Pella Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture of Pella in Central Iowa. Get tips on hiking/biking routes, where to stay, and what to eat and drink.


Introduction to Pella

Situated in Central Iowa, Pella is a charming city with Dutch roots that boasts a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes. Home to the annual Tulip Time Festival, Pella is a popular destination for travelers who come to explore its unique landmarks, historic sites, and picturesque countryside.

In this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture of Pella. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Pella has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Pella

Here’s a list of must-visit places in Pella:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Vermeer Mill and Scholte House Museum - Explore the Dutch history of Pella at the Vermeer Mill, which is a replica of the original windmill in the Netherlands. At the Scholte House Museum, you’ll discover the life of founder Dominie H.P. Scholte who built the town in the 1800s.
  • Historical Village - Experience the life of early settlers at the Historical Village, which comprises of 22 buildings that help you envision homes, businesses, and shops of pre-1900s Pella.
  • Pella Opera House - Watch a show or enjoy live music at the beautifully restored Pella Opera House which was built in 1900.

Natural Attractions of Pella: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Red Rock - Enjoy water sports such as boating, kayaking, and fishing, or just admire the beautiful views at Iowa’s largest lake, located just 10 miles north of Pella.
  • Volksweg Trail - Explore the natural beauty of Pella through a scenic bike ride or hike along the 13-mile Volksweg Trail that leads through forests, wetlands, and farms.
  • Molengracht Plaza - Spend a relaxing time in downtown Pella at Molengracht Plaza, a lively public space which is home to the Pella Farmer’s Market, live music events, and other community events throughout the year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pella

Pella offers great opportunities for hikers and bikers to explore its natural beauty through its extensive network of trails and parks. Here are some popular routes:

  • Volksweg Trail - As mentioned before, the 13-mile of the Volksweg Trail is an ideal destination for biking and hiking enthusiasts.
  • Red Rock Trail - Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through some of Central Iowa’s most scenic views when you take the Red Rock Trail that spans 14 miles between Lake Red Rock and Pella.
  • Bos Landen Golf Club Trail - Take a ride along the 6-mile Bos Landen Golf Club Trail, winding through the picturesque countryside, and enjoy the golf course, which is rated among Iowa’s 10 best courses.

Best Things to Do in Pella: Activities And Tours

Here are some exciting things to do and tours in Pella:

  • Tulip Time Festival - Don’t miss the annual Tulip Time Festival, which takes place for three days every May and celebrates Pella’s Dutch heritage with traditional costumes, food, music, and parades.
  • Dutch-themed Shopping - Explore the many specialty stores along Franklin Street that offer unique Dutch-themed products. You can purchase wooden shoes, handmade Dutch chocolates, souvenirs, and much more.
  • Wine Tasting at Tassel Ridge Winery - Sample unique and award-winning wines at the Tassel Ridge Winery, located just a few miles south of Pella.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pella

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary to explore Pella fully:

Day Itinerary
1 Visit Historical Museum and Pella Opera House
2 Spend a Day at Lake Red Rock
3 Explore Pella’s Dutch-themed Shopping
4 Tulip Time Festival or enjoy a wine tasting at Tassel Ridge Winery
5 Hike or Bike Through the Scenic Volksweg Trail
6 Walk around downtown Pella
7 Play Golf at Bos Landen Golf Club

Food and Drink Scene of Pella

Don’t miss out on the delicious cuisine of Pella during your visit. Here are their must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dutch Letters -This scrumptious pastry made of almonds and puff pastry is a Dutch specialty and is perfect with coffee. Try them at Jaarsma Bakery.
  • Pella Bologna - Pella’s famous version of Bologna sausage is a perfect combination of pork and beef and is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
  • Dutch Stroopwafels - Indulge in this traditional Dutch cookie, made of two thin waffles with a layer of caramel inside, which is also available at Jaarsma Bakery.

Local Beverages

  • Drink local beer - Try out Pella’s local beer in the form of craft beer, which is produced by the local brewery, Peace Tree Brewing Company.
  • Red Wine - Tassel Ridge Winery produces one of Iowa’s best wines. Enjoy their varieties, including their bestseller, the Cranberry Wine.

