Each spring, Pella, Iowa comes alive in a way few towns can match. Streets, parks, and historic landmarks burst into color as hundreds of thousands of tulips bloom just in time for one of the state’s most beloved traditions — Tulip Time. Held annually in early May, Tulip Time celebrates Pella’s Dutch heritage with parades,…
It’s an old railroad bridge that now serves as a narrow level B road over an old channel of the Des Moines River. During the summer, the trees nearly cover the top of the trusses, making a canopy over the bridge. It’s an interesting place to explore. You’re welcome to drive across the bridge or…
Cordova Observation Tower sits on the north shore of Lake Red Rock in Marion County, Iowa, and is one of the tallest observation towers in a public park in the Midwest. Location: Cordova Park, 1293 Emerald Drive, Otley, IA 50214 When is the Cordova Observation Tower open? According to the Cordova Park webpage, it is…
Several years ago, a few community members from Pella, Iowa, went to the Netherlands to experience traditional Dutch Christmas markets and brought the idea back for development in Pella. Enjoy hot Dutch drinks and food, listen to live music, and wander through the various artisan’s booths, all inspired by the outdoor markets in the Netherlands….
Most evening-lighted parades in Iowa happen during the month of December – but if you’re looking for a lighted parade during warmer weather, be sure to check out the nightly evening parades during the annual Tulip Festival. During the Tulip Festival, they hold two parades each day: an afternoon 2:30 pm parade and an evening…
You’ve probably seen Pella’s beauty from the ground many times, perhaps when walking the park to explore the tulips or walking the streets to shop in their unique stores. However, if you take to the air, you’ll also find that same beauty from above. These photos and videos were captured in the spring of 2021,…
As winter breaks and spring temperatures rise, Iowans look forward to landscapes turning green and flowers starting to bloom. That includes the thousands of tulips in Pella, Iowa that blossom every spring near the end of April / start of May. Here’s a collection of some of my favorite tulip shots from Pella, Iowa over…
It’s April and we’re all anxiously awaiting the arrival of warmer temperatures, greener landscapes, and of course, the annual blooming of the tulips in Pella, Iowa. But how do you know when the tulips are in bloom, so you can make sure your trip to the Dutch community is well-timed? The most obvious way to…
Have you ever wanted the Pella tulips all to yourself? No crowds, no other visitors… just you and the tulips? I’ve been to Pella many times. During the festival, before, as well as after the festival. Weekends. Weekdays. You name it. But this time, I’m going to have them to myself. So I set the…
Pella isn’t just a spring or tulip time town. It’s just as charming for a winter shopping spree and a short winter walk to check out the holiday decorations. Pella is located just an hour southeast of Des Moines and my wife and I have made many trips to Pella, but mostly during the spring…