• Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor and Museum Reopens June 17

      Rejuvenation of a popular city landmark will invigorate downtown Le Mars' business district

      Le Mars, Iowa - The Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor and Museum will host its Grand Opening in downtown Le Mars on June 17. The new Parlor location is 115 Central Ave NW, Le Mars, Iowa. The Grand Opening festivities will take place during Ice Cream Days, with a special free concert on June 17 at 7 p.m. featuring the musical group Tonic Sol-fa.

      The new Parlor boasts a grand staircase, state of the art kitchen, and private room for meetings, events and parties. In its new location, the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor will offer an outdoor seating area, indoor first floor ice cream bar and table seating, and a grand staircase that leads to a second level of indoor seating where informal comfortable seating spaces are available for guests to relax and enjoy their ice cream treats. The space also includes a private room that can be reserved for meetings, events and parties. Historical photos, packaging displays and exhibits that highlight Wells company history will be integrated throughout the Parlor.

      The new Parlor is located in the historical Pew building, which was home to one of the earliest businesses in Le Mars and the state of Iowa. The iconic sundae sculpture from the first Blue Bunny Parlor will be placed in front of the building and the Parlor’s marble countertop is from the historic M&M Bakery & Café once located in O’Neill, Nebraska.

      During its busiest time of the year (May – September) daily traffic to the Ice Cream Parlor exceeds 850 patrons. During its first ten years, the parlor and museum received national exposure including feature articles in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. It was named “Iowa’s Tourist Attraction of the Year” in 2000. The site has also been a popular stop for national political candidates.

      Parlor hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.