Le Mars, Iowa: Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit (That Aren’t Just Cornfields)

Le Mars is the Ice Cream Capital of the World, and it can prove it. Blue Bunny has been made here since 1913, and the town turns out over 75 million gallons a year. The Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center covers how that happened. Bob’s Drive Inn has been doing the Loose Meat Sandwich since 1958.

Le Mars, Iowa is a town in the Midwest that keeps surprising people. It is the “Ice Cream Capital of The World”, which is the obvious reason to come. It is also a good food town, a decent history town and easy outdoor country, which are the reasons people stay longer than planned.

The eating in Le Mars is better than the size of the town predicts. Restaurants and shops run from classic American cooking through to Mexican and Italian. And the local ice cream is the thing the town is actually known for.

Le Mars carries more history than expected too. The Plymouth County Historical Museum and the Le Mars Art Center are where the town’s culture and heritage are kept. For anyone who would rather be outdoors, the parks here are the other half of the trip.

Key Takeaways

Le Mars is a hidden gem in the Midwest that offers adventure and surprises for everyone.
The town is known as the “Ice Cream Capital of The World” and is a foodie’s paradise.
Le Mars is rich in history and offers several historical landmarks to explore.

Ice Cream Capital of The World

Le Mars, Iowa is the Ice Cream Capital of the World, and that is the whole world rather than a marketing region. This town of just over 9,000 people produces more ice cream than anywhere else on the planet. It started with a company called Blue Bunny Ice Cream.

Blue Bunny Ice Cream has been part of Le Mars since 1913 and has never left. The company turns out over 75 million gallons a year, and you can taste the result at the Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center.

The visitor center covers the history of Blue Bunny and of the ice cream industry more broadly. There is a tour of the facility showing how the ice cream is actually made. Upstairs there is a play area for children and a theater running a short film on the origins of Blue Bunny.

The real reason you came is downstairs. The Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor covers shakes, old-fashioned ice cream sodas, malts, sundaes and classic cones. Order more than you meant to.

Le Mars also runs the annual Ice Cream Days festival, which it calls a “chill-a-bration”. It is built for a family and there is an ice cream eating contest, so arrive hungry.

Anyone who cares about ice cream should get to Le Mars. The history of the Ice Cream Capital of the World is genuinely interesting and the product is the point.

Foodie’s Paradise

You do not have to care much about food to eat well in Le Mars, Iowa, and if you do care you will do better than expected. Classic American cooking through to international kitchens, in a town this size.

Le Mars Restaurants

Start with the restaurants in Le Mars, and specifically with Bob’s Drive Inn. This classic American spot has been serving burgers, fries and milkshakes since 1958, which tells you most of what you need to know. Order the Loose Meat Sandwich, which is a sloppy joe done properly.

For Italian, Bella’s is the one. The pasta is homemade and the pizzas come out of a wood-fired oven, and the room is small enough to feel like somebody’s front room rather than a chain.

La Campechana brings the taste of Mexico, made with fresh ingredients and properly seasoned. Order a margarita alongside it, which is the correct way to handle the heat.

And then the ice cream, which is the reason Le Mars exists. As the Ice Cream Capital of the World, leaving without any would be strange. The Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor is where to go, for classic flavors and the odder inventions. The Ice Cream Nachos are exactly what they sound like.

Serious about food or simply hungry, Le Mars will feed you. The range is wider than a town of nine thousand has any obligation to offer.

Historical Landmarks

Le Mars, Iowa has a handful of landmarks worth the walk, from murals to historic places. The highlights:

Alley Art

The alley art in Le Mars is the one people miss. The murals sit in an alleyway between Plymouth and Central Avenues, and they cover the city’s history, including its founding and its status as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World”. Bring a camera; they photograph well and they cost nothing to see.

Interested in history or simply after something to do, Le Mars holds up. Plan a visit and see what the fuss is about.

Outdoor Escapades

Le Mars is easy outdoor country, with parks and recreation areas across the town. A leisurely walk, a harder one or a round of golf: all three are covered.

