Really good ice cream and I love that it changes everyday

Awesome ice cream, I love the 'you get what you get' business model. One flavor a day, I personally enjoyed the chocolate vanilla swirl. Cones are a good size and it's cash only. Enjoy the mountain view while you wait in line

Had the Irish cream and coffee soft serve one night and raspberry the next, both were unbelievably tasty. 100% recommend.

We’ve eaten ice cream in 45 states, 24 countries and 5 continents. Donnelly’s remains the best ice cream anywhere.

Great experience and ice cream. If you want a small town ice cream shop, this is a good place. One flavor each day and cash only, so plan ahead!

The best ice cream I have ever had! 🇺🇸🍦👍

Come here regularly amazing love the variety of flavors and all of my family enjoys it. Love the vibes there and the view from outside. Always a line but that just shows how amazing it is

Donnelly's has some of the best software serve ice cream I have experienced. They only offer one flavor per day, so sometimes you have to wait for a personal favorite (mine's lemon), bit it removes almost all delay, as all you need to choose is a size. If you visit the Adirondacks, it is worth the stop.

The ice cream is AMAZING!! Some of the best I've ever had, so creamy! The peanut butter twisted with chocolate is the perfect flavor mix!!

Always love it! The best ice cream in NY

Incredible ice cream. They unfortunately only have one flavor a day but they'll keep you wanting to come back. Highly recommended

The almond twisted with vanilla waa delicious, as expected. The mountains in the surrounding area make it even more enjoyable! Our visitors from Germany loved it too!

Donnelly’s is a must visit when in the Adirondacks! This little ice cream shop is straight out of the 1950’s with all the nostalgia that comes with it. Well worth the potential line for the delicious treat awaiting. There is only one flavor on the day you visit and only open in the summer, so keep an eye on their social media page for details. Highly recommended!

This place surprised us being a tiny little building with a HUGE line of people waiting to get in! They have one flavor each day and you pick what size. The ice cream was the creamiest we've ever had! It was worth the wait!

Gotta come here when your in the area. It's simple soft serve ice cream in three different sizes, make sure to bring cash they dont take credit cards. Each day has a different flavor twist to vanilla. Gotta try it each day

Best soft serve. The raspberry and vanilla is a favorite of mine. They only have one flavor a day but sell tubs of their other flavors, so there is plenty to choose from.

Our regular stop in and out of Saranac Lake. We love it! A new flavor every day. Temp A little high one day and had to get it tipped but the taste and quality was there non the less.

They only have one flavor a day, but it is the creamiest ice cream ever.

This is the best ice cream ever! They're only open Memorial Day to Labor Day, so you can only get this treat during the summer months. It is well worth going a bit out of your way if you can, even for the cost of the gasoline!

One excellent ice cream flavor each day cash only place that can have lines out the door. My family requires 2 or 3 visits each week when we vacation in the Adirondacks. I wish I owned this business.

This is the best ice cream place I have ever been to. It doesn't even matter that they only have one flavor a night. The ice cream is home made and twisted with vanilla. My favorite is their raspberry flavor. My family goes up to the adirondacks every summer, and we make sure we come here at least three times during our trip. I noticed last time that they were selling Donnelly's ice cream shirts and I'm really regretting not buying one. If you are in the area, I would HIGHLY recommend coming here for the fantastic ice cream (don't be scared off by the long line; I promise you it's worth it.)

The most delicious ice cream from a family owned business. Don't be surprised, each day they offer a different flavor or twist, and no other flavors. The ice cream is so good, you'll be glad you stopped. Today's flavor was black raspberry and chocolate twist. Always softserve. Cash only, and don't expect seating, there's very little of that. Most people just stand outside or around their vehicles. Donnelly's is a local favorite.

Best ice cream you'll ever have. They have one flavor each day and make it using an ice cream machine from the 1950s which allows for some of the creamiest, richest ice cream you'll ever find. The place can get extremely busy, so you may have to wait a bit, but it's well worth it. The ice cream also melts very quickly so expect to get some on you and ask for a bowl and spoon even if you get just a cone.

