Farson Mercantile — Restaurant in Rock Springs

The Farson Mercantile is a general store located in the small town of Farson, Wyoming. While not widely known on a national scale, this mercantile has developed a bit of a local legend, particularly due to its homemade ice cream, generous hospitality, and rustic charm that captures the spirit of rural Wyoming.

Key Aspects of the Farson Mercantile Story: Iconic Ice Cream: One of the main draws to Farson Mercantile is its massive ice cream cones. Travelers often stop specifically for this treat, and it’s become somewhat of a rite of passage for people driving through southwestern Wyoming. The store is particularly famous for the “Big Cone,” which is huge by any standard. Rural Landmark: Situated at the crossroads of two highways (US 191 and WY 28), Farson Mercantile is a key pit stop for travelers heading toward Jackson Hole, the Wind River Range, or Yellowstone. Because of its remote location, it has served as a critical supply point for locals and adventurers alike. Community Hub: Beyond selling goods and snacks, the Mercantile often serves as a gathering spot for locals. In many small towns, especially in the rural West, general stores function as a kind of social hub—Farson Mercantile is no exception. Old West Charm: The store reflects the values and aesthetics of the Old West: independence, practicality, and friendliness. Its wooden structure and eclectic mix of goods make it feel like stepping back in time. Origin Story: While there isn’t an official widely circulated “origin myth,” Farson Mercantile likely started as a classic rural general store and gradually became a roadside sensation thanks to word of mouth and its giant ice...

Bait and switch warning - the manager (owner?) should be ashamed for her dishonest and disrespectful behavior. Don't expect to be treated with dignity at this business, especially if you're a minority. I love huckleberry ice cream so I asked if I could have two 4-scoops divided into separate containers so I could take the leftovers home, which she said no to - which is perfectly reasonable and I had no problem with. I got two 2-scoops instead then went back to order a 4-scoop to go. The lady taking my order asked if I wanted it in one or two containers so I told her it doesn't matter, whichever works better. The manager then rang me up for two 3-scoops instead - nearly double what I ordered. She got confrontational when I told her I ordered one 4-scoop and tried to shame me in front of other customers - as if I was the one trying to screw her over. Meanwhile the lady who took my order acted as if I didn't even exist. I wasn't in the mood to argue or hold up the line so I paid, whatever. I hope the extra $8 in the till was worth souring someone's day and losing future business. Hopefully one day you'll learn the virtue...

Lost & Found: Ice Cream Edition – Farson Mercantile, Farson, Wyoming

Ever driven past a place so many times that it becomes practically invisible? Well, that was Farson Mercantile for me—a little shop in the absolute middle of nowhere, Wyoming. So hidden, in fact, that even Google Maps might shrug and say, "Good luck, buddy."

A family member asked if I’d ever stopped by. My response? "Wait, there’s something out there besides sagebrush?" So, I figured I’d check it out. Naturally, I drove right past it, caught a glimpse in my rearview mirror, and thought, "Was that it, or did I hallucinate an ice cream sign?"

Thankfully, I had been warned: only get one scoop. Holy cow! That “single” scoop was so massive it probably has its own zip code. I’ve seen smaller snowdrifts.

So, if you ever find yourself on Highway 28, passing through Farson, WY, do yourself a favor—stop at Farson Mercantile, grab some ice cream, and embrace the fact that there isn’t another store for 100 miles. Your taste buds will thank you, and your kids (and spouse) might forgive you for the long detour.

Remember, in the land of the lost, ice...