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Writer's pictureKristina Light

Discover the Charm of Pella, Iowa: A Dutch Escape in the Heart of the USA

Pella, Iowa, famous for their windows and Dutch heritage, is a charming town that welcomes visitors with its historic Dutch village, America's tallest working Dutch windmill, delightful made-from-scratch bakeries, and quaint shops.

Vermeer Mill, Pella, Iowa
Vermeer Mill, Pella, Iowa

Vermeer Mill: Pella's Windmill

Vermeer Mill is an 1850s-style Dutch grain mill that has been at home in Pella's historic village since 2002. Visitors are invited to tour the five-story mill and learn how grain is ground into flour. You may even purchase a souvenir bag of flour in the gift shop. Guides teach visitors about the process, you learn about the various types of wood used to build the windmill and why each wood was selected, and children try to lift flour bags. A highlight is standing on the windmill deck where you can see the town below, Pella's canal, and shops. Admission to the windmill also includes admission to the miniature Dutch Village display and the historic village which includes Wyatt Earp's home, a blacksmith, a grist mill where corn is ground into cornmeal, a bakery, and a wooden shoemaker's shop.

Pella, Iowa
Pella, Iowa Tulip Time

5 Tips for Your Visit to Pella:

Kerstmarkt, Pella, Iowa
Kerstmarkt, Pella, Iowa
  1. Visit in December to experience Kerstmarkt.

Kerstmarkt annual Christmas festival typically held the first weekend of December with an outdoor European Christmas market for shopping, wassail, sleigh rides, and the chance to meet Sinterklaas (Santa of the Netherlands). The local ice skating rink is another wintertime favorite.

Tulip Time Parade, Pella, Iowa
Tulip Time Parade, Pella, Iowa
  1. Visit in May to experience Tulip Time.

Tulip Time is Pella's annual spring festival typically held the first weekend of May with day and night parades daily, Dutch foods (must try Dutch Letters), visit the historic village where demonstrators are making wooden shoes, baking, blacksmithing and more (if you visit the historic village during the off-season / non-festival you will see the buildings, but will miss out on demonstrations), and enjoy a craft fair, car show, and thousands of tulips in every variety imaginable.


Jaarsma Bakery, Pella,Iowa
Jaarsma Bakery, Pella,Iowa
  1. Enjoy Dutch pastries from Jaarsma Bakery.

Jaarsma Bakery is an Iowa landmark offering Dutch ambiance and goodness! Their Dutch letters, an S-shaped pastry filled with specialty almond filling, are a must-try. The S represents Sinterklaas, but the bakery makes the treats year-round. Their puff pillows are my personal favorites, but the apple ring, goat legs, and cream horns are amazing as well. During festivals, the lines to shop at Jaarsma's wrap around the block. If possible, arrive early or shop during a parade.


Ulrich Dutch Specialties, Pella, Iowa
Ulrich Dutch Specialties, Pella, Iowa
  1. Shop for meat and cheese at In't Veld's Meat Market and Ulrich Meat Market.

Purchase old-world style bologna, gouda cheese, and more goodies. In't Veld's makes their bologna on-site and they offer live music on the rooftop on weekends.

Klokkenspel, Pella, Iowa
Klokkenspel, Pella, Iowa
  1. Watch the Klokkenspel.

This Pella landmark features eight 4-foot tall mechanical figures show scenes from Pella's history as music plays. The Klokkenspel can be viewed first from Franklin Street and then from the courtyard behind. Performances are held daily at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 9:00 pm. The courtyard behind features beautiful Dutch murals and leads to the canal.


Discover more tips and a calendar of events at Visit Pella.


Pella's 5 Most Adorable VRBO Rentals

Pella is a delightful town boasting a variety of charming boutiques and homes. Here are our suggested VRBO accommodations in Pella:



The Rock House is like something out of a fairytale. This darling cottage features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and sleeps 4. Conveniently located within a short two-mile drive of Downtown Pella, and comfortable amenities, this is a perfect hideaway for couples. Average rate: $110/night. Book The Rock House in Pella, Iowa.


The Rock House Amenities
  • Parking available

  • Washer

  • Outdoor Space

  • Air conditioning

  • Dryer

  • Free WiFi




This adorable "Little Yellow House" in Downtown Pella features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and sleeps 7. With a picture-perfect kitchen, close proximity to all the shops, historic sites and eateries of Downtown Pella, and comfortable amenities, this is a perfect pick for a family visiting Pella. Average rate: $205/night. Book Little Yellow House in Pella, Iowa.


Little Yellow House Amenities
  • Parking available

  • Washer

  • Barbecue grill

  • Outdoor Space

  • Kitchen

  • Air conditioning



The Corner Huis Main is ideal for groups. This VRBO features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathroom and sleeps 13. Within walking distance of Downtown Pella, this lovely home boasts many comfortable amenities making it a great pick for families and groups. Average rate: $301/night. Book Corner Huis Main in Pella, Iowa.


Corner Huis Main Amenities
  • Toys/Games

  • Game room with arcade games and foosball table

  • Kitchen with microwave

  • Living/Dining area

  • Parking available

  • Washer

  • Barbecue grill

  • Outdoor Space

  • Air conditioning

  • Dryer

  • Free WiFi

  • Highchair / Travel crib

  • Smart TV



This historic home is cozy and comfortable. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and sleeping 10, guests enjoy the historic charm and modern amenities.. Guests can walk to nearby Downtown Pella from this adorable home. Average rate: $149/night. Book Historic Home in Pella.


Historic Home Amenities
  • Kitchen with microwave

  • Living/Dining area

  • Parking available

  • Washer

  • Outdoor Space

  • Air conditioning

  • Dryer

  • Free WiFi

  • Smart TV

  • Toys / Games



This beautiful cabin on Lake Red Rock features 1 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a 2-person jacuzzi tub and sleeps 5. The rustic cabin offers a wooded setting with a view of the lake. Average rate: $169/night. Book Luxury Cabin on Lake Red Rock.


Luxury Cabin at Lake Red Rock Amenities
  • Toys/Games

  • Kitchen with microwave

  • Living/Dining area

  • Parking available

  • Hot Tub

  • Air conditioning

  • Fireplace

  • Barbecue grill

  • Outdoor Space

  • Free WiFi

  • Water view

  • Cross-country skiing nearby








 

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