Great experience at Donnelly’s. The soft ice cream was very good, I had gotten a raspberry vanilla twist and it was incredible. Would highly recommend if you are passing by this hidden gem of a ice cream shop.

Best soft serve ice cream in the country. Japan also has some good ice cream, but it's rather a long ways away! You should know that your options for Donnelly's are cup or cone and how large. There are no toppings (why spoil something so good) and the flavor is the twist of the day. Black raspberry is amazing and peanut butter chocolate also delicious.

I'm old enough (58) to have come here as a child when swirls of the soft ice cream were 5 cents per turn, and the milk from the cows was poured into the machines from the milking containers. Then, it was known as Crystal Spring Dairy. This is still the best soft ice cream in North America. I have driven 5 hours from NY for this ice cream alone, and brought back the containers for my refrigerator. Yes, you actually have arrived at the best. Enjoy!

We spent 25 years living in the Saranac Lake, NY, area and have travelled the world. This is the best soft serve ice cream on earth. There is none better...period. The only negative is that they usually only have a couple of flavors at any given time. It is said that Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise have even been here for ice cream. They are only open in the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and everyone looks forward to this every year. It helps us get through the horrible cold winters. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful...and totally worth the drive. Love!

One of the best places in upstate NY for ice cream! Check their Facebook page for posts on their daily flavors. I like how creamy the soft serve is! I highly recommend. I went back for seconds after my first cone!

Best soft serve in the north country makes it worth the drive and the wait in line. Loved the peanutbutter chocolate twist day. **Important note for first time visitors: there is only one flavor per day, and it changes based on the day of the week.

What a wonderful experience! Long drive from Lake placid… super long line with wait of 30 mins, only once choice of flavor… pick the size, done. What a treat. Had the most delicious PB, chocolate twist. Just creamy, optimally sweet and no nonsense. We’ll be back.

My favorite ice cream in the whole world. Soft serve [one flavor per day] made on premises. I grew up a mile away and now live on Cape Cod. Donnelly's is one of my MUST visits when I go back home... especially on Fri for strawberry/vanilla swirl.

One flavor of the day (check Facebook for the flavors!) had maple walnut and strawberry on our 2nd trip both were great. Small run family place, always happy to support local and delicious ice cream! Will be back next time we’re in the area

There's a reason people drive 3-5 hours to get this ice cream. I've had soft serve all over the country. This is, hands down, the best. Redefines what you know about how ice cream should taste. This review might sound hyperbolic and exaggerated...it's not.

so yeah that’s gonna go ahead and be the best ice cream I’ve ever had 🏆

Absolutely the best soft ice cream in the US. Period. Stop.

A different flavor each day...and only one, but the very best custard style soft serve ice cream around. Worth the drive and the wait in line! Cash only or local checks. No seating.

Busy spot in a remote location between lake placid and Tupper Lake. Ice cream is soft serve with 2 flavors per day. Flavor is throughout the ice cream - not sprayed on like some multi-flavor machines do. Very good.

An Oasis in the Forest. Our trip to Donnelly’s was just perfect..All members of the family enjoyed the flavor of the day, but had to eat fast due to the Summer heat.

Amazing ice cream it’s soft and flavorful. They change daily and it makes you want to come back to try them all!

I am not even a huge ice cream fan but the trail guide from Emerald Springs Ranch, another great place just up the road, was raving about it so my daughter and I tried it. I have been converted. The rasberry and vanilla twist was the best ice cream I have ever had and I wish I had gotten a larger size!

I wasn't a believer until I tried it. I couldn't understand how an ice cream shop that serves one flavor a day could be so popular and then I happened to try it. I forget what the flavor was the first time we went, maybe pineapple something? Either way I wasn't even expecting to like it and after that first bite I was hooked. It's delicious soft serve and all their flavors are great, even the classic chocolate vanilla twist is really good. I definitely recommend trying it if you're in the area. Lines can get long but usually move pretty well. Also the view along that road is beautiful. Well worth the trip there if you're not nearby.

Donnelly's ice cream is amazing! The service is always amazing! I make sure to tip the young ladies every time! They are always nice! The ice cream is the best!!! Different flavors every day! The best part is that it's homemade!

