Nelson's Ice Cream

Sweet mother of servings, the amount of ice cream dispensed at this location is beyond compare. We realized, far too late, that a double was not a "double scoop", but perhaps intended for two people to share over the course of several weeks. :D After each ordering a double, our mounds of ice cream leering at us with a playful taunt, we decided it might be best to save some, as certainly, that much ice cream would leave one catatonic, if not, with a belly ache at lease. Naturally, I consumed all of mine in a single sitting, and despite apprehension, my stomach was not displeased with me at all! I couldn't help myself. The banana ice cream was ON POINT, perfect in every way. The bits of brownie provided an excellent texture contrast, helping me to pace myself and enjoy the journey. Definitely go get yourself a ton of ice cream and eat it all. You won't regret it.

Great experience! The servers were so friendly and efficient. Heads up that it is cash only (but they have an ATM inside of you need it). Flavors were plentiful and delicious. We all ordered child sizes and most of us had leftovers.

The best ice cream in state! Monster Cookie is my all time favorite but I also tried the Lemon Bar last time and was blown away. Super friendly staff, cash only!

This one is a Gem! I've got some stories from back in the day. While I was in line, I couldn't help but notice the plates, menu board, and overall feel of this ice cream shop. Fun Fact: It's located in the Birthplace of Minnesota!!!

Delicious ice cream and great prices! The servings are very generous as well.

Good ice cream for sure, just too much for the serving size and then no lids for the cups they put them in? You will definitely have extra leftover. Get the kids size and split it with someone, save some money. Ordered a "kids" size for each of my two kids and had enough left from each to fill almost a full quart. Bring cash too, it's all they take. Otherwise real good ice cream and worth a visit.

Our first time here in probably 15 years! Loved it then and loved it at this visit! The kid sized cones and cup helpings were huge! So many great, unique choices of ice cream and a MUST visit ice cream shop!

Get the kids size!!! Trust me. Lots of delicious ice cream flavors, sinks to wash hands, samples a plenty!

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

Ice cream is fantastic. Good luck eating it all.

Great ice cream! The sizes of the cones were huge!! Great service! Really hit the spot on a hot summer evening!!!

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

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

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!

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 : (

Loving the addition of a vegan chocolate ice cream this year! It is so delicious! Will be back lots this summer.

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.

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.

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!

I scream you scream we scream for ice cream!!! Small ice cream counter serving cones, dishes, and cups to go. They also serve malts and sundaes. There are many ice cream flavors to choose from (20+). Going on the weekend you may have to wait awhile to get served. I came on a Friday evening around 7:00 and I waited for 45 mins as the line goes out the door. The serving sizes are humongous! I'm thinking 1 scoop really means 3 scoops in Nelson's language! Lol. My recommendation is that you bring your own silver spoon so you can dig in! The plastic spoons provided get quite bendy. Overall pro-the servings are very generous. Overall con- it's just Kemp's brand ice cream. If you have a group of people, try the lumberjack! You get 5 scoops of ice cream and 3 toppings. It's probably enough ice cream to serve 6 or more people!!

If you want a fantastic ice cream be sure to visit Nelson's. You won't be disappointed!

Love the experience. We went all out and got the lumberjack scoop to share between 4 of us. It was so big it was bigger than our 7lb chihuahua dog and our 2.6 lb Chinese crested dog combined! We never finished it, but on a hot summer day it was so fun trying.

