Here in central California, there is a hidden gem called Superior Dairy in the city of Hanford. This straightforward dairy started in 1929 and is a short 35-40 minute Amtrak train ride from Fresno. After having a fun playdate with friends and posting pictures on my personal account, I’ve been asked by many people about our fun morning because turns out, everyone wants to do it but not many have. I’m here to share our experience and give you all the tips I wish 1) were more accessible, and 2) I knew before we went.
** This is specifically for those traveling from Fresno to Superior Dairy by train.
Get to the AMtrak station 15 minutes early
There is free parking available with the purchase of a train ticket. This means you have to go in to purchase your ticket and take it back to your car and display it on your dashboard. If you’d rather park at a meter, there are tons of spots available but one quarter won’t get you more than 12 minutes. Bring a roll of quarters if you go that route.
Children under two travel for free
They also have paper conductor hats they give out for free to young travelers. Not all employees offer them so if you have a kid that would like one, ask.
For those traveling with little ones, bring a stroller
Once you get to Hanford there’s a short 10 minute walk (less than half a mile) to Superior Dairy. You’ll also be glad to have it when your kid is strapped in while you’re waiting for your train to arrive. Funny how the tracks seem a lot closer to the platform when you’re with kids.
Call in your order if you have a tight window (train schedule)
During school field trip & summer camp season they get quite a few large groups that come in right at opening at 11:00 AM. If you planned your train schedule in a tight window, you can call in your order and pick it up at the side ice cream parlor area. There are a couple of tables you can sit at and enjoy your ice cream if you’re one of the firsts to arrive.
There are two sets of doors at Superior Dairy
There are two sets of doors to enter through. If you’re waiting in the line outside for Superior Dairy to open, you don’t really know which door they are going to open first.
FYI
Superior Dairy currently has 4th generation offspring working there. Respect.
Portions are HUGE
No need to get a scoop for yourself AND your kid unless you both really, really, really need a big portion to be satisfied.
Would you believe that scoop was probably close to half of a normal scoop they usually give? As I was watching them pile scoop after scoop onto the cone, I intervened and told them that was enough. Let’s be honest, half of it would have ended up on the floor with this kid.
This is Prestons, “I’m so thankful” face. We were sitting in the ice cream parlor area at one of the tables.
For those of you that had to get that whole roll of quarters, you’ll have plenty of change to hit up these toy coin machines.
See, even behind the yellow line they look like they’re way too close. Back to the strollers, boys!
Nice calm train ride back to Fresno. Playing with trains on the train.
Preston and his buddy, B, giving knuckles for a great day.
-Jenny
