Posted in Iowa April 26, 2021 by Ben Jones

Pella’s Tulip Time Festival Is Back And Better Than Ever

If you love spring beauty, here’s a tip: set your watch for Tulip Time. For one weekend each year, Pella, Iowa is the most magical place imaginable, as it celebrates its Dutch heritage in a beautiful way – with a festival that showcases thousands and thousands of tulips.

While the pandemic temporarily placed the festival on hold, it’s back and the tulips never looked better. So put on your wooden shoes and head to Pella – here’s what you need to know about this year’s Tulip Time.

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Pella is located about 40 miles southeast of Des Moines. It was founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and the Netherlands influence continues today.

Tulip Time transforms the town into a full-on European village complete with windmills, tulips and some fun traditions.

You'll find yourself transported to the Netherlands as you browse the Dutch market, see the Dutch dancers and hear the sound of wooden shoes.

It's all pretty incredible but the tulips are really the star of the show. The City of Pella plants tens of thousands of tulips throughout Tulip Avenue in Central Park and Sunken Gardens Park, in celebration of Pella’s Dutch heritage.

There are especially vibrant blossoms along Tulip Avenue in Central Park, which runs from the North fountain to the center of the park.

Scholte Gardens feature over 25,000 tulips. You'll find the gardens behind the Historic Scholte House Museum. In the park you'll find benches that are perfect spots to take in the flower beds. The park also has some interesting sculptures and a gazebo.

The 2021 festival takes place May 6-8. There are a ton of things happening over the weekend, including, fireworks, Dutch singers and Dutch dancers. A walking parade will let visitors get an up-close look at 10 colorful parade floats. Interested in discovering more of Iowa’s historic towns? Here are some you should definitely experience.

Address: Pella, IA 50219, USA