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

Looking for something in the hot summer weather?? If you are in the Stillwater area, a stop at Nelson's is must. After a quick day trip with the kids and hubby to explore downtown Stillwater, we made the trip up the street to Nelson's for a treat before venturing back home to the West side. The day was pretty hot and humid so was not surprised to see a line out the door. There is no seating inside so make sure you have a spot outside to sit or make space in the car and be prepared in case of spills. So glad I got recommendations beforehand from others who warned me to order child size, which was still HUGE!! They have a plethora of flavors so with the line r gave us plenty of time to figure out what we wanted. We let the kids pick what they wanted and knowing my kids, I did not order anything for myself knowing I would be finishing theirs. We got the cotton candy which is a kid favorite. If you want to feel like a kid again, it's a good one to choose. We also got bubblegum (had actual bubblegum inside) and rainbow sherbet. Liked all the flavors. Also know, ice cream is not made by Nelson's, they buy tubs of ice cream from somewhere. If you want homemade ice cream, find another spot but the portions alone is a reason to come here if you are in the area

I have been here a few times, for the past few years. My last time, was this past summer, just after a boat cruise on a Saturday night. A few of us headed there, and let me tell you this place was hopping with several different groups. We walked in, and it took awhile, since there was several people in line, and yet people kept coming in after us. Of course the line was moving at a good pace. With so many different varieties of flavors, I was glad for the extra time to decide. When it was my turn to order, I decided on the Mackinac island fudge. Which actually looked pretty good. I mean for like $5 cash it is a pretty good deal. Especially when they give you several large scoops in a regular sized cup, with another cup over it so it doesn't fall out. I mean it was so much fudge it would have been hard to finish it up. At least there was plenty of seating for our group, and we had plenty of time, since they do close at like 11 pm. Now my fudge was really creamy and chocolaty, which made it worth the trip. Of course after a few minutes it seems to drip, hence the extra cup. When I was done eating I could wash my hands in the sink behind me, and even clean up my seating as well. It would be so good to go back. Maybe try a kid sized cup, or even see if they can make my ice cream, into a shake?

Excellent customer service. Great ice cream. Gigantic and fun serving sizes. Fun summer treat and experience.

Too many flavors to choose from. I got coconut joy and black cherry on the kids size. Asked to get only one scoop of each and even that was too much. Super large portions of yummy ice cream.

Amazing selection of hard hand-dipped ice cream and you get a lot of bang for your buck- a child size is enough for 2 adults! Cash only. Lines can be long at peak times, but it's worth the wait!

Well my suggestion before you go here is to fast for at least 24 hours because the quantity of ice cream in their regular cones is gigantic. The cheapest regular cone is over $5 and was so large I could barely eat about 1/2 of it. It would be nice if they had cheaper and smaller cone than the kids cone. As far as the ice cream is concerned, I've seen comments that it's very hard to get this brand of ice cream anyplace else except I've seen this same ice cream in serveral places around the metro and even up north. I know it's an iconic place but just not worth standing in line for 20 minutes.

FIVE STARS!!! Best ice cream in Minnesota... dare I say, best in the Midwest? I have been coming here since I was a little kid and all other ice cream parlors do not even compare to the absolutely fantastic prices, ENORMOUS servings, friendly staff and plentiful flavor choices. Well worth any wait time you may experience. Once you try Nelson's, you'll be hooked!

Nelson's is a hotspot and the wait is usually long but always worth it. I would recommend getting the kids size, trust me on this, it will be plenty of ice cream. AMAZING price for quantity. I scream we all scream for ice cream!!!

What a value. Huge quantities at low prices. So many tasty options. It's a family favorite.

The bad reviews make me sad. The point of this place is that you GET way too much ice cream! Yeah let's complain that we actually get a portion worth it's money..and then some!! get a child's size and ask for another cup, you can share, and you can get more than one flavor. People are idiots for complaining and it's a shame someone would ask for their money back because they can't finish their portion. This place has every flavor and gives you more for your money! It's everyone I knows favorite place!

