When it comes to stunning displays of nature it's hard to beat the springtime, particularly when enjoying the majestic tulips in Iowa every year in Pella. This tiny town hosts a remarkable seasonal festival each year, and all season long there's a breathtaking display of colorful tulips that stretch as far as the eye can see. We think it's one of the best things to do in spring in Iowa.
Wondering, "Where is Pella, Iowa, on the map?"
You can find the beautiful town of Pella just a short 45-mile drive southeast of Des Moines.
It has been a town with people of Dutch descent since the very beginning.
It was founded in 1847 by some 800 Dutch immigrants, and still draws a wealth of visitors and new residents who share some of that same heritage.
To this day it retains a strong connection to Holland.
Once there, you can see and explore the many windmills, Dutch bakeries, and the most incredible springtime display of Iowa tulips.
During spring in Pella, hundreds of thousands of tulips bloom...
... creating a sea of color that you have to experience to believe.
These stunning Dutch flowers emerge out of the ground in April...
...and that's when the town rolls out the red carpet to celebrate their Dutch heritage during the popular Tulip Time festival.
You'll find more than 300,000 flowers blooming in city parks, yards, and along the sidewalks.
Reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks take over the scene everywhere you look!
Walking the streets during spring, when all the Pella, Iowa, tulips are in bloom, is a delight.
You'll feel like you've flown halfway across the world without ever leaving the Hawkeye State!
If you can't get out to Pella to enjoy the beautiful tulip displays, then plant a few bulbs over the winter in your very own yard.
Once they bloom, you can appreciate some of the magic of the tulip display in Pella all over again throughout the the spring season.
Pella is one of the wonders of Iowa, and a visit to this tulip town deserves a spot on every Hawkeye's bucket list!
There is a wealth of activities that visitors can enjoy during Tulip Time, including tours of the Pella Historical Village Museum & Vermeer Windmill, historic reenactments, musicals, the ringing of the historic brass bells, and so much more. The full schedule can be found on the official Visit Pella website, as well as on the official Visit Pella Facebook page.
Have you ever spent spring in Pella? If so, have you been to these gorgeous spring tulips in Iowa? Which tulip colors were your favorites? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
Read on to learn more about why Pella is being called one of the best small-town vacations in America. (Hint: bakeries, brewhouses, outdoor recreation and more are among the reasons!).
If you’re still in the mood for more Iowa adventures, why not book a tour of the famous Madison County covered bridges? They're located just over an hour west of Pella. For even more, take a look at this video:
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