Le Mars Parks

The parks in Le Mars split the work between them. Willow Creek Park is the popular one, taking picnics, fishing and sports, and there is a campground if you want to stay the night. Foster Park handles a playground, a basketball court and a walking trail. The Floyd River Trail is the natural one, winding through woodland and along the river.

Golf Course

Golfers are well served in Le Mars. Willow Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole course that will test you and still take a beginner. There is a driving range and a pro shop for whatever you forgot.

Exercise, fresh air or simply somewhere to sit for an afternoon: Le Mars covers all three. Bring boots, a rod or clubs.

Museums and Theaters

Le Mars carries more culture than a town this size normally sustains, across museums and theaters. The best of them:

Speciality Museums

Le Mars is known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” so it’s no surprise that the Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center is a must-visit. This museum is dedicated to the history of ice cream, and it’s a great place to learn about the origins of Blue Bunny, one of the most famous ice cream brands in the world. Upstairs, there is a play area for children and a theater with a short film about the history of Blue Bunny. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream on your way out!

The Browns Century Theater

If you’re a fan of live performances, you’ll love the Browns Century Theater. This historic theater has been around since the early 1900s, and it’s one of the oldest theaters in Iowa. The theater hosts a variety of shows, from plays to musical performances, and it’s a great place to catch a show with your friends or family. The theater has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the acoustics are excellent. You can also rent the theater for private events, such as weddings or corporate events.

Ice cream or live performance: Le Mars covers both, and both work for a family. Give the cultural side an afternoon.

Everything here orbits one thing. Start at the Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center, which sets out the Blue Bunny story and hands you a scoop at the end. Bob’s Drive Inn, Bella’s and La Campechana cover the rest of the eating. The alley art between Plymouth and Central Avenues is the walk. Willow Creek Park and the Floyd River Trail take whatever daylight is left.

Events and Festivals

Le Mars runs a busy calendar for its size, across music, food and everything between. Something is usually on.

The Plymouth County Fair is the biggest event of the year. This annual fair covers livestock shows through to carnival rides, and it is the fastest way to see rural Iowa properly. Le Mars Ice Cream Days is the other one, celebrating the city’s status as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” with a parade, live music and a great deal of ice cream.

For something quieter, the Le Mars Art Center is small and it programmes well, running exhibits by local and regional artists through the year. The Browns Century Theater is the other stop, a historic venue taking live music and theater performances.

Le Mars also runs a set of annual festivals and events worth timing a trip around. A few of them:

Ice Cream Days: Celebrate all things ice cream with a parade, live music, and plenty of sweet treats.
Plymouth County Fair: Experience the best of rural Iowa with livestock shows, carnival rides, and more.
Le Mars Art Center Exhibits: Check out the latest exhibits at this small but mighty museum.
Browns Century Theater Performances: Catch a live show at this historic venue.
Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center: Learn about the history of Blue Bunny ice cream and enjoy a scoop or two.
Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Events: Keep an eye on the Chamber’s calendar for upcoming events and networking opportunities.

Whenever you come to Le Mars, something will be on. Bring people with you.

Family Fun in Le Mars

Le Mars is easy country for a family, with museums, parks and theaters all within a short drive. What to do:

Start at the Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center, which works for children and adults equally. The history of Blue Bunny ice cream is set out there and there are samples. Upstairs there is a play area and a theater running a short film on the origins of Blue Bunny.

The Browns Century Theater is next, with a programme running musicals, comedies and dramas. The building itself is historic and worth seeing whatever is on that night.

For outdoor time, the parks are the answer. Le Mars Municipal Park has a playground, picnic areas and a swimming pool, which covers most of an afternoon. The Willow Creek Disc Golf Course is the other one, and frisbee golf is harder than it looks.

The Le Mars Public Library is the one people forget. It runs storytime, crafts and movie screenings for children, and there is usually something happening.

Le Mars handles a family better than most towns this size, with enough indoors and outdoors that the weather does not decide the day. Load the car and go.

