Your Travel Guide to Pella's Tulip Time

Written by Cherie Westerkamp, Assistant Office Coordinator

Your Travel Guide to Pella’s Tulip Time: Tips, Tricks & Tulip Magic

Arrive Early - The Tulips Are Morning People!

Tulips look their best first thing in the morning—fresh, dewy, and ready for their close‑up. Arriving early means easier parking, shorter lines, and a quieter start to your day.  And, first dibs on pastries!  If you enjoy taking photos, the soft morning light makes every tulip look like it’s glowing from within.

Eat Like You’re on a Dutch Vacation

Tulip Time is basically a permission slip to snack your way through town. Don’t miss:

• Poffertjes: tiny pancakes with big personality can be found at Tulip Time and can also be found daily at Clover Leaf on Franklin.
• Dutch Letters: a flaky, almond‑filled pastry and dangerously addictive – you’ll know you’ve found Jaarsma Bakery and Vander Ploeg Bakery by the line formed outside!
• Oliebollen: warm, sugary happiness and a Tulip Time specialty item!
• Pella Bologna: a traditional, old-world style ring bologna made with its own guarded blend of spices then smoked to perfection.  Check out both local recipes found at In’t Veld’s Meat Market and Ulrich Meat Market. Look for bologna on a stick or a sandwich with bologna and gouda cheese!
• Gouda cheese curds: a local favorite produced just outside Pella—creamy, squeaky, and absolutely worth seeking out

If you spot a stand offering any of these, follow your instincts. They’re correct every time.  Make sure to check out www.pellahistorical.org for the street vendor menu options! And bring some cash, not all stands take credit cards (ATMs are available around the event area)!

• Hungry for more?! Try a Dutch Dinner at Central College that includes Dutch Lettuce, sniboontjes, and Hutspot with Draadjesvlees!  Reservations required: www.tickets.central.edu/dutchdinnershow

Parade Strategy: Claim Your Spot Like a Festival Pro

The parades are a highlight — Dutch costumes, music, floats, and the beloved street‑scrubbing tradition. Bring a blanket or chair, grab a spot early, and keep sunscreen handy. And yes, it is perfectly safe to leave your chair or blanket and go explore before the parade!  Afternoon parades begin at 2:45 pm and the evening lighted parade at 8:30 pm.  If you prefer a front row seat, purchase a Grandstand ticket for the Parade of Provinces style show held on the Tulip Toren right before the afternoon parade begins.  And street scrubbing is exactly what it sounds like. It’s adorable.

• Insider trick: Bring a lightweight folding chair.  You’ll thank yourself later!

Explore the Corners That Tourists Miss

Tulip Time is more than tulips. Wander a bit and you’ll find:

• The Vermeer Windmill, a towering windmill you can tour and a historical village that feels like stepping into another era. 
• The Tuttle Cabin, Learning Walk and Sunken Gardens – yes, the pond is in the shape of a wooden shoe!
• Rotary Tour Wagons – a welcome break from walking and your very own spieler talking about Pella and its rich history while you ride around the town.
• Klokkenspel – watch the history of Pella unfold as 8 figurines tell the story
• Pella Opera House – a hidden gem that hosts The Pioneer Woman – a story about Maria Schulte each morning of Tulip Time.  
• Maria’s Tea Room is a quiet escape from the crowds while enjoying a Dutch coffee time and tea in a historic setting.  Reservations required and can be made here.
• Side streets lined with hidden tulip beds – make sure you check the “Tulip Bloom Status Map” which will be released end of March or early April- find that here.

Let curiosity lead the way—you’ll stumble into the best moments.

Take Photos That Make Your Friends Say “Wait… Is That the Netherlands?”

A few playful photography tips:

• Get low—tulips love a dramatic angle
• Use windmills and Dutch storefronts as your backdrop

• Find each mural – there’s 3 of them.  Plus there are 2 sets of big yellow wooden shoes and an accessible wooden shoe bench.
• Please stay out of the flower beds (the tulips will thank you)

Your camera roll is about to bloom!

Parking & Navigation: The Real Adventure

Parking during Tulip Time is… an experience. But with a little strategy—checking the festival map, wearing comfy shoes, and dropping off kids or grandparents closer to the action—you’ll navigate it like a pro. 

• Use the shuttle lots, they are efficient and drop you close to the action. 
• If you prefer to walk, park away from the downtown area in residential areas.
• Biking is a fantastic option
• Handicap parking is located at the Pella Library
• At this time, Pella does not have an option for electric scooter rental. There are a limited number of wheelchairs available for check out on a first-come, first-served basis at the first aid tent on the west side of Central Park.

More information for "getting around" can be found here.

Dress Like You’re Ready for Anything

Iowa spring weather has a sense of humor. Pack layers, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a small bag for snacks and souvenirs. Bonus points if you wear something floral. The tulips will feel honored.

Shop Like You’re Treasure Hunting

Tulip Time has plenty of booths, but the real treasures are in the local shops. 

• Authentic Dutch souvenirs
• Fair-trade goods from around the world
• Boutique shopping

What to Do if It Rains

Even in the rain, Tulip Time has a special kind of charm.

• Visit the Historical Village and Vermeer Mill
• Explore the Pella Opera House or catch a show
• Grab coffee at a local coffee shop

Stay for the Evening Glow

As the sun sets, the town feels extra magical. It’s the perfect setting for the evening parade, a peaceful stroll, a cozy dinner, and soft, dreamy photos.  It’s the perfect way to end the day and look forward to coming back tomorrow!

Final Thoughts

As we honor our Dutch Heritage, slow down and enjoy the charm – Tulip Time is meant to be savored!

This post was published on the Visit Pella blog on March 3, 2026.

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