Nelson's ice cream in Stillwater is a must stop if you are in the area! They are a cash only spot serving up a TON of flavors! My husband loves that they offer Black Licorice flavor and I love the Peanut Butter Revel flavor! Do not be fooled by the cup size that is offered as they STACK those things full! A child size is be enough to feed an adult if not 2 adults! The place is small with no indoor seating but tons of seating outdoors! There is often a line but worth the wait! Pro tip- they are cash only but do have an atm on site. Also be sure to grab an extra cup on the way out to avoid spillage! read more

See all

Nothing says summer like Nelson's! I've been coming to this spot since I was a kid with my family. Today, we brought a couple of friends so they could experience the magic of this little ice cream shop. As two adults, we split the kid's size cup of the 100th Celebration (peanut butter cookies and cream). We asked for an extra cup on top, and ended up splitting it into two cups. We sat outside on site and, although it was messy, it was delicious! We couldn't even finish our portion. The perfect treat on a hot summer day. Be warned - this establishment is cash only! The lines get long, but move relatively quickly. read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - Kid's Cup - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

More ice cream than you can believe...in a kid's cup! It's an unholy, laughable amount. Wide selection of flavors. The young folks working were all courteous and efficient. read more

We loved stopping by Nelson's on a Sunday afternoon drive to Stillwater. It was a particularly warm afternoon, and ice cream was exactly what we needed. Nelson's did not disappoint- huge menu and a pleasant atmosphere: it took us almost an hour to get to the front of the line, but we didn't mind. They had a handful of umbrellas on the patio, a welcome reprieve from the scorching heat, and we invited others to sit with us. It's a perfect people-watching spot. A small detail that I loved was the sink by the patio- ice cream is a sticky affair, so having a sink and napkins close by is a brilliant touch. Portions were gigantic. My child-size order was still too much for me. I recommend sharing or ordering the smallest size. Took one star out because the flavor was just okay for me. Otherwise, I recommend Nelson's for its location, atmosphere, and vast selection of flavors. read more

See all

Amazing ice cream and variety of flavors. They are huge servings so you definitely get your money's worth. Took my family from Az when they were visiting and they loved it! read more

Few things can be more traditional than Nelson's ice cream on a hot summer day. We were lucky enough that there was a short line on a hot Sunday afternoon, but be advised that lines can be quite lengthy on the weekends -- do not fear as they move fairly quickly. This place is notorious for their massive portions and decent prices. Please note that even the kids size cup comes with 3 massive scoops of ice cream and can be enough for 2 adults to share. They do not have indoor seating or restrooms, but they do have a sink to help you wash your hands after you're done eating. Also, they're cash only, so be prepared! read more

A stop at Nelson's always makes a summer day better. The ice cream is delicious and the serving size is MUCH too large. Try The Lumberjack if you have a group (5 scoops x 5 flavors). read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - The Lumberjack! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

A stop to Stillwater is incomplete without dropping in to Nelson's a neighborhood staple since the 1920s with a plethora of delicious creamy ice cream options and known for their generous monster sized scoops!! The place is small inside, cash only can try samples inside with outdoor tables and a sink which I definitely needed as the massive scoop began to melt faster than i could eat. I had Java chunk and the 100 celebration with peanut butter and Oreos read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - 100 celebration and Java chunk - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

See all

My friend and I found Nelson's while burning some time before I had to leave town. There was no one ahead of us in line, so I wasn't exactly how big the servings were. I ordered a cake cone, assuming it would be one, maybe two modest little scoops + whatever they packed into the actual cone itself if they packed anything at all into the cone. Imagine my shock when the very sweet server kept scooping and scooping! "I have to get on a plane in a half hour!" I managed to squeak :D Cash only (the ATM was out of service when we were there). But super friendly staff, please tip them generously, they deserve it! Can't wait to come back, sad that multiple states separate me from enjoying Nelson's daily! read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - Flavors menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

See all

Pure awesome! Huge portions and delicious ice cream for the price of a normal blizzard/concrete mixer. They have a nice patio to boot! Lesson learned - we'll share a single next time! read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - 100 year celebration(left) and chocolate something(?) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

I love this place!! Best ice cream ever. The staff is always friendly! The prices are very reasonable!

