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    Nelson's Ice Cream

    4.3 (202 reviews)
    Closed 1:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Nelson's Ice Cream Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Nelson's Ice Cream

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    Sofia M.

    Forever favorite ice cream shop!! The amount of ice cream you get for the "child" size is usually enough for two of us. All of the flavors are so fun! Usually in the summer is so busy, yet the wait isn't long. It is cash only so please don't forget that! They have an ATM on site, which is helpful sometimes.

    Triple icecream in three cones: brownie s'more, rich & famous, mango icecream
    Sef E.

    This is a staple!!!! Such a great price with massive portions. Plenty of flavors to choose from, [[HIGHLIGHT]]indoor and outdoor seating available with cute lighting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is very friendly and generous!

    Millena S.

    Okay so I love ice cream and heaping amounts of it, this place satiates that very well. Nelson's gives you SO MUCH and I'm always thankful for that. Been going here for all my life and it's one of those places that gets super busy in the summer because it's undeniably tasty and satisfying. I can't remember what I got, but it was large and delicious. Sometimes it's too much and I have to throw some, but sometimes it's just the right amount. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is friendly and family oriented, seating outside thwarts the inside, I think there's like two chairs inside during the summer.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall delicious ice cream, many options, and the service is super friendly!!!

    Cherry Ice Cream
    Impact R.

    There is nowhere that will give you as much bang for your buck as Nelson's. The portion size is huge, and the ice cream is good. The wait can be quite long in line, so be prepared to stand for a while. It's cash only, but there is an ATM inside, with both indoor and outdoor umbrella seating. They also include pup cups.

    Prices as of 8/2025
    Cassie C.

    I already knew Nelson's was going to be a hit because it'd been a recommendation from a local friend, but it'd been undersold! [[HIGHLIGHT]]A WIDE range of flavors, gigantic servings, friendly staff, ample in/outdoor seating, and a clean restroom to boot![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For those visiting St. Paul, you've gotta visit this hidden gem!

    Child's waffle cone- strawberry and lemon bar.
    Nicole C.

    If you are hungry for delicious ice-cream and lots of flavors to choose from this is a must go place. The servings are ridiculously large! Cash only. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Clean and great service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Tiana D.

    Come to Nelson's ready to eat boatloads of ice cream! No frills, cash only. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Space indoor and outdoor to sit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My husband and I both ordered kid's sizes and thought they were joking when we were handed a mound of ice cream in a paper cup. The raspberry white chocolate truffle and java chip were both super tasty. Plenty of leftovers!

    Toffee crunch ice cream on a " child" size waffle cone.
    Alicia L.

    Nelson's is always a destination must when heading to Stillwater! They have a huge selection of delicious ice cream, only to be matched by the gigantic sizes of their cones! Staff bring smiles to everyone's faces with their friendly service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's also a nice sitting area on the patio, with a convenient washing station for those inevitably sticky hands on a hot day![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a perfect stop for families, friends, or even colleagues.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    a table and chairs
    Dani G.

    YES! YES! YES! Found this lovely shop while searching for non dairy ice cream (THEY HAVE SOME!) and it did not disappoint. There's a small lot for parking on the side, it is on a pretty busy street. They ONLY ACCEPT CASH! The interior was clean and had the flavors on the walls. My sisters and I all got kid sized, KID SIZED! I was surprised they kept adding to our cup. I only paid $20ish for two cups and one cone/a pup cup. So happy I found this spot! It's close to where I'm staying and a great place to have some ice cream (I got the non dairy cookies and cream). If you're looking to have some ice cream..PICK THIS PLACE!

    If you know, you definitely know that Nelson's is a must for ice cream in St. Paul. They have a ton of flavors that you can mix and match. But most notably, the servings are massive. For anyone new to Nelson's, get the kids size ice cream. They always have extra cups at the checkout for you to use if needed (and they will be needed). Also just a heads up, it's cash only!! But the prices are super cheap for the amount of ice cream you get.

    Menu - CASH ONLY
    Lauren H.

    Best bang for your buck at Nelson's Ice Cream! SO many delicious flavors of ice cream and portions are so large, you could share the smallest size cup/cone with two other people. Service was friendly and fast. The outdoor patio area was pretty cute too. We love this place. On those summer nights where you NEED to fill your belly with ice cream, you should head here. Note: CASH ONLY, they do not accept credit cards.

