It’s Impossible To Drive Through This Delightful Iowa Town Without Stopping

Orange City is a small town in Northwest Iowa with a population of 6,004, and it’s a breath of fresh air. It’s best known for its Dutch background, reflected in its architecture, annual tulip festival and charming windmills.

Orange City’s Dutch heritage is so ingrained in its history, the first name for the town was actually Holland. It was renamed in honor of Dutch royalty.

When you arrive, make sure to wander around the Dutch village-style downtown to admire the architecture and check out the shops.

Next, a visit to the Sioux County Museum & Orange City Dutch Heritage Center is always an interesting stop. The museum features exhibits that include antiques from Holland, traditional Dutch clothing, a one-room schoolhouse and more. Make sure to call ahead, though, because tours are only done by appointment except for during the Tulip Festival. Phone: 712-441-4919. Address: 120 3rd Street Southwest, Orange City.

Make sure to also pay a visit to the Vogel Old Mill. The mill represents a typical workplace and home in the old Netherlands. It also provides a great demonstration of how wind power was harnessed by generations of Dutch. The mill is open for tours on weekdays and is located at 1110 Albany Ave. SE, Orange City.

For more Dutch culture and history, visit Stadscentrum, or “city center.” Here, you can see wooden shoe making equipment and hear Orange City’s Dutch street organ. Stadscentrum is also available to tour by appointment, so make sure to call 712-707-4510 to set it up. It’s located at 201-221 Central Ave. NW, Orange City.

To cap off your Dutch history tour, make sure to pay a visit to Century Home. Century Home depicts the lifestyle of the Dutch community in Orange City in the 1900s. The home features a handcrafted pipe organ, an authentic Hospers clock from the Netherlands, quilt and needlework displays and more. Located at 318 Albany Ave. NE, Orange City.

After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll probably be hungry. The Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium is a great place to have a delicious meal. This one-of-a-kind eatery offers three different dining options in one place. There is The Lodge, The Passport Club, and The Smokehouse Grille, which is the BBQ joint. The Smokehouse Grille is known for its delicious ribs and brisket. Located at 814 Lincoln Place SE, Orange City.