Delicious ice cream long lines. Longlines very delicious ice cream. Free parking if you're visiting from out of town. read more

See all

What a great spot! Endless delicious ice cream choices, generous portions and friendly service. We'll definitely be back and we highly recommend! read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - Triple scoop strawberry cheesecake - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

Huge servings. Daughter got child size cookies n cream. They had at least 3 dairy free options so I got chocolate chunk. Neither of us finished our ice cream even when sharing with my husband. Sat at tables outside. There's napkins outside and even a sink. No inside seating. Child size was 5,50 at the time and feeds a gazillion. Quick service. Lots of choices. Ample parking. read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - My child with her child size cookies n cream. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

It's a Minnesotan (maybe Twin Cities-specific) tradition to stop at Nelson's for a boot sized "small" ice cream. You have a craving, and they have an option. I had a blueberry cheesecake number one year and still think about it. While I wait to make my order, I do some people watching, and kids are always so funny - their little eyes light up and their stomachs are suddenly the size of boulders (much like the rest of us), they want ALL THE FLAVORS! I've learned to bring some gladware to save half of my pick. Nelson's has some of the most patient, sweet staff and they are always ready to help. Be careful of / share with the bees that come by to score free ground scoops, get extra napkins, expect to get sticky and enjoy the mega dopamine hit of a summer classic ice cream on a warm day. read more

OVERALL: I hope you like ice cream and aren't lactose intolerant. This is not your usual kids size. PRICE: I have to start with the price because it is a steal. It was $6 for this huge scoop. FOOD: I'm glad to report that it is quality AND quantity. I got the "Rich & Famous" and the Brownie S'mores. I loved the Brownie S'mores! If you have a sweet tooth definitely choose something with a "flavor" base instead of vanilla. SERVICE: Everyone who works there is so nice and they definitely are trained to load that ice cream on! ATMOSPHERE: They don't have any tables inside but their patio is so nice even at night. I love the string lights! read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

See all

Tradition since as long as I can remember... A little away from downtown which is nice as parking is easy. I grew up with my dad driving me to Stillwater & taking me to Nelson's Ice Cream on warm summer days They have been around since 1923 and have so many unique flavors to choose from with the best tasting ice cream I have ever had!! So perfectly creamy Nice patio area with a sink to wash off after. The only negative is that there can be a super long line on hot summer days which just means it's worth it. read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - Child Size Waffle Cone with Strawberry flavored (my staple flavor with real strawberry chunks-bottom half) & Toffee Crunch (top half) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

Good luck eating all the ice cream they give you!!! It was around $5 for the child's scoop (scoop size shown in pictures). Not only do they have TONS of ice cream flavors to choose from, their service is absolutely incredible, and you get hugeee portions well worth the money!!! The picture with the cake cone on top was supposed to be just in the cone, that whole cup is filled with ice cream. They just added the cone on top haha 10/10 would recommend! read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - Zanzibar chocolate and Superman child scoop in cake cone - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

See all

Amazing. Had no idea about this place and so glad we stopped. Couldn't believe the sizes and how good it was. We all thought it would be worth another drive from Coon Rapids just for ice cream but we will come prepared with Tupperware. read more

Food: Great but not the absolute best, it's good quality but the quantity is why people go. Service: Good, it's a bit loud when it's busy which makes ordering a pain and the menu is often a bit mismatched but the people do their jobs well. Ambiance: Small little cramped place but your in and out of it relatively fast so its fine, the wall of license plates are a nice touch and the picnic benches outside are great but definitely need to be expanded with how popular they are. read more

This awesome ice cream shop turns 99 years old this year. A staple in the Stillwater community. If you think when you order a single scoop that's what you're getting - be prepared. Usually a single scoop can feed a family of 3! A little messy at times with hot temps and ice cream overflowing in the cup but absolutely delish! We had chocolate and mackinaw island (fudge ice cream). Cash only establishment. read more

You came here for quantity, but you get quality as a bonus. I LOVE blue moon ice cream. But it's so, so hard to find in this area of the country. Enter Nelson's. Not only do they have the largest selection of flavors here in Stillwater, but they have blue moon, and they'll serve you more than you can eat for under $6. And, on top of that, the ice cream is pretty darn good. This is an especially fun place to go to with friends. Sit outside, grab an extra cup (you'll need it for your mountain of ice cream) and catch up on the cute patio. Be forewarned, it is cash only, so pick up cash before you go, or there is an ATM on site if you're like me and always forget. read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - Kid Size in a Waffle Cone - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

Goooood ice cream with a huge variety of flavors! Prepare to be overwhelmed! The staff are so nice and friendly. The portions are HUGE, even the smallest size was impossible for me to finish. I will definitely be back!! Flavor recommendation: caramel collision read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - the smallest size available - the child size (Java chunk on top and caramel collision on bottom) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

OH MY GOODNESS, this place is HEAVEN on EARTH! Craving some good old fashioned ice cream?! Make a special trip to Nelson's! Not only do they have a wide assortment of ice cream flavors BUT their portions are out of control amazing! Depending on the time of day you go, there will likely be a line (short, medium, long). Have cash ready (I don't believe they take credit cards). There were various sizes (single, double, etc) and the single was just perfect to share between two people. I enjoyed all the flavors samples and was happy my husband could order a vegan (non-dairy option) as well. I believe it was mango. Delicious. Thank you! read more

Store is run by teenagers who can't scoop ice cream and the ice cream is the plainest thing out there.