Where to Stay in Pella: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pella offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and tastes. Here are your options:

  • Royal Amsterdam Hotel - Located in the heart of downtown Pella, the Royal Amsterdam Hotel provides a cozy stay experience with its Dutch-inspired décor and modern amenities.
  • Country Inn & Suites - This hotel is the go-to for families and business travelers with its pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.
  • Bed and Breakfasts - For those looking for a more quaint experience, Pella has charming and affordable guesthouses.

What to Buy in Pella: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t forget to bring home some quintessential Pella souvenirs:

  • Dutch Shoes - Wooden shoes are synonymous with Dutch culture, and you can find a variety of hand-painted wooden shoes in many shops along Franklin Street.
  • Tulip Bulbs - With the festival, Pella is also known for its tulips. Bring home some tulip bulbs from its annual festival Tulip Time Festival.
  • Windmill Replicas - Miniature replica windmills are fun to collect as souvenirs. You can find a variety of beautiful replicas in shops in downtown Pella.

Local Culture and Customs of Pella

The Dutch heritage of Pella is evident in everything from its food, architecture, festivals to its traditions. Some of its customs that are still observed include:

  • Dutch Costumes - People are seen wearing traditional Dutch costumes during Tulip Time Festival.
  • Wooden Shoes -Pella holds an annual foot race, Wooden Shoe Run, where men, women,and children race in traditional wooden shoes.
  • Hand-crafted Products - Several local shops in Pella sell hand-crafted hats, quilts, furniture, and more.

Best Time to Visit Pella

The best time to visit Pella is during the annual Tulip Time Festival in May. The festival is the biggest attraction for visitors to enjoy the beauty of over 200,000 tulips blooming all over the city. However, you can visit year-round to appreciate the city’s natural beauty and its Dutch heritage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pella

Do:

  • Try out Pella Bologna, Dutch Letters, and Stroopwafels.
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes or buy some wooden shoes to accommodate you.
  • Celebrate Dutch traditions and customs.

Don’t:

  • Litter on streets or parks.
  • Inappropriate Behavior at festivals.
  • Intentionally damage historical landmarks or museums.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pella

Pella is a relatively safe city, and its crime rate is lower than the national average. However, it is advisable to take normal precautions, such as not leaving valuables inside your car and avoiding dark areas at night.

Health in Pella

The nearby Pella Regional Health Center provides exceptional healthcare services to the residents and visitors. There are several pharmacies throughout the city, making it easy to refill your medications during your stay.

Getting to Pella: Transportation Options and Logistics

Whether by land or air, Pella is accessible through several modes of transportation.

Airports Near Pella

  • Des Moines International Airport - located 50 miles west of Pella, it’s the closest airport for air travel.

Bus Stations Near Pella

  • Jefferson Transit - provides connections to Des Moines and Ames.
  • DART Bus Service - connects to nearby towns like Knoxville.

Other Options

  • Car Travel - Pella is accessible via two main highways - Highway 63 and Iowa Highway 163.
  • Bike Rentals - Visitors can rent a bike from the Pella city for days from the Pella Parks & Recreation department.

How to Get Around in Pella

The downtown of Pella is small and walkable, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Rental cars are also available for those wanting to explore the surrounding villages and attractions. Bikes are available on rent in Pella for a day from Pella Parks & Recreation.

Where to Go Next from Pella: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are other destinations nearby Pella worth exploring:

  • Des Moines - Iowa’s largest city located just an hour away from Pella, where visitors can indulge in shopping, cultural activities, and great dining options.
  • Amana Colonies - The Seven Villages of Amana offer a unique cultural and historical experience with their German roots and excellent collections of shops, museums, and galleries.
  • Knoxville Raceway - Just a few miles west of Pella,,Knoxville Raceway hosts some of the world’s biggest sprint car racing events.

Conclusion

Pella is a charming city with a rich heritage that makes for a perfect vacation spot. This comprehensive tour guide should help you plan a fun-filled getaway by outlining all the best activities, sites, and experiences you can have in Pella. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Dutch culture, admire the beautiful landscapes or indulge in local cuisine, Pella has got it all.

The Vermeer mill is the largest working windmill in the country The Vermeer mill is the largest working windmill in the country