Indianola’s newest ice cream shop, Muddy Puddles, may bring in customers with its flavorful lineup, but the story behind the shop goes further than a sweet treat.

When walking into Muddy Puddles, the atmosphere is bright, unique and joyful. The walls are painted orange, umbrellas decorate a checkered ceiling and kids’ toys spread across the room;  the shop was clearly inspired by someone’s personality.  

That someone is Maximillion Robert Widler Wood.

Maximillion is the late son of Rusti and Andrew Wood, the founders of Muddy Puddles. Their website, “Muddy Puddles,” states, “Our mission is rooted in the joy, laughter, and light of our late son, Maximillion. Inspired by his love for life’s simple pleasures- jumping in muddy puddles to enjoying a scoop of strawberry ice cream. We are dedicated to honoring his memory by fostering deep connections within our community.”

The shop’s name, Muddy Puddles, is an expression of who Maximillion was. His favorite show was “Peppa Pig,” but the episode “Muddy Puddles” resonated with who he was. His parents said he was a kid who loved being outside, getting messy, laughing and splashing in every puddle. 

“That was his favorite show ever; that was him. He just loved life,” Rusti Wood said. 

Naming the shop after a “Peppa Pig” episode was the start of creating the way he viewed life, with curiosity, kindness and joy.

The ice cream shop has been part of the family’s plans for several years, but it only began to take shape early last year. After searching for the perfect location, defining the atmosphere and dealing with several regulations and setbacks, they finally opened on Oct. 24, 2025. 

“There were other plans outside of our control,” Andrew Wood said. 

While they were disappointed with a slow start during their October opening, they still valued having the time to meet and talk with their customers.

Advertisements and social media outreach have proved beneficial, but word of mouth has been their best source of awareness. 

“My neighbor came in and said I had to try it,” customers told Rusti and Andrew Wood. 

The shop is a place where families can linger, high schoolers can hang out and kids can play while munching on sweet ice cream. Their website states, “We believe that by coming together to build spaces where families can laugh, play, and make memories, we can spread kindness and keep Maximillion’s spirit shining bright for everyone.”

All of the shops’ designs were intentional, and the flavors are written only on the dip tanks to spur employee-customer conversation. 

“We want our team talking just like he would,” Rusti Wood said. 

Maximillion loved people as he remembered names, talked to everyone and was always kind and curious. The shop intends to reflect this spirit.

Along with the shop, the Woods launched Maximillion’s Muddy Puddles Foundation, a 501© (3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting grieving families and building the Indianola Children’s Memorial Splash Pad. While the simultaneous launch was not planned, the mission is clear. 

“Our mission is rooted in the joy, laughter, and light of our late son, Maximillion,” their website, “Muddy Puddles,” said. 

The foundation provides immediate support for families who have faced an unexpected loss and the struggles that come with it.

Inside the shop, the ice cream itself is special. The Woods have collaborated with other ice cream shop owners and found a tight-knit and helpful community to receive tips and suggestions from, as well as receive help through their opening process.

Their flavors are made without artificial coloring and with extremely fresh cream. Their dairy-free, coconut-based flavors have also been one of their best-selling items. Seasonal specials, such as pumpkin, were so popular that the Woods struggled to keep it in stock. The Woods love hearing customer opinions and suggestions to ensure the best flavors. 

Muddy Puddles was inspired by a child’s joy, carried forth by a loving family and shared with Indianola’s community. It is becoming a space where people can gather and the Woods hope customers can look back in time and remember the joy and laughter they shared over ice cream.