McLaughlin Family Homemade Ice Cream

McLaughlin Family Homemade Ice Cream is a family-owned and operated business based in Presque Isle, Maine, offering a truly unique, old-fashioned homemade ice cream experience. Our ice cream is genuinely churned using vintage equipment, including a 1931 John Deere tractor that powers our ice cream-making equipment through the tractor’s PTO system, as well as two antique John Deere hit-and-miss engines. This distinctive setup allows us to combine traditional ice cream making with agricultural history, vintage machinery, and a one-of-a-kind experience that attracts customers of all ages.

Homemade ice cream has been a cherished tradition in the McLaughlin family for generations. What began with previous generations, including our family patriarch and his sons, has continued through Parker McLaughlin, who now carries on the tradition alongside his family. For us, making ice cream is about much more than simply serving a dessert—it is about preserving a family tradition, sharing a piece of agricultural heritage, and creating an experience that brings people together.

Our vintage ice cream-making equipment is often just as much of an attraction as the finished product itself. Customers enjoy watching and learning about the process, seeing the 1931 tractor and antique hit-and-miss engines in operation, and experiencing a method of ice cream making that many have never encountered before. The sights, sounds, and history of the equipment create an engaging and memorable experience, particularly for families, children, tractor enthusiasts, and those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and rural heritage.

We strive to create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere wherever we attend. We take great pride in serving freshly made homemade ice cream while connecting with our customers and sharing the story behind our family tradition. We also love welcoming four-legged family members and aim to create an experience where everyone feels included.

McLaughlin Family Homemade Ice Cream is more than an ice cream vendor. We are a multigenerational family tradition built around homemade ice cream, vintage John Deere equipment, agricultural heritage, hard work, and community. Our goal is to provide every market and event with a unique vendor experience that is interactive, memorable, and unlike a conventional ice cream stand.