Written by Cherie Westerkamp, Assistant Office Coordinator
Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or wrangling the whole family, Pella delivers a magical blend of history, culture, and plenty of indulgences (yes, that means pastries) for your overnight stay!
Day One: A Taste of Dutch Delight
Morning: Wake Up with a Dutch Breakfast & Coffee
Start your adventure with a stop at Jaarsma Bakery or Vander Ploeg Bakery, both famous for their Dutch letters—flaky S-shaped puff pastries filled with almond paste. Pair your pastry with a fresh cup of coffee from IRIS Coffee Co. or The Brew Coffee House —each offering its own unique vibe and locally roasted flavors.
Late Morning: Exploring Historical Pella & Scholte House Museum
Head to the Pella Historical Museums, where you can step into a replica of a 19th-century Dutch settlement. The crown jewel? The Vermeer Windmill, the tallest working grain windmill in the U.S. Then, tour the Scholte House Museum, the elegant home of Pella’s founder, Dominie Scholte. Wander through beautifully preserved rooms filled with period antiques and learn about Pella’s Dutch roots.
Lunch: Savor Pella’s Flavors
Take a well-deserved break at one of these fantastic lunch spots:
Afternoon: Watch the Klokkenspel and Stroll through Sunken Gardens & Tuttle Cabin
Gather near the Klokkenspel, a charming animated clock tower where figures representing Pella’s Dutch heritage come to life several times a day. Take a scenic walk through Sunken Gardens Park, a peaceful space featuring a wooden shoe-shaped pond. Then, step into history on the Tuttle Cabin Learning Walk which is complete with the Tuttle Cabin, Pella’s oldest surviving log cabin from the 1840s.
Mid-Afternoon Snack Break: Ulrich Meat Market & Cranberry Stone
Evening: Dinner, Drinks & Speakeasy Fun
For dinner, head to Liberty Street Kitchen for carefully created entrees and cocktails or The Cellar Peanut Pub for their famous bloody mary, a lively atmosphere and local crafted beers.
Afterward, sneak into de Kelder Speakeasy, where expert mixologists serve up craft cocktails in an intimate setting paired with appetizers and decadent desserts.
Day Two: Nature, Innovation, and Rooftop Views
Morning: Outdoor Exploration at Lake Red Rock & Coffee Boost
Just a short drive from Pella, Lake Red Rock is Iowa’s largest lake, offering trails, water activities, and stunning scenery. Before heading out, grab a second round of coffee from The Sanctuary or Smokey Row to fuel your morning adventures.
Late Morning: Kayaking & Wildlife Spotting
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and paddle along the lake’s calm waters, keeping an eye out for bald eagles, herons, and deer.
Lunch: A Delicious Mid-Day Break
Choose from these fantastic lunch spots indulging in local flavor.
Mid-Afternoon: Tea & Sweet Treats
Step into Maria’s Tea Room for an elegant mid-day pause, where you can sip tea and enjoy light bites in a beautifully restored historic home while listening to the life story of Maria Scholte.
Late Afternoon: Discovering Pella’s Innovation & Industry
Explore Pella Rolscreen Museum, where you’ll learn about the evolution of Pella Corporation and its window innovations. Then, visit the Vermeer Corporation Global Pavilion Museum, where interactive exhibits showcase the innovation and impact of Vermeer Corporation’s construction and agricultural equipment.
Evening: Pella Opera House & De Scoop
Before heading home, take in a performance or a self-guided tour at the Pella Opera House, a beautifully preserved historic venue. Wrap up your adventure with a sweet treat at De Scoop, a favorite ice cream shop known for its handmade waffle cones and creative flavors.
Whether you’re devouring Dutch pastries, unwinding at the lake, exploring its innovative history, watching the Klokkenspel, or sipping cocktails in a speakeasy, these 48 hours will leave you refreshed, entertained, and—most importantly—with plenty of good memories.
This post was published on the Visit Pella blog on August 26, 2025.