Best ice cream ever for many generations. I'm so happy it's still around!

The freshest, best tasting soft serve ice cream I've ever had. The texture is the perfect mix of soft, creamy, and dense. The flavors are well balanced, without being overly sweetened.

I always have to stop at Donnelly's when I am nearby as it's the best soft ice cream ever. There's one flavor each day and they have been using the same equipment since the 50s, which is a testament to their consistency and dedication. Great view of the high peaks of NYS from the stand and easy to get to.

Awesome flavors! I travel over a half an hour, one way, for their ice cream.

BEST ice cream in all of NY state and possibly the world! It is so light it is like eating a cloud! So get the large cause you are going to wish you did. The flavors even if you think you are not going to like it blow your socks off. I always try to camp at campgrounds near Donnelly's because it is that amazing!

I have been coming to this place since I was a small child and I absolutely adore them. I’ve since moved out of state but I make it a point to visit here anytime I’m in NY during the summer. The ice cream is so soft and creamy and the taste and texture is truly unmatched. I love what you guys are doing with switching up the traditional flavors every week!

We loved this soft serve. It was creamy and delicious. The fact that they only served one flavor was actually super exciting for our family. The first stop we had peanut butter swirl and the next time it was blueberry. My older son was making predictions about the flavor they would have and said, "I think it will be something with berries this time". We were all so excited to have blueberries and cream! The line moves fast and the signs are clear. Note: It is cash only! I did see some folks show up and leave to get cash. I hope you'll read this before you go to grab some before you get there.

Twist and they pick the daily flavor, you pick the size. It doesn't matter, this is THE BEST ICE CREAM in NYS. I've had flavors that I don't normally enjoy and loved them. Fresh flavor and an old fashioned soft serve machine. Well worth the trip out and then hit the 1892 restaurant for an amazing chef made meal.

Cash only. One flavor twist per day. Deliciously creamy and unlike any soft serve I've ever had! I was visiting ADK for 5 days and went there twice. I got to try strawberry/vanilla and cherry/vanilla. They have packaged pints/half gallon containers from previous flavors to purchase as well.

By far, the best soft-serve ice cream you will ever taste! I once was so excited, because I was visiting my grandparents, and this is a ways away so we only get to go maybe once every visit. So one time we went, and when I got there, I saw that the flavor of the day was peanut butter, and because of this, I almost didn't get one, but I tried it, and it was delicious. With a variety of flavors, Donnelly's can make anything be delicious and will always meet and far exceed your expectations.

Can't go wrong with chocolate and vanilla twist. I would love to try their more unique flavors, but we were only in the area on Sunday. Very creamy, and the way they swirl the ice cream on the cone is unique! It almost gives it a striped effect. It's extremely creamy, definitely worth the drive we took from Lake Placid to get there.

Great little soft ice cream stand. They only have one flavor, which changes - you pick the size. Stopped twice, first time was chocolate-vanilla twist. Second time was black raspberry-vanilla twist. The ice cream is smooth and creamy. Bring cash, they don't accept cards.

Best iced cream in the north country. Check what flavor it is before you go, as you don't have a choice, but the quality more than makes up for the lack of selection. Black Raspberry is our favorite, followed closely by pistachio. Well worth the trip, even if they're cash-only. Love it.

Great homemade ice cream! Just pick your size, they pick the flavor- what ever one is being sold that day! This is without a doubt the freshest, creamier, soft-serve you will ever encounter. There is simply no other dairy treat like it.

Ice cream is soft and flavors are deliciously soft too, not overpowering. If you like soft serve you'll probably like any flavor they have. Pick a size, the flavor has been decided for you. Always a twist, never plain vanilla. Same machine operating for the past 65 years. Same gorgeous mountain view for the past ten thousand years. Don't miss it if you like nostalgia and yearn for the good old days when things were simple. Also, don't miss it if you love ice cream.

Best ice-cream, been going since the 90s. Uniquely old fashion in all the best ways

The best soft serve I’ve ever had. Hands down. They do one thing and do it extremely well. Be aware that they only offer one flavor per day, and it changes every day.

