With spring in full swing, there’s no better time to embark on a van adventure. But where to go? If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Netherlands in spring for their endless fields of tulips, listen up. You’ll find a taste of this iconic international destination right here in the U.S. in Pella, Iowa.
This charming town, founded in 1847 by Dutch immigrants, provides a window into Dutch culture–from its architecture to its cuisine. Perhaps most importantly, the town bursts with blooms come spring, culminating in the impressive Tulip Time festival, where over 300,000 tulips blanket the town’s parks. Tulip Time is also a boisterous, family-friendly celebration complete with parades and entertainment.
In this post, we’re sharing everything you need to know about Pella, whether you visit during Tulip Time or another time of year. We’re delving into the scenery, activities, events, van camping options, and more. Ready for your storybook stay? Read on for all the details.
The Scenery
As you walk through Pella, you’ll be treated to eye candy including Dutch-style storefronts, historic buildings, windmills, plazas, and parks. It is at these parks that hundreds of thousands of flowers bloom each spring, making this town even more of a visual treat. Just outside of Pella, you’ll find Iowa’s largest lake, Lake Red Rock, which is also incredibly scenic.
The Activities
Lake Red Rock and the surrounding forest provide ample outdoor recreation from hiking and biking to birdwatching and fishing. In town, you won’t want to miss the Dutch heritage museums and attractions–more on that below. Stroll through the streets of boutiques, antique stores, flower shops and markets, and mouth-watering eateries. Besides the restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, foodies might be interested in the Frisian Farms Cheese House, where you can peek into the process of making traditional Dutch gouda cheese. Finish the day with a wine tasting at one of Pella’s enchanting wineries. In addition to the old-world charm, the town offers modern perks like golf courses, a marina with boat rentals, a tall observation tower, and fun playgrounds for your little ones.
The Dutch Culture
There are so many Dutch attractions in Pella that they deserve their own category. Don’t miss the Pella Historical Village, where you can learn about life in an earlier time. On the grounds lies the Vermeer Windmill, which is the tallest working windmill in the country. The Molengracht Plaza combines a Dutch canal replica with modern stores, creating the ideal setting for an afternoon stroll. You also can’t miss the Klokkenspel, a winsome musical display performed by mechanical figures. Continue your itinerary by exploring the many parks and historical buildings peppered throughout Pella. Reward yourself for all the walking with traditional Dutch dishes.
The Food
Whether you’ve been to the Netherlands and haven’t stopped fantasizing about what you ate there or have never tried Dutch food, you’ll be pleased with the culinary curiosities available in Pella. The comfort factor of street foods like poffertjes (powdered sugar-covered mini pancakes) and oliebollen (ball-shaped donuts) just can’t be beaten. Gouda curds, frites, and Dutch cured meats are also on the menu. Perhaps the biggest gastronomic attraction of Pella is its Dutch bakeries, including Vander Ploeg Bakery and Jaarsma Bakery, where visitors flock for traditional treats and artisanal gifts.
The Festival
Speaking of visitors, the busiest time of year in Pella is certainly Tulip Time, which takes place May 2nd-4th this year. The festival is centered around the Tulip Toren in Downtown Central Park Square, but there are multiple gardens and parks in town decked out with the colorful blooms. In total, more than 300,000 tulips are on display. Aside from the botanical bounty, the festival is marked by parades, city tours, Dutch dancing and singing performances, food vendors, and a craft market. Many attendees don Dutch attire, including a heartwarming show of local kids in costume in the parade. Although Pella truly comes alive during this festival, you can also visit about a week before or after Tulip Time if you want to enjoy the blooms without the extra events and crowds. The town also boasts annual flowers of other varieties in summer and fall.
The Affordability
Amazingly, the Tulip Time festival is free with just a few optional ticketed events and tours. Year-round, Pella is an affordable destination. Many of the most popular attractions, from the musical Klokkenspel to the self-guided tours at the cheese house, are completely free. Others are still a steal at less than 15 dollars per ticket, with combo tickets available if you plan to hit multiple landmarks. However, prices of some attractions may increase during Tulip Time.
The Camping
Pella is the perfect choice for van lifers. There are three van-friendly campgrounds around Lake Red Rock, allowing visitors to camp surrounded by breathtaking nature just minutes from the town. Each boasts electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and dump stations. The area also offers a playground. The North Overlook Campground is the smallest option of the three, with 46 van-friendly and shady campsites. The Howell Station Campground is the largest at 143 campsites, with a prime location near the Des Moines River. If you stay here, you can ride a bike on the scenic Volksweg Trail from your campsite right into Pella. Lastly, the Wallashuck Campground is a medium-sized option at 83 electric hookup sites. There are also RV parks in the surrounding towns if you prefer full hookups or if the Lake Red Rock campgrounds are full.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re a fan of European culture or simply looking for a bucolic off-the-beaten-path destination, Pella is a true treat. This town highlights the best parts of the spring season and welcomes visitors with open arms. If you visit Pella for Tulip Time, tag us on Instagram @lamesarecvan to share your experience. Still searching for the van to take you there? At La Mesa RecVan, we carry a huge selection of Class B vans from the best brands in the business.
