A former canal, historic paths and art at Kroonplein offer different perspectives on Lemelerveld. Those who choose to stay here can explore the village’s history, memorial sites and activities in the natural surroundings—without needing to follow a set sightseeing itinerary.
Canal history and the development of the village
The Overijssels Kanaal once ran through Lemelerveld, dividing the village in two. The rolle poles along the canal are remnants of the system used to pull sailing ships with a towline. Landscape artist Ben Raaijman’s artwork “Tolplaats” also connects Lemelerveld with the history of the canal. Technical relics and artistic interpretation thus sit alongside memories of the former landscape.
The sugar factory is also part of the village’s history: it was the first company to settle there. This industrial milestone adds to the stories told by the canals, monuments and works of art.
Art, culture and memorial sites
Kroonplein is home to the De Mozaïek cultural centre. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet opened it on 9 June 2004; it was one of the first cultural centres of its kind in the Netherlands. The square and the artwork “Romeo en Julia” were created together in 1995. The bronze sculpture, which is over three metres high, was unveiled at Kroonplein on 4 October 1996.
The war memorial offers another way to explore the village’s history. It consists of a boulder on brick paving; a round plaque depicting a collapsed man sits on the stone. The memorial commemorates the Second World War and all fellow citizens who lost their lives fighting the occupiers. Oude Twentseweg 48 is also listed as a municipal monument.
The former church building “'t Hofje van Buisman” was built in 1906 and can be used as an exhibition space. Its name honours Pastor Buisman and his wife, who helped many families in Lemelerveld escape extreme poverty in the late 19th century. The site thus combines architectural history with a local memory of support during difficult circumstances.
On foot or by bike
The historic walk “Historisch ommetje Lemelerveld” is an approximately 5-kilometre walking route that starts and ends at Kroonplein. Along the way, it passes 20 identifiable places and objects from the village’s recent history. The historic cycling route around Lemelerveld is approximately 20 kilometres long and also starts and ends at Kroonplein. The different distances make it easy to compare the tours when planning. Route conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out.
Activities in the natural surroundings
The climbing forest at Natuurlijk Heidepark has four different obstacle courses, as well as a zip line over the swimming lake. Activity information may change; check the latest details before your visit.
Natuurlijk Heidepark’s Kabouterpad is a woodland scavenger hunt: children look for gnomes and complete tasks. The trail is in the natural surroundings of Lemelerveld in Overijssel and is designed for young children up to around six years old. This approximate age guidance is based on current information from the operator and may change.
A festival in the annual calendar
The Sukerbietenfeest traditionally begins with the “Bakkerij van der Most Ringsteken” ring-jousting event in the centre of Lemelerveld. If you plan to include the festival in your stay, check the details for the relevant date: individual programme items may change. This lets you consider the event as a separate occasion alongside the routes, artworks and memorial sites described here.
Discover more destinations: Dalfsen, Nieuwleusen.
Go to the main travel overview: Dalfsen.
