A Sweet Adventure Awaits: Visit the Best Ice Cream Shops in the Adirondacks
After a day of conquering challenging trails, boating on pristine lakes, or soaking in the natural beauty of the Adirondack region, treat yourself to creamy perfection. Explore the best ice cream shops in the Adirondacks, from charming stands to cozy parlors, and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery (Lake Placid, NY)
Welcome to Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery, where, as the owners say, "Every day is a good day for ice cream." Step into this nostalgic 50’s-style shop and enjoy an array of homemade treats.
Whether you're in the mood for soft serve, hard serve, or unique flavors like Chocolate Moose Tracks, there's something to satisfy every craving. They also offer shakes, cakes, and edible cookie dough.
Emma’s even caters to furry friends with special doggie portions. And if you're in the mood for shopping, explore their retail store featuring "Lake Girl" apparel before you continue on your adventure.
Donnelly's Ice Cream (Saranac Lake, NY)
Donnelly's Ice Cream, a Saranac Lake institution since 1953, may be small—fitting only about five people at a time—but it carries a colossal reputation for serving some of the finest homemade soft serve in the Adirondacks.
Operated by its fourth-generation owners, Donnelly's menu features timeless favorites alongside seasonal options like Fruit Surprise or Irish Cream + Coffee with Vanilla. Customers especially enjoy Donnelly's daily special, where vanilla ice cream is twisted with a different flavor each day, offering a unique experience with every visit.
Reminder, Donnelly's seasonal operation runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, making it a must-visit hotspot during the summer months.
Mountain Mist Custard (Saranac Lake, NY)
Mountain Mist Custard, overlooking Lake Flower, is celebrated for its wide array of exceptional flavors such as Black Raspberry, Orange Creamsicle, and Maple Walnut. This spot offers a perfect blend of delicious ice cream and outstanding lake views.
With over 65 years of expertise, Mountain Mist Custard excels in serving up creamy soft serve on scorching summer days. One Google reviewer spoke highly about the "incredible root beer flavor ice cream" and the picturesque waterfront setting that allows you to enjoy your treat with a view.
Grab your cone and stroll out to the dock for a tranquil ice cream-eating experience near the lake.
Little Supermarket (Wilmington, NY)
Located at the base of Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, the Little Supermarket is a local gem that not only provides groceries and deli items but also serves up irresistible treats, including their flavorful soft serve ice cream.
From classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla to weekly specials such as Maple and Black Raspberry, there's a flavor for everyone to savor. As one visitor aptly put it, they have "everything one would need when staying in the area."
Whether you're exploring Wilmington or passing through on an adventure, a stop at the Little Supermarket is a must for any traveler.
Whitebrook Dairy Bar (Wilmington, NY)
Nestled along Route 86 in Wilmington, Whitebrook Dairy Bar beckons travelers with its quaint charm and tasty offerings. Just a stone's throw from Town of Wilmington Beach and a 5-minute drive from the base of Whiteface Mountain, it's an ideal pit stop.
This shop not only serves up classic roadside fare like hamburgers, hotdogs, and snacks, but it also boasts a variety of soft and hard serve ice cream flavors.
"A wonderful little ice cream place complete with the old style building from the 1960s, said one Google reviewer. "Staff was friendly and quick. Many hard scoop flavors to choose from. If you are in the Wilmington area for fishing or sightseeing near Whiteface Mt, this is a great place to get a treat!"
Skyline Ice Cream (Tupper Lake, NY)
Skyline Ice Cream in Tupper Lake is a favorite stop for locals and tourists alike. Not only does it offer the creamiest homemade ice cream around, but it's also renowned as the "Home of the Black Raspberry-Vanilla Twist."
As one Google reviewer put it, "Got a vanilla and chocolate swirl. And my best friend got a vanilla and black raspberry swirl. They were amazing. Have not had ice cream that good since I was a child back in the 1970's."
While in Tupper Lake, be sure to visit The Wild Center, an engaging natural history museum that features interactive exhibits, trails, and the Wild Walk, an educational adventure through the treetops. Skyline Ice Cream is just 4 minutes from this top attraction.
Custard's Last Stand (Long Lake, NY)
If you're seeking another delightful dairy destination, make sure to try Custard's Last Stand in Long Lake. This circa 1950's ice cream and frozen custard stand is a local favorite for soft serve.
