Written by Cherie Westerkamp, Assistant Office Coordinator
If you’re looking for a charming getaway that won’t drain your wallet, Pella, Iowa is your perfect match. This Dutch-inspired town is packed with history, outdoor adventure, seasonal festivals, and sweet treats—all wrapped in small-town charm and totally doable on a $100 budget. Whether you're planning a romantic escape or a family day trip, Pella delivers big experiences for small bucks.
Start your day with a visit to the Pella Historical Museums & Vermeer Windmill. For $20 adult ticket, you’ll explore 22 historic buildings, including Wyatt Earp’s boyhood home, a wooden shoe workshop, and the tallest working windmill in the U.S. It’s a hands-on history lesson wrapped in cobblestone charm. Cross the street, and stroll through the Molengracht Plaza and catch the Klokkenspel musical clock show. It’s quirky, charming, and totally free.
Right in the heart of downtown Pella, Central Park is where charm meets community. Surrounded by historic buildings and boutique shops, this beautifully landscaped park is the perfect spot to slow down and soak up the Dutch-inspired vibes. Whether you're visiting during Tulip Time or just enjoying a sunny afternoon, the park’s vibrant flower beds, flowering trees, a sun dial and water fountain feature creates a picture-perfect setting. Families love the open space for picnics and play, while couples find it ideal for a romantic walk or a quiet moment under the trees. And if you're in town on a Thursday evening in June or July, don’t miss the free city-sponsored band concerts behind the Tulip Tower—local music under the stars, totally gratis.
Just a few blocks away, the Pella Corporation Museum offers a fascinating look at the town’s industrial legacy. Recently renovated for its 100-year anniversary, this free museum showcases the evolution of Pella Windows & Doors, complete with vintage tools, product prototypes, and stories of innovation. For even more local pride, head to the Vermeer Museum & Global Pavilion. This free attraction highlights the global impact of Vermeer Corporation, from agricultural breakthroughs to rebuilding after a tornado. It’s inspiring, educational, and a great stop for couples or families who love behind-the-scenes stories.
Pella’s food scene is a delicious blend of Dutch tradition and small-town comfort, perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping your budget in check. Start your day with a cozy cup of coffee from one of the town’s charming café’s and pair it with a flaky pastry from Jaarsma Bakery or Vander Ploeg Bakery. These iconic spots serve up Dutch Letters, puff pastries, and other sweet treats that are as photogenic as they are tasty. For lunch, swing by In’t Veld’s Meat Market or Ulrich Meat Market—local favorites known for their legendary Pella Bologna.
Then take a stroll to Sunken Gardens Park which greets you with a pond - shaped like a wooden shoe, seasonal flower beds, and a restored windmill—perfect for a picnic or a photo op. Learn about the Dutch immigrants on the connecting Tuttle Cabin Learning Walk, that leads to the Tuttle Cabin, the oldest building structure in Marion County.
If you’re visiting in early May, Tulip Time is an absolute must. This three-day festival transforms Pella into a floral wonderland with over 300,000 tulips, parades, traditional Dutch dancing, and street performances. Many activities are free, and the atmosphere is unforgettable. In December, the town sparkles again during Kerstmarkt, a cozy Dutch Christmas market filled with handmade gifts, warm drinks, and festive cheer. Both events offer plenty of budget-friendly fun and are ideal for couples and families alike.
Outdoor lovers, rejoice—Lake Red Rock is just a short drive away and packed with adventure. Rent a bike and cruise the Volksweg Trail, or head to SUP Red Rock for kayak and paddleboard rentals. And if you bring your own, that saves you money! It’s a refreshing way to explore the lake and soak up the scenery. Don’t miss Cordova Observation Tower, the tallest public park tower in the Midwest. For just 50 cents per person, you can climb 169 steps to panoramic views of Lake Red Rock. It’s a great spot for couples to share a moment or for kids to conquer a challenge.
Grab dinner at Clover Leaf on Franklin or George’s Pizza and reflect on a day well spent. If the kids still have energy, Wonder Spelen Playground is a whimsical, inclusive space where they can run wild while you relax.
With just $100, you can experience tulips, towers, trails, treats, and total joy. Pella proves that small-town charm doesn’t need a big-city budget. So grab your camera, your curiosity, and your comfy shoes—this Dutch delight is ready to wow you.
This post was published on the Visit Pella blog on September 26, 2025.
