Here’s the Scoop!

Here’s the Scoop on one of today’s stops. A Sweet Detour to the Ice Cream Capital of the World – Le Mars, Iowa 🍦

While road-tripping through Minnesota, we decided to take a one-hour detour south into Iowa. I’d never been to Iowa before, so we figured—why not check it off the list? But this wasn’t just any random stop. We discovered that Le Mars, Iowa is officially known as the Ice Cream Capital of the World. How could we not stop there?

So off we went to Blue Bunny’s hometown—yes, that Blue Bunny. And let me tell you, it was a delightful little day trip. The Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Le Mars is part museum, part photo op, part ice cream heaven. They even have an interactive museum that shares the sweet history of the company. We watched a short film that told the story of how it all started back in 1913, when founder Fred Wells began delivering milk for five cents a bottle. With just $250, he launched what would become a beloved American brand.

One of my favorite parts of the story? A competitor from Sioux City tried to buy them out to eliminate competition. The Wells brothers agreed to a five year name buyout. Turns out, that deal saved the Wells Family during the Great Depression. Talk about timing!

They couldn’t use the Wells name and ran a contest for a new name. A father entered the name Blue Bunny because his son had seen a cute blue bunny in a window display. History was made, and yes the father won $25.00.

Inside the parlor, we treated ourselves to a banana split and the whimsically named Tortoise and Hare Sundae (no hares were harmed; it was a turtle-chocolate-brownie dream). We also snagged a couple of fun t-shirts: one that said “I can make ice cream disappear. What’s your superpower?” and another proudly repping “The Ice Cream Capital of the World – Le Mars, Iowa.” You bet I wore it.

They even have rooftop seating if you want to enjoy your cone with a view—though we passed this time because it was hot. Like, melt-your-ice-cream-before-it-hits-the-spoon hot.

Still, it was such a fun, charming, and genuinely sweet stop. If you ever find yourself within an hour of Le Mars, go. Even if you’re not that close, it’s worth the detour. The town also has large Ice Cream cones decorated throughout the city, and an ice cream tree.