(Le Mars) — Wells Enterprises offered a sneak preview on Thursday morning to the area media of the new Wells Visitors’ Center and Ice Cream Parlor. Adam Baumgartner is the Vice President of Retail Sales. He says the ice cream company hopes to deliver a “fun experience” for its visitors.
The ice cream parlor has served as an important Iowa tourist attraction, bringing in annually more than 200,000 people. But, Baumgartner says with the renovations and expansions, along with the interactive displays, they hope to have the ice cream parlor become an even larger attraction, as part of the goal of “Destination Le Mars.”
Baumgartner spoke of the recently completed $3 million renovation, and says Wells has re-branded the destination in order to attract even more visitors to Le Mars.
The Wells official says the ice cream parlor has expanded its menu to include additional specialty dishes, as well as adding many different flavors.
Visitors can now choose from a choice of 37 different ice cream flavors.
Two examples of the new ice cream dishes include the lemon meringue ice cream shake, and the Monster Peanut Butter Cup Sundae. The Wells Visitors Center has an event center for meetings, a theater showing the history of Wells Enterprises, and an outdoor patio seating area overlooking Central Avenue and
downtown Le Mars. The newly renovated ice cream restaurant also features several interactive displays.
Baumgartner shared some interesting facts about the new visitors center and ice cream parlor. The facility was able to expand from the 11,266 square feet to now nearly 19,000 square feet. Seating capacity is at 157 diners with 49 people that can enjoy the rooftop seating. The new facility will also have a staff of 40 full-time employees, where previously it was at 25. The ice cream facility will hold a soft opening on Saturday, and Wednesday, the start of Ice Cream Days, will be the grand opening during the Chamber Coffee. Baumgartner says Governor Kim Reynolds will be on hand for the re-grand opening.