Once upon a time, it was maybe 90 degrees out with a crazy heat index and I decided it would be an appropriate day to explore downtown Stillwater - should have thought about that twice! Do not plan on antiquing unless you are prepared to feel like you are visiting your great aunt's non-air conditioned home somewhere in Savannah, Georgia. After what felt like a trek through the Sahara desert, my friend and I decided to get a sweet treat to beat the heat so we stopped at Nelson's. There was a line out the door but it moved very fast and the staff were friendly and efficient. EVERYONE in line ordered a kid size cone because the amount of ice cream they pack into that waffle cone is INSANE..like in the membrane. No small child or large adult should be consuming that amount of ice cream in one, or maybe 10 sittings, but it is still amazing and they let you mix flavors. All of the ice cream is Kemps but they have a very large selection of unique options to choose from -- I went with the Superman and the Raspberry sorbet and my friend went with the coconut chip, which is essentially an almond joy in ice cream form. The whole experience was enjoyable and the perfect way to cool down. The end. Oh yeah, some notes: Parking is plentiful in their private lot -- or else there's tons of street parking nearby. Seating is only available outside and this location is cash only. After you order, make sure you ask for an extra bowl to reallocate your ice cream cause there is no way that sucker is not going to melt all over your hand...and GRAB EXTRA NAPKINS Y'ALL. For those of you who read this and completely disregard my napkin tip, don't worry, there's a sink where you can wash your hands right next to the trashcans.

Huge portions of delicious ice cream for very little $. The chocolate peanut butter swirl is amazing. Highly recommend!

If you are hankering for something sweet, you can't miss with this Stillwater institution. It's motto is Variety Quality Value and you get all of that in abundance. The child size is more than enough for two adults, for just $3.75. We had Monster Cookie and Zanzibar, which were delicious together. There are so many flavors to taste that the lines must get long on hot days. If you want ice cream in Stillwater you'd be a clown to go any other place.

Ummm this place is ridiculous. They start making this huge cone and ask if you'd like to stop at the child size (which is the biggest cone I've ever seen!) It's really good ice cream. You have to go

Wow....size matters! The child sized is huge and enough to share with several family members. I like the variety of flavors they offer. The lines are long but it is part of the experience and a nice little fun thing to do on a summer evening.

The exterior doesn't look like much. There are no seating inside and/or any décor that is worth talking about. But let me tell you the crew and service is top notch. They are like a bunch of minions that have had way too much sugar or candy during their childhood. They are so ridiculously honest what you need that you have to second guess yourself what the heck have just happened... You are probably wondering, "WTHeck is this reviewer saying?! Is the reviewer had a brain freeze over too much ice-cream and talking non-sense?!" In the words of the famous philosopher, Arron Rodgers, "...R.E.L.AX." I took my whole family here from a long day of shopping and looking @ antiques(trust me on this, y-chromosome humans[male] don't pick this activity on their own free will). My son's demand payback for this monstrosity(I agree but didn't need death threats from the Y-less chromosomes leaders in the group). Hence on the way home we gotta have some ice-cream!!!!!! My wife and 9 yr old girl was gladly picked the SMALLEST sundae cup which is called "Child" size. When it comes to my 14 yr old boy who likes put me in debt via eating everything in sight requested a 2 scoops sundae cup. This is where the ridiculously helpful crew comes in. His name was 'John'(Not sure that is his real or 'professional' name) who was a pretty big guy and took one look at us and said, "Relax(must be a Packer's fan)...I will take care of you..." After pilling on tons of ice cream into my cup, he asked me if that was 'good' enough for me. I nodded confidently and surely like a man-child who was intimidated by my server. My son got roughly the same...When we got to the cashier, our server said both of us got a "Child" size. Although I should be offended for not getting beyond "child" size, my wallet were quite content. Needless to say, we were quite satisfied with the ice cream and I never want to see another cone for @ least 2-3 weeks.

Quantity and quality! My favorite is the coconut joy! Yum!!!! Child's size is two baseball size scoops of ice cream, you can get two flavors. A great summer treat , come hungry!

We've been here a few times. Keep forgetting to review. Great place! We've had multiple flavors. All good. Not a bad one in the bunch! The biggest problem is deciding which ones to try. HUGE HUGE portions. No seating inside..... tables outside. You'll be hooked.