Mount Pleasant will honor one of its most famous natives, Dr. James Van Allen, with a community birthday celebration on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The event will take place at the corner of West Madison and North Van Buren in Mount Pleasant, home to the Van Allen House and the Heritage Center Museum. Families and community members are invited to enjoy an afternoon filled with science activities, games, and sweet treats.
At 1:00 p.m., guests can help make homemade ice cream, followed by cake and ice cream at 2:00 p.m. Science-themed activities and children’s games will continue throughout the afternoon.
The celebration also offers free tours of the Van Allen House and the Heritage Center Museum, giving attendees a chance to learn more about the life and legacy of Dr. Van Allen, the pioneering physicist best known for his discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts.
Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. All ages are welcome, but children should be accompanied by an adult.
For questions, community members can call (319) 217-6042.