Iowa has a lot of amazing small towns, but I’ve got to say my favorite is probably Pella. Visiting this charming Dutch town feels like stepping into another world – or at least a country halfway across the world! Many towns in Iowa reflect their ethnic heritage, but probably none goes all-out like Pella does. The heart and soul of Pella is its Historical Village, and at the center of that charming destination is the towering Vermeer Windmill. If this massive Dutch windmill in Iowa – one of the tallest working windmills in the United States – seems like it’s the genuine article, that’s because it is. It wasn’t just recreated from the Dutch style – it’s an actual Dutch windmill, built in the Netherlands and transported across the Atlantic before being rebuilt here. And the best part is you can see it for yourself – inside and out.

Pella's historical village feels like stepping into another time and place, and that's never more apparent than when looking at its centerpiece.
Visit Pella
The mighty Vermeer Windmill has been in Iowa since 2002, but it was built in Amsterdam, disassembled, and shipped across the Atlantic! It's a recreation of an 1850s-style grain mill.
Kristiebuddy123 Novak/Google Local
The best part is, you can go inside! The historical society gives tours of the windmill four times a day on weekdays and three times on Saturday.
Shannon Peters/Google Local
It's fascinating to see how this working windmill was built through a painstaking design that has withstood the test of time.
Rakshi Hanbal/Google Local

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Exploring its levels is a one-of-a-kind experience that every visitor to Pella should take.
Steven Garcia/Google Local
The tour also includes a visit to Pella's famous miniature village, featuring amazing recreations of Dutch construction.
Nong Ch/Google Local
If you're lucky enough to be there in season, the entire Historical Village will be blanketed in blooming tulip beds.
Steven Koppen/Google Local
The windmill looks even more beautiful at night, so you'll definitely want to make your visit to Pella an all-day affair.
Andrew Grau/Google Local

Have you visited the Vermeer Windmill and taken the tour inside? Tell us about your visit to this towering Dutch windmill in Iowa in the comments section. You can find out more about the museum and the tour on the official Pella Historical Society website. The Pella Historical Society Facebook page has details on all the latest events. While you’re in Pella, make sure to pay a visit to the town’s iconic bakery. You can also stay the night at the famous Royal Amsterdam Hotel.

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Featured Addresses
Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill, 507 Franklin St, Pella, IA 50219, USA