Eight places to visit in the Orange City, Iowa area!

Since Orange City is on the way to Omaha from Southern Minnesota, we have driven through this area countless times. We have also, stopped a few times and even met family during the pandemic here since it’s about halfway from my husband’s family. Yet, this was the first time we truly explored the Orange City area. In the area for RiseFest, a Christian music festival, all of these other stops were just bonuses for our short trip. Let me tell you, we will be back! Here’s eight places you need to visit in the Orange City area, which also includes neighboring towns of Sheldon and Le Mars.

Brew Haus: Sheldon– This was the cutest coffee shop/brewery. Large welcoming tables and cozy chairs greeted you into the space. The coffee was delicious and my kids loved that they could get free popcorn. We felt comfy sitting here with the rain pouring outside while we sipped on our coffee and coloring all together. There was a back patio that looked like a great spot to sit outside and enjoy. Definitely worth a stop if you love coffee, beer, or both!

Sheldon City Park: Sheldon- One thing I loved about all of these parks is that they were wooden! There are not a lot of authentic wooden playgrounds still left and I always feel like we hit a jackpot when we find one. Imagine our surprise when this small trip yielded three unique and fun wooden parks. This one was painted in fun ways that drew you into play, such as Clifford the big red dog, a dragon, and some safari animals. My kids loved the tire features at this park, as well as the assortment of wood “vehicles” ready for play. Another thing we loved about this park were the small covered pavilions right outside the playground. Since it was off and on sprinkling, one of the pavilions, with a picnic table, was the perfect destination for a picnic lunch without getting wet.

Windmill Park- Orange City– This park we had been to when we met with family during the pandemic. Located in the center of downtown, this park has little windmills and a Dutch atmosphere. Since my grandparents lived in Holland, Michigan and I’ve visited windmills in the Netherlands, this is such a fun, closer location to teach your kids about windmills, tulips, canals, and the Dutch heritage. There is a playground at this park too that has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a unique time to visit Orange City, come during their tulip festival, where you get to experience the Dutch life all weekend long.

Kinderspeeland- Orange City– Another special wooden playground! This park had more painted features, but focused more on make believe play. With a variety of small houses, a theater opening, a boat, and a rocket, my kids instantly let their creative juices flow and came up with all sorts of fun things to play. This park also, had a bunch of swings that were nice for the smaller kids.

Puddle Jumper Park- Orange City– This park was brand new and AMAZING! It had so many distinctive features that we had never experienced. That being said, we’ve been to A LOT of parks over the years and finding new elements, like this one, is pretty uncommon. From a Zip-line like teeter totter to a trampoline in the ground to a hammock right on the playground, we all had fun! Both my husband and myself couldn’t resist playing too. There was also, a small splash pad that would be perfect for the youngest kids. We had such a fun time here!

Ice Cream Capital of the World- Le Mars– If you love ice cream, this is a must visit spot! The ice cream is delectable. There’s a wide variety of flavors and items to order. A gift shop and museum are both available for you to peruse. Within the museum, there is an interactive play area for the kids and many hands-on learning experiences. As if that’s not enough, there’s a stunning rooftop deck where you can enjoy your ice cream if you so choose. We got a flight of ice cream for the kids and my husband enjoyed a large Reese’s pieces sundae.

Find all the ice cream cone sculptures around downtown Le Mars– I mean, the ice cream capital of the world has to have some kind of fun experience around town, right? Enter ice cream cone sculptures. Take a drive or walk around town to find all of them. There’s also, beautiful art work upon many of the buildings throughout the town and it’s worth a look!

Cleveland Park- Le Mars– Yet another wooden playground that is special! I loved that this one had ice cream cones in the playground. There was a younger kid’s play area as well as a big kids play area. Many individual features made this park memorable. For instance, there was a little obstacle course that the kids enjoyed having themselves timed as they raced. An interactive board that allowed us to compete, work together, and strive to push ourselves was a fun additional item at the playground. We all enjoyed doing a story walk around the park after we finished playing.

Overall, these spots are right off Highway 60 which connects to large towns such as Sioux City, Omaha, Kansas City, Mankato, and the Twin Cities. This means these are great spots to stop and stretch your legs or actually stop and visit for a day or two! With an assortment of parks and fun family spots, it’s sure to be liked by every family member. Plus, there’s a lot to do for low prices. I’d recommend a visit and even better, I’d recommend a visit to RiseFest, the Christian music festival, next summer.

Until my next adventure,

Allie