Discover Lemelerveld: Culture and Village History

Lemelerveld offers several points of interest for a trip focused on local history, art, or activities at Natuurlijk Heidepark. The following places and themes provide practical guidance.

On foot or by bike

The “Historisch ommetje Lemelerveld” historic walk is an approximately 5-kilometre route on foot, starting and ending at Kroonplein. Along the way, it passes 20 identifiable places and objects from the village’s more recent history. The historic cycling route around Lemelerveld is longer, at approximately 20 kilometres; it also starts and ends at Kroonplein. The two routes can therefore be compared by mode of transport and length: a walking tour with historic stops or a longer bike ride. Route conditions may change; check the latest route information before setting out.

Art and remembrance

At Kroonplein stands the artwork “Romeo en Julia”: a bronze sculpture more than three metres high, unveiled on 4 October 1996. The war memorial in Lemelerveld offers another way to engage with history. It consists of a large boulder on brick paving; a circular plaque on the boulder depicts a slumped man. The memorial commemorates the Second World War and all fellow citizens who lost their lives fighting the occupiers. Alongside local history, remembrance and commemoration are therefore also themes in their own right.

Traces of the canal and the village’s development

The Overijssels Kanaal once ran through Lemelerveld, dividing the village in two. The artwork “Tolplaats” by landscape artist Ben Raaijman connects Lemelerveld with the history of this canal. The rolepalen along the canal are also part of this historical context: they are remnants of a system used to tow sailing ships with a towline. This specific detail helps explain how the canal was once used. The village’s business history includes the sugar factory, the first company to establish itself in Lemelerveld.

Cultural venues and their history

Kulturhus De Mozaïek at Kroonplein was opened on 9 June 2004 by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet. It was one of the first kulturhusen in the Netherlands. Another historic place is the former church building “'t Hofje van Buisman”, built in 1906 and available for use as an exhibition space. Its name honours Pastor Buisman and his wife, who helped many families in Lemelerveld out of extreme poverty at the end of the 19th century. A local address is also part of the village’s heritage: Oude Twentseweg 48 in Lemelerveld is listed as a municipal monument.

Events and activities at Natuurlijk Heidepark

The Sukerbietenfeest traditionally begins with the “Bakkerij van der Most Ringsteken” ring-jousting event in the centre of Lemelerveld. Individual programme items may change. At Natuurlijk Heidepark, the treetop climbing park has four different courses with obstacles, as well as a zip line over the swimming lake. Activity details may change; check the operator’s latest information before your visit.

The Kabouterpad at Natuurlijk Heidepark is a woodland treasure hunt where children look for gnomes and complete tasks. The trail is set in the natural surroundings of Lemelerveld in Overijssel and is designed for young children up to around six years old. This makes it different from the historic routes: the focus here is on searching and completing tasks in the woods.

Discover more destinations: Nieuwleusen, Dalfsen.

Go to the main travel overview: Dalfsen.