    Kids Cup of French Silk
    Anisa D.

    Warning: quantities are HUGE! Love coming here every summer. One of the only places I can still get my childhood favorite ice cream (French Silk). I get the kids size every time and I've easily split it with 3 other people. Great amount of ice cream for the price. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Seating is outside only, and the restaurant is not open over the winter.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Parking has usually been limited, so prepare to sometimes have to park on the side of the road and walk to the business. I believe Nelson's is still cash only, so prepare for that as well. Overall, great place, friendly staff, and worth the price.

    child size w/ rum cherry + mackinac island fudge in a waffle cone ($6.50) -- HUGE!!!
    Chassidie L.

    An AMAZING bang for your buck. Trust me when I say, this little mom and pop ice cream shop is serving up HUGE portions of ice cream. I definitely recommend ordering a child size for yourself or even to share with someone else. I got a child size in a waffle cone ($6.50) which came with like 7 scoops of ice cream! It was massive and definitely worth the price. Not only that, but the ice cream was delicious. I got flavors Rum Cherry and Mackinac Island Fudge. It isn't the most gourmet ice cream ever, but for sure a good treat. They have tons of flavors to choose from! Whichever one you get, I am sure you will love it.

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    7 days ago

    Excellent. Will be back. Thanks!! Line is long cause they are that good. Took 30 minutes to get through the line.

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    2 years ago

    Great place and number one go to for ice cream in St Paul, MN. Everyone we bring is impressed with selection and serving size. Amazing!

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    2 years ago

    Largest portion of ice cream I've ever seen for a tiny price. A gazillion flavors. Our new favorite ice cream spot!

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    3 years ago

    Tons of flavors, HUGE portions. Order the kiddie size; it is enough for two! Service was helpful.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Nelson's Ice Cream

    Can anyone tell me if they make their own ice cream, or do they purchase it from another company?

    I believe it is from Blue Bell Ice Cream. If you ask, they'll tell you. Hence the quantity, but… 

    Do they still have superman ice cream?

    Yes!

    View All 3 Questions

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    Nellie's Ice Cream

    Nellie's Ice Cream

    4.5
    (80 reviews)
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    Let's face it.....there is never a BAD time for ice cream. We all know that we should watch our…read moreintake but there are times you throw caution to the wind and want that wonderful indulgent excess. Nellie's is not just wonderful ice cream with ridiculous sized portions - it is an experience! Ice cream sandwiches with so many choices. Start with your base....many flavors of cookies to choose from but occasionally donuts or rice crispy treats join the line up. Then choose from dozens of ice cream flavors. You aren't done yet though.....not even close! You need to choose what you will roll it in next. Sprinkles? Chocolate chips? Then you need to have those cookies warmed up (of course!). As you now believe your masterpiece could not get any better.....don't forget the drizzle of caramel or hot fudge.....or both! The staff at Nellie's are happy to guide you through the process and no matter how long the line - you zip right through. You will enjoy the experience and if you have kids, taking them here will make you the fun parent! Best part? It won't break the bank! I dare you to try this place!

    Such a fun concept if you're in the mood for a treat…read more I love that you can mix and match cookies and ice cream flavors to create your own custom ice cream sandwich, which makes it a fun experience and easy to try different combinations. The portions are huge, which definitely helps justify the stop. The ice cream itself wasn't the highest quality I've had, but the generous serving size helps make up for that. The only downside for me was the overall setup. It didn't feel especially welcoming, there's no indoor seating, and no bathroom, so it's definitely more of a quick grab-and-go stop.

    Photos
    This is the cookie sandwich with chocolate chip cookies and chocolate ice cream and a chocolate and caramel drizzle.
    This is the cookie sandwich with chocolate chip cookies and chocolate ice cream and a chocolate and caramel drizzle.
    Nellie's Ice Cream
    Nellie's Ice Cream

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    Grand Ole Creamery

    Grand Ole Creamery

    4.1
    (380 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $

    Can't go wrong with good ice cream!!!…read more The ice cream is so delicious and creamy! So many flavors to choose from-- quick and friendly service ! They will also give you samples to try if you're indecisive, like me ! Ultimately, I was in the mood for pistachio so I went with that and it came with a cute little chocolate ball on top! Great spot to go for a late night treat!!! Will definitely return !