Sweet baby Jesus you get so much ice cream here. The child size is enormous. Definitely over a full pint. I've had 4 flavors here all delicious. Don't be a jerk and know what you want before you get in line. The list of flavors is outside. Yummmmm. read more

Small place with huge lines and huge portions. The "child size" can easily feed 2-3. The line moves pretty fast.

Best ice cream in Minnesota, staple of Stillwater you can't leave Stillwater without a visit.

Unfortunately we left due to the cost. We love the idea of Nelson's it was just out of our budget.

Had A Wonderful Experience at Nelson's as always! We went there twice! Once with my husband & then we went there with our Son & Daughter in law! read more

For years I've heard about this magical place, but did not know where it was until this summer. After lunch we looked up directions that led us up the hill from downtown Stillwater through many residential blocks and just about the time we thought we were lost it appeared... {the sound of angels singing} A small building with a fairly small parking lot, but a very long line of smiling people. The locals all know where to get some huge portions of great ice cream at an amazing price. A long list of flavors is posted on the wall for you to contemplate as you wait to order. The line moves fast and there are a few picnic tables outside which you should use because you really don't want to drive with a massive heap of ice cream sitting precariously on a little cone starts shifting and/or melting while you drive. On a warm day you'll not be able to eat it fast enough or get the AC cold enough so save the driving until it's a manageable size and I'm just talking about the kids sized cone! Lord help you if you get anything bigger! My not so typically patient wife has a new favorite place! She is willing to make the 40 minute one way trip just for ice cream! We brought the dogs last time and they even have special "ice cream" treat cups you can buy for them. My favorite flavors so far are pistachio almond and rum cherry. They will give you some of both even on a kids cone! Unfortunately as I write they are closed for winter : ( read more

See all

Outstanding place to visit! My favorite WBL shop to visit! Excellent service and friendly workers! I enjoy their hospitality and pleasant atmosphere and experience! My new favorite Happy Place I love this place read more

Fantastic selection, staff that handles a large line efficiently with smiles all around and fulsome servings make for a great experience! Definitely the best handpicked ice cream we've found so far in the Twin Cities area. Many, many more flavors yet to try. We will be back. read more

Nelson's is one of my favorite summer ice cream spots. I usually visit the St. Paul location since it is closer to home but this location was just as amazing. I went in on a busier Sunday afternoon, and the line was pretty much out the door but it did move fairly quick. I ordered the 'superman' (my favorite flavor) ice cream in a cup, regular size, it turned out to be way too much. I can hardly finish a child size some days, not sure what I was thinking. They have a lot of flavors to offer which is nice. All of the flavors are posted on the wall so while you wait in line you can pick your flavor(s), helps the line move a lot faster. Besides the ridiculous amount of ice cream they give you, It's super cheap. Under $5 for 2 serving sizes. Amazing. They only take cash which isn't an issue. I felt like the staff were very nice and friendly at this location. read more

Best ice cream establishment. The only drawback is one flavor of Frozen Yogurt. I wish they served Neapolitan frozen yogurt. My family loves all the choices, great prices and sizes. Just a reminder they only take cash! There's an ATM! Great atmosphere. The line is friendly! read more

I have been going to this ice cream place for upwards of 30 years and always love coming back to Nelson's. They usually have around 30 flavors to choose from, so you likely can't go wrong here. About the only wrong thing you could do is order anything besides a child size, unless you are ultra hungry. The child's size would be a double or triple most other places. I was disappointed to see my favorite flavor (Blue Moon) seemed to have left the menu, but there are plenty of other options. Be prepared to wait, it is always busy. read more

No trip to Stillwater is complete without a trip from Nelson's. The line was out the door and around the corner on a Saturday night but I knew I would regret not going. There are a lot of flavors and it can be overwhelming. I was surprised they even let me sample a flavor. I tried the Monster Cookie and ended up ordering that. I saw the child size cones and it was gigantic. I knew I would never be able to finish that so I asked if I could have half the size which was perfect. They charged me less too which I wasn't expecting. A normal child size is $4 and has what seems like 5 or 6 scoops! I enjoyed the ice cream but I wouldn't say it was the best ice cream I've ever had. The base ice cream is pretty normal but I enjoyed the mix-ins with PB and m&ms. It's worth a stop if in the area! read more

See all

Excellent selection, great customer service, cool place all around! Get a single scoop, it's enough!

Most ice cream I have ever eaten in my entire life , wow very good and very generous workers as you can see lol read more

Nelson’s Ice Cream - "Kids size"!! and I told them no more as they were going to put more on top, so it would have actually been more than this! Not complaining - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Stillwater, Minnesota

Ice Cream portions 1000/10 Quality 1000/10 Options 100/10 still could use some more flavors tbh in my opinion. Think outside the box. Maybe start trying to experiment with new flavors. I'd love to see Lemon, Blueberry, Or honestly anything fruity and more Sorbet like. But I understand most prefer a chocolate/caramel/vanilla route. I love this place. Wish there were more summer months to enjoy icecream read more