Published by Discover Stillwater on July 13, 2023
Trying to find ways to stay cool on these hot summer days? Look no further than Stillwater, Minnesota! The historic town has all you could want and more. Not only is there ice cream shops galore and numerous indoor activities, but also a refreshing body of water ready to entertain. Stillwater is sure to keep you chilled all summer long!
One of two locations in Minnesota, Nelson’s Ice Cream in Stillwater is extremely popular. Known for its large portions, this ice cream shop is the place to be on a hot summer day. It’s located at 920 Olive Street W and has been serving ice cream since 1923. Greatly loved by the community, Nelson’s features over 50 flavors including a couple vegan and dairy free options. Take a seat outside and enjoy!
Leo’s, the retro style diner at 131 Main Street S, is a family friendly restaurant and malt shop. Get a milkshake, malt, ice cream cone, or float with any meal or skip the food completely and head to the ice cream window for a quick delight! Enjoy in the dining room, on the rooftop, on the patio, or while walking across the lift bridge. Leo’s is a staple visit for many frequent visitors and adored by locals.
Who doesn’t love a good popsicle?! Newly opened in 2022, Sticks, The Ice Pop Shop features a variety of homemade flavors with vegan, gluten free, and dairy free options available. Finish your ice pop and uncover a surprise inspirational quote on your stick that is sure to brighten your day! Located at 315 Third Street S, the little walk-up window that provides such tasty treats is the ideal stop for when the heat is just a bit too much.
Located at 308 Chestnut Street E, MN Nice Cream is the hot spot for photogenic treats. All soft serve flavors are gluten and egg free and are served in a dish or cone. While enticing specialty cones are available, you’re also able to build your own! Featuring over 20 topping options including edible glitter, this sweet shop will excite you without a doubt.
Located on the patio of Leo’s is Gloria’s To Go. It takes on the concept of a concession stand by ordering and being served at a window. Gloria’s serves multiple flavors of dole whip, malt cups, soft serve, and more! They are open on the nicest days of the week so keep on eye on the weather and head downtown to try it out!
Minnesota’s first and only gourmet soda shop, Blue Sun is the destination for all things refreshing and sweet! Located in the heart of downtown at 126 Main Street S, this store offers hundreds of flavors of craft soda along with candy and toys. Prepare to be overwhelmed by your options!
Along with the many fun ice cream shops around town, we also have a lively river running along Stillwater. If spending some time on the water sounds like your ideal way to cool off, check out this blog for all the information you will need: www.discoverstillwater.com
And don’t forget Square Lake! With some of the clearest waters in Minnesota, it attracts both swimmers and scuba divers, and boasts a great beach!
Prefer air conditioning? Don’t worry, Stillwater has plenty of that too. Take a break from being outside and enjoy some of our indoor adventures!
For more ideas visit: www.discoverstillwater.com
Maybe a cold drink on a patio or rooftop sounds more your speed? Stillwater has quite the plethora of outdoor dining available! Visit our patio blog for the options: Click here!
or for a list of ALL dining options, visit: the full list of restaurants here!
Stillwater is fortunate to have a large variety of lodging styles from bed & breakfasts to luxury boutique hotels and everything in between! Some of them even have a pool for you to relax in, so with all that there is to see here, why not make it a trip!
Visit www.discoverstillwater.com to book your stay!