This ice cream place is a top 3 spot in the ADK.

Kellen Randall

Came here once after a canoe trip with my dad when I was 12 years old. Had the pleasure of returning this past summer and it was just as I remembered. Creamy, soft ice cream in a quaint location and a magnificent view.

Larry Martin

My family and I have been visiting every time we drive upstate for the past 10+ years. Best soft serve ice cream in NY.

Mary Milks

I grew up visiting this ice cream stand. We lived about 5 miles from it. I Just have always loved the ice cream, the flavors, the service the owners and the view. The Best!

Hans Schmid

Stopped by on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Line was long but goes quickly. Typically, one flavor is available at a time. Very soft, soft serv from a vintage machine. A must stop when in the area. old time dairy vibe. Has steps to go inside to order.

Justin Morley

The absolute best ice cream in the Adirondacks, hands down. We stop as often as possible when in the saranac lake area. I have been visiting for over 30 years!

Joseph Fairley (Home Account)

A year ago my kids convinced me to drive 15 minutes outside of Lake Placid, where we were staying...driving past 4 or 5 likley perfectly adequate soft ice cream stands...to end up in the farmlands stopping at someone's farm for ice cream. Donnelly's Soft Ice Cream...a tiny "hut" of a building next to some farm buildings where they have typically 1 flavor fresh that day. It all seemed so foreign to me, with a typical IC place in my home town of Saratoga, NY having 1-2 dozen flavors. So what was the draw...UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME ICE CREAM! So here we are a year later and there was simply no "ask" necessary. Our car simply ended up at Donnelly's! Where we hope they keep doing what they do best!

Tanyathorn

Cute spot for soft serve and a great view. Was yummy ice cream and staffs were friendly. A lot of parking lot

+1

Stephen Anderson

Donnelly’s Soft Serve is easily one of the most unique ice cream stands I’ve ever been to — and totally worth the detour if you're anywhere near Saranac Lake. We made the short drive up from Ampersand Bay Resort to sweeten up a Sunday night before our big hike to Mt. Marcy, and Donnelly’s didn’t disappoint. What makes it so unique? Simplicity. This place runs with the “In-N-Out” model — do a few things and do them well. Your only decision is cup or cone, and what size. The real twist (pun intended) is that they offer one flavor combo per day, served as a twist. That’s it. No exceptions. It’s kind of got that “Soup Nazi” vibe from Seinfeld — so be sure to check their Facebook page to see the daily flavor before you go. On our visit, the flavor was Chocolate twisted with Vanilla — classic and crowd-friendly, which worked well for our small but mighty hiking crew. The night before, though, was Chocolate & Peppermint, which I probably would’ve vetoed. Honestly, I’d love to see them offer two flavors per night to avoid that scenario — but hey, the place was busy, even on a cool, overcast evening, so clearly their model works. Another standout feature? The shape. Most soft serve comes with a tall spiral and a little point on top. Donnelly’s? Not even close. Their cones are round and a bit flat on top — totally different. At first I thought, "Why?" but it actually works. It gives the cone a nice texture and may even help slow down melting. Whatever the reason, it adds to the charm. The vibe is classic small-town ice cream stand. Tiny building, nostalgic energy, no frills — just good ice cream and friendly service. The staff couldn’t have been nicer — welcoming in that warm, small-town way that makes you want to support the place even more. Parking was easy out front, and even though the line was steady, it moved quickly. Bottom line: If you’re in the area, Donnelly’s is a must-stop. Just don’t forget to check that daily flavor before you make the drive!

David Fro

Fast service and delicious ice cream! Always worth the slight detour when they're open. My favorite is chocolate and peanut butter. They only have two flavors a day and it's always a twist. You just pick the size!

Michael Pomarico

North country ice cream at its best. I would literally drive 200 miles to experience this! Back again! Three years later. Still epic, and at the top of the charts. Donnelly’s was a stop on our NY ice cream challenge tour, from Coney Island to the Canadian border. We are rating Donnelly’s tied for number one in New York State. Todays flavor! Honey Cinnamon Vanilla twist! Fantastic. This is a true roadside America ice cream experience not to be missed. From the scenic views of the high peaks of the Adirondacks to the vintage soft serve machine all covered in frost, you just can’t possibly have a better ice cream tasting.

