Le Mars — Population: 9,237
Good times always include at least two things: scrumptious food and special people.
In Le Mars, Iowa, you can find both. Home to Wells' Dairy, more ice cream is produced
in Le Mars than anywhere else in the world, resulting in the community's designation
as the "Ice Cream Capital of the World." ®
Le Mars also boasts many fine restaurants and serves as a shopping center for all
of Plymouth County and beyond. Its downtown remains the destination for retail goods
and consumer services and is the center of civic life, serving as home base to city
government, the public library and the arts. On a warm summer evening, downtown
is the center of community life with residents and guests window shopping, going
to a movie or attending an outdoor event. The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce's
Main Street program, founded in 1995, is at the center of preserving downtown's
rich heritage and the spirit of Le Mars. Visit Le Mars!
Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce
50 Central Avenue SE
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
phone: 712/546-8821
fax: 712/546-7218
e-mail: mainst@lemarscomm.net
Town History
Platted in 1869, Le Mars was established on land near the Floyd River. Founded by
Captain B. F. Betsworth and his family, Le Mars was actually named by a group of
six women. They accompanied railroad builder John I. Blair and a group of railroad
officials as they set out to the newly plotted land, which was for sale. The women,
Lucy Underhill, Elizabeth Parson, Mary Weave, Anna Blair, Rebecca Smith and Sarah
Reynolds used the first initials of their first names to produce the unique name,
Le Mars.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Downtown Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:
- Le Mars Arts Center - Cultural opportunities abound in Le Mars'
historic Carnegie Library building.
- Postal Playhouse - Le Mars' historic post office now serves as
home to the Le Mars Community Theatre.
Other Unique Properties:
- "Ice Cream Capital of the World." ® Visitor Center
- This visitor center not only houses tourist information, it features a museum
that demonstrates ice cream production and displays Wells Dairy, Inc. memorabilia
and a victorian-style ice cream parlor that sells tasty treats.
- Vandermeer Bakery - Open for more than 60 years, four generations
have kept retail baking alive and well on Main Street Le Mars.
- Royal Twin Theater & Hollywood Video - Le Mars' two-story,
white brick theater shows the latest flicks from Hollywood and rents a wide selection
of videos.
- First Paved Street in Iowa and Second in the Nation - Located one-half
block south of Plymouth Street West, a plaque commemorates this unique history.
The original road was scored like cobblestones so horses would not slip between
the Union Hotel and the Livery Stable.
Annual Events
- June - Scoop da Loop in Le Mars! - Return to the days of the '50s
and '60s with entertainment, great bargains and ice cream.
- July - Ice Cream Days - Enjoy a parade, street dance, three-on-three
basketball tournament, Arts and Crafts in the Park, Taste of Main, historic walking
tours and more in the "Ice Cream Capital of the World."®
- July - Ridiculous Days - Shoppers won't find the savings ridiculous
during this annual sidewalk sale.
- October - Halloween Parade - Downtown streets fill with little
spooks parading their Halloween finery.
- November - Holiday Open Houses - Downtown merchants invite
you to see their holiday best.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property and grant programs
for downtown Le Mars business and property owners contact the Le Mars Area Chamber
of Commerce at 712/546-8821.
Local Links
City of Le Mars