Accommodation Options

Le Mars, Iowa has a few good options for somewhere to stay, from a proper hotel to a vacation rental. The best of them:

Le Mars Hotels

The hotels in Le Mars cover the range, from budget through to somewhere with a spa. Whatever kind of traveler you are, one of these will fit:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – This hotel is perfect for those who want a comfortable and affordable stay. With amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast, you’ll have everything you need for a great stay.
Baymont Inn & Suites – This hotel is a great choice for those who want a little more luxury. With amenities like a hot tub, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast, you’ll feel pampered and relaxed during your stay.
Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor & Museum – If you’re looking for a unique hotel experience, look no further than the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor & Museum. This hotel is located inside the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor & Museum, so you’ll be surrounded by delicious ice cream and fascinating exhibits during your stay.

Le Mars Vacation Rentals

For something more like a house than a hotel, a vacation rental is the answer. The best rentals in Le Mars:

The Farmhouse Retreat – This cozy vacation rental is perfect for those who want a peaceful and relaxing stay. With amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace, and a beautiful outdoor area, you’ll feel right at home during your stay.
The Loft on Central – This modern and stylish vacation rental is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of Le Mars. With amenities like a full kitchen, a flat-screen TV, and a comfortable living area, you’ll have everything you need for a great stay.
The Tiny House – If you’re looking for a unique and quirky vacation rental, look no further than The Tiny House. This tiny home is located on a beautiful farm and has everything you need for a cozy and comfortable stay.

Whichever you pick, Le Mars, Iowa has somewhere to put you. Book ahead and get on with the trip.

Travel Tips

Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World, is a good decision. A few things worth knowing before you set off:

Le Mars Travel Forum

Check the Le Mars Travel Forum before you go. It carries insider tips from travelers who have already been, covering the best places to eat, the attractions worth the time and the scenic routes in. You may pick up a contact or two before you arrive.

Le Mars Map

Pick up a Le Mars map when you arrive. It makes the town easier to work through and it will show you things you would otherwise miss. The Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center and the Plymouth County Historical Museum both have them. Bring a pen.

Visitors Guide

The Le Mars Visitors Guide is the other useful thing, covering the town’s history, attractions and events. Most hotels, restaurants and shops carry it, and it is available online if you want to plan before you leave home.

Dress Appropriately

Le Mars gets genuinely hot in summer, so pack light, breathable clothing and shoes you can walk in. Sunscreen and a hat matter. In winter it gets cold enough that layers and a proper coat are not optional.

Try the Ice Cream

You cannot visit the Ice Cream Capital of the World and skip the ice cream. The Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor and the Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center are the two places to do it. Order at least two scoops of the Blue Bunny.

Be Respectful

And be decent to the town. Le Mars is a friendly, welcoming place and it deserves the same back. Follow the local laws and customs, keep the noise reasonable, and enjoy yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the population of Le Mars, Iowa – and how many of them work in the ice cream industry?

Le Mars has a population of around 10,000 people, and a good number of them work in ice cream. The town is the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” and home to the Blue Bunny ice cream company, which is not a small employer in a place this size. Come for the ice cream and you will meet people who make it.

Can you find your way to Le Mars without a map – or do you need GPS and a pint of ice cream to guide you?

Anyone good with directions can find Le Mars without a map or GPS. Anyone else should take a cone or a tub of their favorite flavor along for the drive to the “Ice Cream Capital of the World”. If you do get lost, follow your nose.

Frequently asked questions about Le Mars, Iowa

Why is Le Mars, Iowa the Ice Cream Capital of the World?

Because more ice cream is made here than anywhere else on the planet. Blue Bunny has been produced in Le Mars since 1913, and the annual output runs to over 75 million gallons, which is a genuinely absurd number for a town this size. There is a factory tour.

What is free to do in Le Mars, Iowa?

The alley art between Plymouth and Central Avenues costs nothing, and the murals there cover the city’s founding and its ice cream history. Willow Creek Park, Foster Park and the Floyd River Trail are all free. So is the library. It runs children’s events at no charge.

Where do you eat in Le Mars, Iowa besides ice cream?

Bob’s Drive Inn for the Loose Meat Sandwich, which has been on the menu since 1958. Bella’s does homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza in a room the size of a front room. La Campechana handles the Mexican cooking and the margaritas. None of the three will cost you much.

Keep exploring Le Mars, Iowa