Le Mars Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Le Mars, located in the northwest region of Iowa, is a charming city that offers a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant attractions. Known as the "Ice Cream Capital of the World," Le Mars is home to several renowned ice cream companies, making it a must-visit destination for ice cream lovers.

One of the top attractions in Le Mars is the Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor, where visitors can learn about the history of ice cream production in the city. The center also offers guided tours and a chance to sample some of the delicious ice cream flavors that put Le Mars on the map.

For those who appreciate outdoor beauty, Le Mars is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Willow Creek Golf Course is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, with its well-maintained fairways and scenic views. The nearby Plymouth County Conservation Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for bird watching, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Le Mars as well. The Plymouth County Historical Museum showcases the rich history of the region through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can learn about the early settlers, Native American tribes, and the development of the city.

Le Mars also hosts several annual events that attract visitors from near and far. The Plymouth County Fair, held in late July, offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music, agricultural exhibits, and thrilling rides. The Ice Cream Days Festival, held in June, celebrates the city's ice cream heritage with parades, contests, and, of course, plenty of ice cream.

In addition to its attractions, Le Mars boasts a vibrant downtown area with unique shops, charming restaurants, and a friendly community atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the streets, explore the local boutiques, and indulge in delicious cuisine at one of the many eateries.

Alternative names: Population: 9.8 thous.Area: 9 mi²Elevation: 1230 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°47'24"N, 96°10'0"W

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IowaUnited States

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Le Mars Top Attractions

Le Mars Attractions - What to See and Explore

Le Mars offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor and Museum, Plymouth County Historical Museum, Le Mars Public Library, St. George's Episcopal Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

42°47'41"N • 96°10'0"W
Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor and Museum
Visitor center • History museum • Museum
Museum • History museum
Plymouth County Historical Museum
Plymouth County Historical Museum is located in Le Mars, Iowa, United States. The building was originally Le Mars Central High School. The first school building in the city was constructed on this block in 1876. It was torn down in 1905 when the center part of this building was completed in 1905.
Library
Le Mars Public Library
Le Mars Public Library is located in Le Mars, Iowa. It is the largest library in Plymouth County and has been in operation since 1876.

Church
St. George's Episcopal Church
St. George's Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal Church building located in Le Mars, Iowa, United States. Designed in the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture, it was erected in 1881. It is one of the few remnants of the English era in Le Mars' early history.
42°47'36"N • 96°10'0"W
The Browns Century Theater
Concerts and shows • Theater
42°47'24"N • 96°9'40"W
Plymouth County Courthouse
The Plymouth County Courthouse located in Le Mars, Iowa, United States, was built in 1891. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 as a part of the County Courthouses in Iowa Thematic Resource.
42°47'52"N • 96°9'34"W
Tonsfeldt Round Barn
The Tonsfeldt Round Barn is a historic building located on the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in LeMars, Iowa, United States. It was built in 1918 to house H.P. Tonsfeldt's purebread Polled Hereford cattle, and prize bull, on his farm west of the city. The building is a true round barn that measures 82 by 68 feet.
42°47'17"N • 96°9'53"W
Sacred Heart Hospital
Sacred Heart Hospital, also known as the Floyd Valley Apartments, is an historic building located in Le Mars, Iowa, United States. Construction of the building began in 1921. It was designed by Sioux City architect William Steele and Riesche & Sanborn was the contractor.

Day trips

Le Mars – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Le Mars, it's worth seeing attractions such as: National Music Museum (Vermillion), Orpheum Theatre (Sioux City), Sioux City Art Center (Sioux City).

38 milesW
Specialty museum, Art museum, Museum
National Music Museum, Vermillion
The National Music Museum: America's Shrine to Music & Center for Study of the History of Musical Instruments is a musical instrument museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States.
24 milesSW
Concerts and shows, Theater
Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City
The Orpheum Theatre, also known as New Orpheum Theatre and Orpheum Electric Building, is a performing arts center located at 528 S. Pierce Street in Sioux City, Iowa. Built in 1927 as a vaudeville and movie palace, the theatre was restored in 1999 and today is the home of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra.
24 milesSW
Museum, Art gallery, Art museum
Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City
The Sioux City Art Center began as a Works Progress Administration project in 1937 when the Art Center Association of Sioux City, the Sioux City Junior League, as well as other community supporters, received a grant of $3,000 to create the first art center.
24 milesSW
Museum, Visitor center, History museum
Sergeant Floyd, Sioux City
Sergeant Floyd is a historic museum boat, serving as the Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center at 1000 Larsen Park Road in Sioux City, Iowa.
24 milesSW
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Sioux City Public Museum, Sioux City
The Sioux City Public Museum is a museum about the history and culture of Sioux City, Iowa. Displays include a video about the city's history, Native American artifacts, pioneer artifacts, historic transportation vehicles, agriculture, industry, geology and fossils.