burger | Russellville – Burgers and shakes
- The Yellowjacket | Sheridan – Don’t miss the Cyclone or Coke Float
- Cruizzers | Mena – Delicious shakes and hand squeezed cherry limeades since 1975 (no social media, no website; he told me “I am old school, don’t even have a fax machine, but open and serving delicious food and treats!”)
- Ray’s | Monticello – Shakes, malts and frosted drinks
- Big Orange | Little Rock, Midtown, West Little Rock, Rogers – Inventive shakes like pistachio, toasted marshmallow, and Arkansas coffee.
- Flashback Pizza & Milkshakes | Rogers – Retro arcade meets dessert overload. Try “The Breakfast Club” shake.
- Tacker’s Shake Shack | Marion, Manila, Wynne – A drive-in classic with shakes, sundaes, and more.
- Fort Smith Museum of History Soda Fountain | If open (check before you drive there), don’t miss a handmade shake at this beautifully restored counter.
From iconic purple shakes in Little Rock to backroad dairies serving up handmade blends, Arkansas is a milkshake lover’s dream. This National Milkshake Day, support a local spot, order something classic or crazy, and treat yourself to one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a beautiful day for a long drive through the beautiful Arkansas countryside.
Did I miss your favorite milkshake spot? I’d love to hear about it! Drop it in the comments so we can keep the sweet list growing — after all, there’s always room for one more shake stop on the road.
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