The best way to welcome spring into Iowa is a big time celebration in a small, rural town. Each May, the town of Pella creates a one-of-a-kind celebration in honor of the beginning of springtime and the blooming of tulips. With delicious food, fascinating history and unique vendors, Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa might just be the best festival in the state
Pella, Iowa is a small town in Marion County that was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands.
Flickr / Douglas Porter
Throughout the town, you’ll find evidence of the residents heritage. Dutch architecture is prominent.
Flickr / Donna Sullivan Thompson
There are even canals, just like in Amsterdam!
Flickr / Jpellgen
As March turns into April and April turns to May, the town’s tulip beds begun bursting with the bright blooms of spring.
Flickr / Ellen MacDonald
Everywhere you look, you’ll begin to see the town erupting with these beautiful flowers, in reds, yellows, oranges and purples.
Flickr / Melanie
Is there anything more breathtaking than a town covered in tulips? I don’t think so!
Flickr / Douglas Porter
But the town truly comes to life during Tulip Time, in early May. This year, the festival is May 3-5, 2018.
Flickr / WindRanch
Dutch vendors from all over come to show off their heritage and cultural pride, selling traditional dutch foods, crafts, clothing… and yes, clogs!
Flickr / WindRanch
These hand-crafted clogs are carved by local artisans and painted in bright colors, just like the wooden clogs in Holland.
Flickr / Jpellgen
Be sure to stop by Jaarsma Bakery, where you can pick up delicious, traditional dutch treats. They’ve been in Pella since 1898!
Flickr / Jpellgen
Jaarsma is home to the famous Dutch Letters pastry. On an average week, they bake 10,000 Dutch Letters, but during Tulip Time, they top 35,000!.
Facebook / Jaarsma Bakery
You don’t have to cross the Atlantic for an unforgettable Dutch trip! There’s no better place to visit this spring than the charming town of Pella, Iowa.
Flickr / Douglas Porter
Have you visited Pella, Iowa in the past? It’s very cool to feel like you’ve visited Amsterdam without leaving the state! There are a few other places in Iowa that are like visiting other countries – in fact, you can pretty much Travel The World Without Actually Leaving Iowa.
Flickr / Douglas Porter
Flickr / Donna Sullivan Thompson
Flickr / Jpellgen
Flickr / Ellen MacDonald
Flickr / Melanie
Flickr / WindRanch
Facebook / Jaarsma Bakery
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