Their menu offers a rotating selection of flavors, including classics like Mint Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cup. Past visitors highly recommend stopping by for the fantastic ice cream, the retro vibe, and the welcoming staff at this family-owned shop.
Pied Piper (Old Forge, NY)
You could say it’s called the Pied Piper because people can’t stop coming back for more! This shop is known in and around Old Forge as one of those places that’s been around forever, and for good reason.
“The Pied,” as the locals call it, has a friendly staff that serves up an excellent assortment of ice cream flavors like Cotton Candy Confetti, Adirondack Black Bear, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and others.
Pied Piper also caters to dietary preferences with dairy-free and no-sugar options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Northern Lights Creamery Inc. (Inlet, NY)
A trip to Inlet isn't complete without stopping by Northern Lights Creamery Inc. Located just a short walk from Arrowhead Park on Fourth Lake, this ice cream shop is a summer favorite in the heart of town.
Northern Lights Creamery Inc. offers a diverse range of frozen treats, including soft serve and hard serve flavors, ice cream floats, flurries, shakes, specialty sundaes, and homemade gelato.
"I've been coming here for over 40 years," said one Google reviewer. "Everything is top-notch. Their soft ice cream is the very best, and the hard ice cream is awesome with a huge variety of flavors."
Nina’s Sweet Shoppe (Lake George, NY)
For over 60 years, Nina’s Sweet Shoppe in Lake George Village has helped customers satisfy their sweet tooth by offering exceptional ice cream, candies, and fudge.
Their specialty lies in hard ice cream, with 25+ flavors to choose from. Red Velvet, Maine Wild Blueberry, Cookie Jar, and Kahlua Almond Amaretto are just some of the flavors you can expect on the menu.
Outdoor seating is available, making them a great spot to get your ice cream fix while visiting Lake George.
The Wind-Chill Factory (Ticonderoga, NY)
If you're in Ticonderoga on the north end of Lake George, a visit to The Wind-Chill Factory is a must. Since 1996, this popular spot has been the go-to place for exceptional ice cream.
Experience the best soft serve in the area, along with Dole Whip, generous toppings, 16oz milkshakes, flurries, and sundaes. Customers rave about the large portions and wide selection of flavors.
For added convenience, you can even order online so your treats will be ready when you arrive.
Main Street Ice Cream Parlor (Chestertown, NY)
For hometown charm and delectable treats, visit Chestertown's Main Street Ice Cream Parlor. Step into this old-fashioned shop and browse the Parlor Specialties like the S'mores Sundae, Dusty Road Sundae, and Dirty Fisherman—a combination of chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup, and gummy worms.
Main Street Ice Cream Parlor caters to every preference with traditional sugar cones, waffle cones, and a variety of toppings including hot fudge, butterscotch, marshmallow, and more for customizing your sundae.
Open year-round, this inviting spot also serves breakfast and lunch items alongside their irresistible ice cream offerings.
Stone Bridge Ice Cream (Pottersville, NY)
Stone Bridge Ice Cream is located just 2.5 miles from the iconic Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Pottersville. This family-friendly ice cream shop promises a "sweet treat for every craving."
Order at the window and explore their extensive selection of over 40 soft serve ice cream flavors, ranging from timeless classics to seasonal specialties like Pumpkin Cheesecake and Apple Pie.
Stone Bridge Ice Cream also offers creamy floats, shakes, and tempting specials. Don't miss out on their signature "Stone Bridge Sundae," a fan-favorite that truly "rocks!"
Customers appreciate the various choices, the shaded spots to sit and savor their treats, and the pleasant servers.
Speculator Creamery (Speculator, NY)
Plan a trip to Speculator Creamery this year for a taste of their ice cream treats. This cute ice cream stand offers an impressive selection of soft serve flavors, available in a waffle cone or dish, including Blueberry, Cheesecake, Coconut, and Fudge Brownie.
Love ice cream with a twist? Order the 16oz Nor'Easter, which features vanilla and chocolate soft serve blended together with two toppings. There are plenty of toppings to choose from, such as Snickers, pretzels, sour gummy worms, cookie dough, peanuts, and more.
So, unlace those hiking boots and park your bike, because in the Adirondacks, every adventure deserves a delicious ending.