Donnelly’s Soft Ice Cream
This ice cream stand near Saranac Lake has legions of fans of its homemade soft-serve.
Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Donnelly’s is considered by many to be one of the best ice cream stands in the Adirondacks. Open since 1953, it has been continuously run by the same family, with the fourth generation now in charge.
According to an interview in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Donnelly’s estimates they serve 80,000 cones per year.
Two daily flavors.
Famous for offering only two flavors, vanilla and one other flavor that rotates daily, customers choose their preferred size — baby, regular and large. And that’s it!
Check out their Facebook page for the weekly flavor schedule. And leave your credit card at home — Donnelly’s is a cash-only joint.
The famous ice cream with the flat top.
Another unique feature is the shape of Donnelly’s ice cream cones. Unlike the typical soft-serve cone that culminates in a point (think the top of a Christmas tree), the cones at Donnelly’s are round and somewhat flat on top. Kind of like a butte. The texture is super creamy. Quarts and pints of ice cream are available to take home.
Donnelly’s is located at the corner of Route 186 and Harrietstown Road (AKA Rt 86) between Saranac Lake and Paul Smith’s. According to their legions of fans, it’s worth a drive from anywhere.
Find Donnelly’s Soft Ice Cream between Saranac Lake and Paul Smith’s.
Upcoming events in the Adirondacks Tri-Lakes & High Peaks region.
Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake presents the classic Agatha Christie play “The Mousetrap” during winter carnival.
Save the date! Saranac Lake’s Winter Carnival takes place from January 31 to February 9, 2025.
Experience the thrill of elite Olympic men’s and women’s ski jumping in Lake Placid.
Tupper Lake’s Wild Center presents its incredible annual winter light display, Wild Lights, weekends through February 22, 2025.
Experience the beauty and skill of black ice skating at a workshop with Olympic skater Karen Courtland Kelly.
Experience the enchantment of winter with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the picturesque trails of Paul Smith’s College VIC.
Lantern-lit cross country skiing and snowshoeing, bonfires and beverages and live music at the Whiteface Club.
Comedy Clash features NYC comedians Joey Kola and Tim Krompier.
Strap on your cross-country skis and snowshoes for one of the Adirondacks’ winter season highlights in Tupper Lake.
Over two weekends in March, the world’s top bobsled and skeleton athletes compete to be World Champions.
Attend the inaugural Adirondack Winter PRIDE Celebration in Lake Placid on March 7-9, 2025.
The high-speed action continues during the second weekend of the bobsled and skeleton 2025 World Championship races.
World-Class Rugby Competition in Saranac Lake
Find unique Adirondack gifts and clothing.
Find the other great places near Donnelly’s.