Natalie

Incredible ice cream! So soft and delicious. There is one flavor available each day which you can get on its own or twisted with vanilla. There is a paper hung up there with the flavors available each day of the week. When I went, the daily flavor for Tuesday was raspberry, which was just amazing. They also have tubs of different flavors there like vanilla, banana, chocolate, and a few others for sale if you’d like to take some with you or if the daily flavor doesn’t suit your favor. As many others have noted, bring cash as the place is cash only. Will certainly return! UPDATE: I returned for a second time and the day’s flavor was chocolate. Can’t decide if I like the chocolate or raspberry more.

James M

Simply the best ice cream on the planet. Although they change the flavor around each day I don’t care what it is you’ll love it. I hate pistachios and lemon but love the heck out of it when it’s their ice cream. So soft and creamy, it’s the best ever

Kelly P Bristol

A must-visit if you’re in the Lake Placid region. Located on a farm, this roadside ice cream shop has been a local favorite for decades, serving generations of families. Each day features one flavor that is served as a twist with vanilla. Check their Facebook account for the flavor of the day. Sometimes there’s a line, but it’s worth the wait and a true local treat. IYKYK

+1

Kristi

Absolutely, positively the best ice cream amd worth the 25 minute drive from the campground to get it--at least once! Made our annual visit last week (maybe a couple times) and it was as good as it always is. I have been coming here since I was a little kid and my parents were going when it was still Crystal Springs Dairy. Fantastic product, wonderful history, and great charm. It's cash only, 1 flavor per day and twisted with vanilla (except sometimes on Saturday). This is not a picky eater place and no frills so expect your choices to be size and cone or dish. Enjoy! Oh, did I mention the amazing view?!

Michael Kolanko

Best ice cream ever. I have never had a flavor I did not like. A friend told me to check this place out a few years ago and have been hooked ever since. If your ever near Saranac Lake, go! They make one flavor a day which they post on their fb page. On top of amazing ice cream the view while eating it is wonderful. So go and see why they have been a landmark since 1953 and have a treat from the same machine they opened with way back when!

Mark Hamilton

Best soft-serve on the planet! And I challenge you to find a more breathtakingly beautiful setting for an Ice Cream stand anywhere on earth. When we're visiting the area, this is a daily (sometimes twice a day) destination! People who are looking for variety may be disappointed, as there's only one flavor per day, always twisted with vanilla--but that's part of the charm of this must-see location. Can't wait to come back!

+3

Good ice cream. Very soft and great flavors. Line moves fast as there is only one flavor a day.

The ice cream is incredible. If you have a picky eater with you this isn’t the place for you. Unless you get lucky that is. There’s only one flavor available each day and it changes. Parking is extremely dangerous and difficult as it is not a ton of spots and you’re backing out on a busy highway. There’s no place to sit inside or outside. It’s one of those little gems that has an incredible product so you put up without everything else. Oh and cash only.

Great ice cream, they only sell one flavor each day so if you’re looking for variety, it’s not your place but it was very good ice cream even if it wasn’t my favorite flavor. They also moved people through very quickly. And a beautiful view!

We had heard about this place on the 46 of 46 podcast and decided to give it a try. Small. One flavor a day but it is a good soft serve . Cool place. Friendly. If you are in the area worth getting. I will say that I'm not normally a soft serve guy. I told my wife that this might be the best soft serve I've had.

Ashok Jayakumar

Soft serve is the reason for so many cars that go in and out of the parking lot. They have rotating flavors and we had the chocolate with peanut butter swirl. It takes almost $5 for a standard cup. The soft serve was creamy and had good flavor. This is a cash only establishment.

Rachel Lycan Ward

Very delicious ice cream if you like soft serve, which I do. Really unfortunate customer service…not very friendly staff at all and quite condescending to my older family friend who dropped her ice cream cone. I am from North Carolina, so my perspective may be skewed. Wanted to love it and really would give a hardy recommendation if only there were friendlier customer service.

