Le Mars, Iowa, claims to be the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” thanks to being the home of Wells Enterprises, Inc., the makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream and the country's largest family-operated ice cream manufacturer. The ice cream manufacturing facility now characterizes much of the small city’s skyline with a 12-story refrigeration tower and employs more than 1,000 of the city’s roughly 10,000 residents. In addition to its largest employer, the city hosts popular community events and a growing downtown district with locally owned shops and restaurants. “We have a great family environment, a Walmart and other grocery stores, and we’re close to a few major airports,” says Misty Szczech, Realtor with EXIT Realty Midwest. “But you still feel small town enough that you know your neighbors and their dog’s name.”
Homebuyers looking for a different housing market than nearby Sioux City
Home prices range from around $70,000 to about $750,000, depending on age and condition. Colonial revival-style homes date back to the early 1900s, while new construction styles tend toward modern craftsman-style homes. The median home price is about $270,000, more than half the national median. Affordability is similar to nearby Sioux City, Szczech says, but homebuyers moving to Le Mars appreciate the smaller city for its schools and community atmosphere. “I moved here 23 years ago thinking I’d be here a couple of years, but we had two kids, and they have great schools,” she says. “Our kids have great experiences.”
Technical career studies at Western Iowa Tech Community College
The Le Mars Community School District earns an overall B-plus on Niche. The district educates more than 2,300 students and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Public schools within the district include three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Gehlen Catholic Schools offers private school options from elementary through high school. Western Iowa Tech Community College has a campus in Le Mars and offers certificate and degree programs.
Le Mars parks for swimming, playing and local events
Le Mars has 13 parks and manages more facilities catering to sports like baseball, golf and tennis. In the summer, the Outdoor Swimming Pool and Park offers residents a place to stay cool, and the Olson Cultural Events Center is a popular place for social gatherings and community events. On the west side of town, Walton’s Pond serves as the community’s local fishing hole.
Local shops, restaurants and art galleries in downtown Le Mars
Downtown Le Mars holds local tattoo shops, toy stores, and small retail businesses. “Our downtown is fantastic,” Szczech says. “We have coffee shops, a couple of women’s stores, children’s boutiques and a men’s clothing store. We have a cute new flower shop, and we’re getting a bookstore soon.” Locally owned restaurants offer American fare, Mexican cuisine, ice cream and more. The Le Mars Community Theatre hosts a full calendar of community theater shows, and Browns Century Theater brings live musical acts from across the country. Just south of downtown, the Le Mars Art Center holds three art galleries, a gift shop full of locally crafted goods and studio spaces where classes are held and local artists can work.
Ice Cream Days and other events
The main event in Le Mars is Ice Cream Days, a weekend of live music, local food vendors and ice cream. In July, the city hosts one of the state’s largest county fairs, the Plymouth County Fair. The fair lasts five days, and attractions include carnival rides and games, fair food and live music. “The country fair is always a big draw,” Szczech says. “You pay for admission, but all the entertainment is free.” Holiday events include Hometown Christmas and the city’s Christmas parade.
Getting around Le Mars requires a car
Le Mars has no public transportation service, but residential streets are lined with tree-shaded sidewalks. Interstate 29, the closest interstate, sits about 12 miles west of the city. State Route 75 runs along the city’s western border, putting downtown Sioux City 26 miles away. The Sioux Gateway Airport is the closest major airport and connects residents to larger international airports nearby. For emergency services, Floyd Valley Healthcare offers primary care and emergency care. The hospital is a certified Level IV Trauma Center.
Plains winds on the edges of town
The city’s crime rates tend to follow national and state rates. Environmental data suggests minor flooding impact risk from the Floyd River, which saw record flooding in parts of the county in 2024. Summers are pleasantly warm, though winters bring average annual snowfalls of about 11 inches. Because Le Mars sits on the plains, winter winds can be particularly chilling on the outskirts of town, Szczech says.
Born and raised in a small Iowa community, I am a people person and truly love to help others realize the American dream of home ownership. I currently have fifteen years of full-time real estate experience in the tri-state area and have successfully put together hundreds of real estate transactions for Keller Williams of Siouxland.
From small towns to executive homes and from acreages to farms, I've sold them all. Prior to this, I had over twenty years of service based experiences. I believe service is a must. I enjoy bicycling, Harleys, sun and fun. If you or anyone you know has a real estate related need, I would love to help. My clients are my specialty!
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