    This has always been our favorite place to get ice cream, but after our most recent experience,…read morewe're reconsidering returning. We placed an order through the app for delivery, as we have many times before. The order arrived quickly, but it was completely different from what we paid for. I called the St. Paul location, expecting an easy resolution. Unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing. The employee who answered said he would look into it, then set the phone down and began speaking negatively about me to other staff members--even though I had been polite throughout the call. It was very unprofessional. He said a manager would follow up. A few days later, a manager contacted me and apologized, saying they would issue a refund and send a gift card, which I appreciated (though it wasn't necessary). It has now been a month, and I have not received anything. I've followed up twice with no resolution.

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    Grand Ole Creamery
    Waffle cone split single scoop: s'mores on top and coffee break on bottom
    Waffle cone split single scoop: s'mores on top and coffee break on bottom
    A child and his cone.

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    A child and his cone.
    Treats Cereal Bar & Boba

    Treats Cereal Bar & Boba

    4.4
    (216 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $

    Very cute ice cream spot with outdoor seating. It smells very sweet inside and I like how unique…read morethe dessert shop is with their flavors. There is a self-order kiosk or you can order at the counter. Food was mid in all honesty. The Strawberry Matcha Ice Cream was probably one of the biggest misses I have ever had. It is vanilla ice cream with strawberry jam at the bottom, and whisked matcha (still warm!) on TOP of the ice cream, making it a major spill hazard. This was pretty disappointing since we were expecting actual matcha ice cream (and maybe it was wrong of us to assume so). I wish the kiosk had images of the items for ordering though...didn't seem like there were any and you just had to hope that what you're getting sounds intriguing enough just by the name. Boba Ice Cream (brown sugar syrup) was okay. The brown sugar syrup was what was saving the entire thing. It's aesthetically cute, but it doesn't wow me. Def a cute spot, but it's only Instagrammable foods. Not worth for the taste though :(

    The food is superb. I have never had a banana flavored ice cream this tasty before. The service was…read moreamazing. Stephen was awesome and he served us wity a smile. Even recommended if its going to be too sweet to not do something and to try the strawberry matcha for my partner. The music is great. Not too heavy and very calming and inviting. So I would highly recommend this place. The merch here is even amazing. They have shirts and tumblers too. A must visit indeed. ~ Freya

    Photos
    Milk Tea
    Milk Tea
    Boba Ice Cream
    Boba Ice Cream
    Mango smoothie

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    Mango smoothie
    The Donut Trap

    The Donut Trap

    4.8
    (11 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    We stopped in for their one-year anniversary celebration. Parking was easy with plenty of free…read morestreet parking nearby, which already made the visit stress-free. The menu is also very affordable, especially for the quality and creativity of the donuts. Customer service stood out right away for us it was friendly, welcoming, and you can tell they're proud of what they've built in just a year. The donuts themselves were great in my opinion they were soft and fresh. I really liked the texture, light and pillowy without being overly dense. They're also not too sweet, which I personally prefer, and there are a variety of flavors to choose from so there's something for everyone. My favorites were the churro tres leches donut (so good) and the s'mores cold brew, which paired perfectly together. Overall, it has a really nice family-friendly patio vibe, very relaxed, cute with the pink aesthetic and perfect for hanging out while grabbing a treat. Excited to see their growth!

    Happy 1-Year Anniversary, Donut Trap!…read more What an amazing first year! I've never been disappointed--every visit brings fresh, delicious donuts that keep me coming back for more. The quality is consistently outstanding, and you can tell a lot of care, creativity, and passion goes into everything you make. Beyond the donuts, I absolutely love the vibe. The welcoming atmosphere and unique personality of Donut Trap make it more than just a place to grab a treat--it's an experience. And if you can't make it to the shop on Saturday or Sunday, don't worry! You can still satisfy your craving by visiting one of their vending machine locations throughout the Twin Cities, including MSP Airport, Rosedale Center, Up-Down Arcade, Indeed Brewing, Modist Brewing, and more. Fresh donuts are never too far away. (thedonuttrap.com) Congratulations on an incredible first year of serving the community. Wishing you many more years of success, happiness, and amazing donuts ahead!

    Photos
    The Donut Trap
    Thic Jude Judy & S'mores donut with a Coca Cola Cold Brew
    Thic Jude Judy & S'mores donut with a Coca Cola Cold Brew
    The Donut Trap

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    Nelson's Ice Cream - icecream - Updated August 2026

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