The state of Iowa is full of impressive things to do, despite often being overlooked in favor of more famous states. Well known for being home to some of the most mesmerizing lake towns in the U.S., this state is a favorite for nature-filled vacations. Plus, Iowa has even been crowned the best state to retire to in the recent past!
What travelers may not be so aware of, however, is that nestled away in the heart of Iowa is a town that will make them think they have arrived in a European town without stepping foot on a plane!
Known as "Little Holland," Pella invites visitors into a world filled with traditional windmills, charming Dutch architecture, tulip fields, and time-honored traditions. Easily one of the most beautiful towns in Iowa, Pella is more than just a nod to Dutch culture; it's a living, breathing homage to the Netherlands, carefully preserved by its residents and celebrated by tourists throughout the year.
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How A Small Town In Iowa Became the "Little Holland Of America"
Pella is one of the many towns in America that look and feel like Europe, and the reason is partly due to its origins. Pella's history began in 1847 when a group of Dutch immigrants, led by Dominie (meaning "pastor") Hendrik Scholte, sought religious freedom and new lives in America.
Eventually settling in Iowa, the immigrants named their town "Pella" after a Biblical city of refuge, symbolizing their hopes for a safe community where their faith and traditions could flourish.
Scholte's leadership helped shape Pella's early infrastructure, fostering a strong, close-knit community rooted in Dutch customs. Generations of residents have worked to preserve this heritage, from the distinctive Dutch-inspired architecture to annual celebrations such as the Tulip Time festival, which helps to honor the town's founders.
Today, Pella stands proudly as a vibrant example of Dutch-American culture in the Midwest, welcoming thousands of visitors each year who come to experience its unique blend of history, tradition, and community.
Visitors are drawn to the town's historic sights, traditional bakeries, and scenic beauty, finding a rich, cultural experience that echoes that of a traditional Dutch town.
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Things To Do In Pella That Will Make Visitors Feel Like They Are In The Netherlands
Pella is a small town with a big charm, offering visitors plenty to see and do no matter what the season. Whether visitors are drawn to historic landmarks, natural landscapes, or exploring Dutch-inspired shops and bakeries, Pella invites its visitors to experience a taste of Holland in the Midwest.
Almost every small town in the Netherlands has a mill at its center and Pella is no different! A highlight of the town, and Pella's Dutch heritage, is the iconic Vermeer Windmill. The Vermeer Windmill is the tallest working grain windmill in North America, standing at an impressive 124 feet.
The windmill was built in the Netherlands, disassembled, shipped to Iowa, and re-assembled in Pella in 2002, the perfect nod to the town's agricultural past. Guided tours inside the windmill provide visitors with an insight into its unique charm and function, and a climb to the top reveals beautiful views of Pella, with tulip gardens and charming buildings stretching below.
Beyond the Vermeer Windmill, Pella's town square is filled with beautifully preserved Dutch-inspired architecture that tells the story of its 19th-century beginnings. Perhaps the best place for visitors to experience this beautiful architecture is The Pella Historical Village.
The village houses a collection of over 20 historical buildings, including the Scholte House, a replica of the former residence of the town's founder, and the Wyatt Earp House, where the legendary lawman lived as a child.
Visitors can visit both the Vermeer Windmill and the Historical Village with one ticket:
Another highlight of the town is the Klokkenspel clock tower, where visitors can enjoy the bells ringing out and eight, 4-foot mechanical figures portraying figures and moments of Pella's history several times a day!
The first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of every May, the town of Pella blooms in full splendor during the colorful Tulip Time Festival! The celebration transforms the town into a celebration of color and culture, with thousands of tulips painting the town's sidewalks, parks, and public spaces.
The festival offers fun parades, live Dutch dancing, and traditional performances that bring Pella's heritage to life.
Festival goers can also sample some delicious, authentic Dutch street food and see the locals don their Dutch costumes, complete with wooden clogs, adding a touch of authenticity that makes the Tulip Time Festival an unforgettable experience.
Pella's central district, Molengracht Plaza, which was built to resemble a Dutch square, is home to beautiful shops and restaurants that run along the banks of its 5,700 square-foot canal. Pella's culinary scene brings Dutch tastes to the Midwest.
Jaarsma Bakery is a family-owned bakery that has been delighting customers with its delicious pastries and treats since 1898! Jaarsma is famous for its Dutch letters, a puff pastry filled with almond paste that has become a local favorite. The bakery also offers other tasty Dutch treats, from speculaas to strudel!
For a heartier, Dutch-inspired meal, visitors can dine in one of Pella's many restaurants, including Dutchfix and Butcher's Brewhuis and Deli, serving everything from Dutch-inspired burgers to tasty favorites straight from The Netherlands, such as Gouda curds and raw Herring! Exploring Pella's restaurants and bakeries offers a delicious taste of Dutch tradition, right down to the last crumb.
Pella's downtown district is also full of specialty stores where visitors can find unique Dutch souvenirs. Stores like Pella Hometown Variety offer handcrafted items, traditional Dutch wooden shoes, and pottery, while the gift shop at Jaarsma Bakery sells Dutch imports from chocolate to lace!
Pella is the proud home of 15 beautifully diverse and well-maintained parks, perfect for gazing at the beautiful tulips in the spring, taking gentle walks, or enjoying a yummy picnic after a day of exploring.
Just a ten-minute drive from the town, visitors will find Lake Red Rock, the largest lake in Iowa and a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing.
In the spring and summer, Lake Red Rock is perfect for water sports, while the autumn brings breathtaking fall foliage along the shoreline.
Hiking, biking, and bird-watching are favorite activities on the trails around the lake, adding a touch of natural beauty to Pella's charm and making it a well-rounded spot for all types of travelers.
The Best Time To Visit Pella, Iowa
While Pella shines brightest during tulip time, each season brings its own appeal. Spring brings spectacular tulip blooms for visitors to gaze at and enjoy. Although the tulips line the streets, the best places for visitors to see the flowery displays are:
Summer is perfect for outdoor activities on Lake Red Rock, while in the autumn, the tulips in the town are replaced with vibrant fall foliage, which also adorns the trails at the lake, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike.
The winter brings its own charm to the town, where Pella transforms into a European-style winter wonderland with Christmas markets and festive lights. No matter the time of year, Pella makes a unique destination for every season.
In many ways, Pella, Iowa, embodies the best of Dutch-American tradition. It's a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that immigrant communities have brought to America's heartland.
A trip to Pella is not just a visit; it's an experience that brings history to life, offering vibrant traditions, charming streets, and a pride of community rooted in its ancestors' legacy. For travelers seeking a unique, Midwest destination, Pella is a place of beauty, warmth, and inspiration waiting to be explored.