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Things to Do in Pella, Iowa
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items Pella, Iowa is a cute little town in Iowa which has an annual tulip festival. The town is super friendly and very walkable. If you like food and tulips, I highly recommend this destination. We visited this past April and had a great time. Here are some of the cannot miss things to do.
Map
We stayed at this adorable boutique hotel. Our room had a view of the canal (be sure to ask for a room with a view). The hotel was close to everything and there is a fabulous restaurant downstairs.
The Royal Amsterdam Hotel
This restaurant is a must visit for the Dutch Pancakes. These pancakes are mini pancakes topped with powdered sugar. I did not know a pancake could be this good!
Clover Leaf on Franklin | Family-Owned Restaurant in Pella, Iowa
Central Park in Pella during the tulip festival is absolutely stunning with tulips everywhere. There was even a large pair of Dutch shoes for you to have a fun photo op.
Central Park
The Klokkenspel in Pella features windows where figurines appear while music plays at certain times of day. This is a very unique experience.
The Klokkenspel
The Pella Opera House is another great destination if only to view the unique architecture inside the building.
Pella Opera House
Pella has a working windmill which makes wheat for some of the bakeries in town. We were told they operate it about every 5-6 weeks. You can tour the windmill which also has a mini village inside (don't miss this). Surrounding the windmill is a histo...
Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill
We loved the pond shaped like a wooden shoe. The park had another windmill and tons of gorgeous tulips when we were there. This is a great place to let the kids or adults who are kids at heart play and get their energy out.
Sunken Gardens Park
It was fun to visit the cheese factory but you will need a car for this part. You can sample lots of cheese, see cheese being made and purchase cheese. Special Note: be sure to call ahead to find out when they are actually making cheese as they have a cutoff time during the day after which they stop making cheese and you might miss it.
Frisian Farms Cheese House
If you love to shop, and who doesn't, the Funky Zebra is a great stop. When we were there, they had the cutest tulip festival t-shirts and lots of other cute clothes for women. This shop is one of the many shops located right around Central Park.
The Funky Zebras Boutique of Pella
This is truly the cutest bookstore we have ever visited. I don't want to spoil the fun but they have some really unique items and some best sellers, as well. However, it is the unique decor downstairs that will make you stop and stay awhile.
The Curiosity Shop - Pella Iowa
Although we did not tour the house and cannot provide a recommendation on it, we did tour the gardens and they are absolutely spectacular! Highly recommend
Scholte House Museum & Gardens
No trip to Pella is complete without trying the Dutch letters. These letters are in an S shape and have an almond paste filling. There are lots of other tasty treats at Jaarsma Bakery but prepare to stand in line a very long time as this bakery is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Jaarsma Bakery
This bakery has the best cupcakes I have ever eaten (and I have had my share of cupcakes).
Cranberry Stone Bakery
This is the best restaurant in Pella according to many people. We enjoyed room service from them and it was delicious! It is located inside the Royal Amsterdam Hotel.
Liberty Street Kitchen
Even if you don't choose to stay at the Royal Amsterdam Hotel, you must see the canal. It is such a peaceful and beautiful spot. While we were there, spring trees were in blossom all around the canal adding to its charm.
Molengracht Canal