Katie Moring

Great ice cream. They only serve one flavor a day, and it changes every day. The flavor of the day is almost always twisted with vanilla. Always soft serve. The building is quite small, with no place to sit or stand inside. There's a grassy area you can sit in next to the building (just sitting on the ground, no tables) or stand in the parking lot area. Cash only.

Great ice cream. Terrible lack of sitting space. Must be consumed within minutes as it’s very soft. Tradition seems to be to eat standing up in the parking lot and get it all over yourself and drop 20%. Good times. Response to response: make benches not excuses. No you haven't negated your customers' need to sit. I did get it in a dish. -2 stars for non-apology and arguing, +1 star for prompt typing and no additives.

Everyone loves it but me. Soft serve is too creamy (tastes like frosting). Hard ice cream is better but they were out of coffee!!

A trip to Donnelly's has been a staple of our visit to the region every year for well over 10 years. We have always loved following the daily flavors. Our favorites are lemon twisted with vanilla and the Irish cream and coffee. But... I really think it's time they invest in new technology. While the novelty of the continued use of their machine from the 1950's is neat, it just isn't getting the job done. Last summer when I was served my cone, the young lady didn't even have it across the counter yet and it was already soup...she then proceeded to cop and attitude and take somewhat of a snotty tone when the cone fell on the floor at my feet and I asked for a new one. It was most certainly not my fault the consistency of the ice cream was close to milk and basically poured right off the cone. There was no saving it. Time to update and get a machine that is properly freezing the ice cream. Patience and manners from the employees would also be appreciated as this was a first in experiencing that sort of customer service at this establishment.

Donnelly's Ice cream is very good I have been going here with my family my whole life. Tonight I got ice cream and one of the girls dropped something under the machine. She proceeded to reach under and pull whatever it was out. Then without changing her gloves or washing her hands… continued to serve customers. Someone really needs to teach them proper hygiene in food service. Hopefully nobody gets sick…

Somehow a place that doesn't take credit or debit still exists in 2025. No clue on the food because who carries cash.

We went here while on vacation. I'm from the area and have been going there for over 30 years. Unfortunately the customer service was horrible from some young kids. We will not be back. After looking at reviews, seems the rudeness is to anyone who gives them more work. I'd skip on going here and find somewhere with better people skills!!

Bill Duckman

We had a very disappointing experience there two weeks ago. It was a hot August day, and the place was absolutely slammed, with lines snaking from the front door to almost the edge of the property. In other words, it was mayhem. We waited online for at least 25 minutes, and the crowds were still coming in. I offer this background to set the scenario: the lines were extensive, we were hurried along once we were inside, and while it seemed like we may have been overcharged, we live out of town and are not familiar with Donnelly’s pricing. We paid $47 for two cones, a quart of ice cream, and a pint of ice cream. This seemed rather inordinate, but the natives behind us were restless, and we did not want to hold up the line so we left. When we got back home several hours later, we really began to question the pricing and called the business. We spoke to a man who was very polite and apologetic and promised to send us a check for the difference. He later changed his mind and said it would be too much of a bookkeeping hassle to send a check and would we mind Ice Cream coupons for the equivalent of the overcharge. Not wanting to make a big fuss, we agreed. Imagine our shock went in the mail a week later arrived coupons for two ice cream cones… That’s IT. But the biggest travesty was the expiration date was September 1 of 2025. They know we live almost 3 hours away. We had not planned on racing back up there again before they close for the season on September 1. So we’re out about $25 that we didn’t need to spend, because of an oversight on the cashier’s part. It’s certainly not the end of the world, but it also is not good business practice and leaves a bad taste in our mouths. Would it be such a big deal for the powers that be to make good on such a significant overcharge? I certainly wouldn’t be able to live with myself as a former restauranteur. Either make the coupons good for a year, or send the check equivalent. The two young women behind the register were not exactly friendly types either, so it really wasn’t a good experience, and I would urge management to rethink a few policies and practices.