Written by Cherie Westerkamp, Assistant Office Coordinator
Pella, Iowa, is a town where Dutch heritage thrives, offering visitors an authentic taste of the Netherlands right in the Midwest. From colorful tulip displays to traditional Dutch cuisine, every corner of Pella is infused with history, culture, and charm. If you're planning a trip in 2026, here are 26 Dutch-themed experiences to make your visit unforgettable!
Festival & Cultural Celebrations
1. Pella’s Tulip Time Festival – (May 7, 8 & 9, 2026) - The ultimate Dutch heritage festival with over 300,000 blooming tulips, Dutch food, and historical exhibits.
2. Dutch Street Performances – Watch authentic Dutch dancing and traditional music throughout the festival.
3. Dutch Costume Parade – Admire locals dressed in authentic Dutch attire, bringing history to life during the festival.
4. Klokkenspel Clock Tower Show – Catch the hourly animated performance featuring Dutch historical figures.
Historic & Cultural Attractions
5. Vermeer Windmill Tour – Explore America’s tallest working windmill, a masterpiece of Dutch engineering.
6. Historical Village & Museums – Step back in time and wander through Dutch-inspired exhibits and preserved buildings.
7. Scholte House Museum – Learn about Dominie and Maria Scholte, the founder’s of Pella.
8. Tuttle Cabin and Learning Walk – The oldest home in Marion County.
Shopping & Local Finds
9. Boutique Shopping – Discover quaint shops filled with Dutch-themed gifts, unique clothing, and personal attention to detail.
Food & Traditional Dutch Treats
10. Dutch Bakeries – Indulge in stroopwafels, Dutch letters, and other classic Dutch delicacies.
11. Pella Bologna – Try a double dutch bologna sandwich with gouda cheese.
12. Frisian Farms Gouda Cheese – Take a tour of the hometown factory and see how cheese is made!
13. Dutch Beer - Tulip Bier available during the Tulip Festival or Forever Dutch Lager.
14. Poffertjes – Little Dutch pancake delicacies made to order!
15. Dutch Mess – Treat your taste buds to a lettuce salad with warm potatoes and bacon vinaigrette dressing.
Outdoor & Scenic Experiences
16. Molengracht Plaza Canal – Take a relaxing stroll along Pella’s picturesque canal.
17. Wonder Spelen Park – An inclusive Dutch themed playground for kids!
18. Sunken Gardens – Walk around the pond that’s in a shape of a wooden shoe!
19. Find the BIG yellow wooden shoes (there are 2 pair!)
Arts & Entertainment
20. Pella Opera House – Enjoy a show on this historic theatre stage.
21. Maria’s Tea Room – Find out how all of Maria’s precious Delft pottery were broken as a Dutch ocoffee time is enjoyed.
22. Find the painted murals called “Happy Days” and Tulips and Stamps
Seasonal & Unique Events
23. King’s Day – Celebrate the Dutch king’s birthday with games, crafts, live music, flea markets, and more!
24. Kermis Dutch Children’s Festival - Enjoy crafts, games, and storytime all within the Historic Village!
25. Kerstmarkt - Pella’s Dutch Christmas Market – Experience holiday traditions with a Dutch charm.
26. Sinterklaas Parade
Whether you’re soaking up the sights during Tulip Time, tasting authentic Dutch pastries, or admiring the historic windmill, Pella is a small-town treasure with big cultural roots.
This post was published on the Visit Pella blog on December 18, 2025.
