'The Ice Cream Capital Of The World' Is A Charming Iowa City With Quaint Shops And Colorful Local Art

The average traveler passing through landlocked Iowa, known for its fields of towering corn stalks and romantic covered bridges, may not realize that the state is a big-time production hub for a popular frozen dessert. Tucked in Iowa's northwest corner, the charming city of Le Mars is colloquially called the "Ice Cream Capital of the World" because it churns out more of its Blue Bunny ice cream in the same location than any other brand in any other city in the world. And it's a message the town loves to proclaim. You'll see the slogan on a massive downtown sign as well as on its water tower as you explore the local shops. The theme also filters down to its public art installations and a yearly summer festival.

What began as a milk delivery business by horse-drawn wagon in 1913 under Fred H. Wells Jr. grew to Blue Bunny ice cream sold by Wells Enterprises. But ice cream is only part of the city's history. Le Mars, named by combining the initials of a group of ladies who arrived in town in 1869, also experienced a British influx. Inspired by its farming potential, a settler and his brothers with connections to England encouraged elite young Englishmen to relocate to Le Mars and build out the community with agricultural businesses and banks. But once these recruits arrived, pursuits like polo, golf, and gambling were too big of a distraction, and the "colony" idea seemed to have fizzled.

Le Mars has enjoyed its officially designated nickname since 1994, continuing today, even though the Wells company was acquired by Ferrero Group in 2022. But not to worry. Wells' headquarters remains in Le Mars, along with its production plant, as does its welcoming venue for all things ice cream.

If you want a peek at how 150 million gallons of ice cream get made every year, head to the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor. Customers can sample as many flavors as they like, from fruitier options like huckleberry to chocolate styles like peanut butter & fudge. The expansive menu also includes traditional sherbets, sorbets, and shakes as well as contemporary choices, such as non-dairy slushies, a variety patrons appreciate. "One of the best ice cream shops anywhere, maybe the best. Beautiful, fun, so many interesting creations... " posts a Tripadvisor fan. After leisurely enjoying your treat — lest you get brain freeze — check out the second-floor interactive exhibits, including the virtual production line and a movie covering the brand's history in the Wells Family Theater. Keep in mind, production tours are not available.

Ice cream isn't the only attraction in Le Mars, either. The city's downtown, while not a Midwest goldmine of architecture, is a corridor of quaint shops in brick buildings and retail finds. Collective & Co., a local favorite, wears many hats as a café, co-working space, and store, featuring home goods like kitchen tea towels and candles and apparel for men and women. One Google reviewer says, "It really feels like an upscale store you'd find in bigger cities. The pieces are trendy but also curated so it doesn't feel like everyone already has it."

Another unique concept is The Market with items from many local vendors, ranging from handmade ornaments and bookmarks to leather goods and homemade sourdough boules. And don't expect to see Lego sets or Barbie dolls in Le Mars Toy Store; it's a unique store for farm toys like boxed, miniature John Deere tractors.

For more scoop on Le Mars, make time to visit the Plymouth County Historical Museum. The historic brick building with multi-pane windows is its own treasure, built in 1905 and spared demolition by the museum's need for occupancy. It is just as fascinating that this county, home to a smattering of 25,700 people, has five stories of artifacts and displays dedicated to celebrating its past, including antique tractors and farming equipment, a replica of an old schoolhouse, and military uniforms and photos. In true Le Mars fashion, it even exhibits a restaurant replica that sells root beer floats.

You can also get a better flavor of the city by exploring its public artworks. Le Mars' chamber of commerce website has a map (PDF) highlighting the 56 fiberglass ice cream cones stationed throughout the community. They're not hard to find given that they're 5-feet tall and feature a colorful swirl of patterns, often in theme with a nearby retailer. For example, one is decorated like a bucket of popcorn with a film strip around it by the movie theater, and there's a cone that looks like a mailbox in front of the post office. Even Le Mars' alley buildings got an upgrade with a raft of large-scale, painted murals. The creations cover nine alleyways, ranging from the whimsical, like under the sea, to musical, such as a celebration of jazz.

Ice cream, art, and shopping are a little trifecta of fun awaiting in Le Mars, located less than 30 miles north of Sioux City, known for its picture-perfect outdoor spaces. You can also make a detour to Le Mars if you're on this underrated Iowa road trip with rolling hills.