B&G Milkyway: Sioux Falls Ice Cream Tradition

The simple, small red-and-white buildings are as much a part of Sioux Falls as the falls themselves. For over 70 years, summer in the Sioux Empire has been made sweeter by B&G Milkyway.

The First B&G Milkyway Opened in 1954

"To look at the buildings, you will see what your grandparents saw when they went to get ice cream many, many years ago," B&G Milkyway says on its website. That’s exactly what the first B&G Milkyway looked like when Ray Starks opened it in 1954 at 2410 W. 12th Street. At the time, that location sat on the edge of Sioux Falls. But that didn't stop people from quickly falling in love with Milkyway's ice cream.

Get our free mobile app

What Does B&G Milkyway Stand For?

By the way, have you ever wondered what the 'B' and 'G' in B&G Milkyway stand for? It's for Bertha and Guy Higgins. In the mid-1960s, the couple bought the original Milkyway from Ray Starks and added their initials to the name. Today, B&G Milkyway is owned by Bruce and Pam Bettmeng.

A Sioux Empire Summer Tradition

B&G Milkyway opened its second location in 1976 at 5508 W. 41st Street in Sioux Falls. A third was added on Sycamore Avenue in 2001. Today, there are 10 B&G Milkyways all over the Sioux Empire. While the menu has expanded, the ice cream is still the star.

Sioux Empire B&G MIlkyway Locations

Summer is one of the best times to be in Sioux Falls. We'll have all the free live music at the beautiful Levitt at the Falls. Our amazing hike and bike trail system will be winding through the city's beautiful parks as they come into full bloom.

And when it gets too warm and the kids are restless, the perfect place for summer fun is one of Sioux Falls' outdoor public pools: