With Attractions Galore, The Small Town Of Pella, Iowa Is Perfect For A Family Getaway
By Sarah McCosham|Published June 14, 2021
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Iowa has some of the most winsome small towns in the county, and Pella ranks at the top of the list. Known for its Dutch culture and postcard-perfect downtown, Pella is one of the best small towns in the U.S. and certainly is the perfect destination for a family-friendly getaway in Iowa. Go Dutch for the day and enjoy all this small town has to offer.
Less than an hour from Des Moines, you'll find a small town that feels like entering another time and place (and country!). Founded by immigrants from Holland in 1847, Pella is a place that celebrates its Netherlands culture and heritage.
Evidence of this is easy to see in Downtown Pella, which features Dutch-inspired architecture and several iconic windmills, such as the Vermeer Windmill.
But Pella's vibrant downtown is beautiful all year-round; in the summer, a "second bloom" of over 30,000 annuals can be seen throughout its parks and streets!
When in Pella, go all in on the Dutch way of life, and explore the scenery by bike. Rent some wheels from VeoRide, a bike share program with several locations around town.
If you're feeling ambitious, you can opt to take a longer ride on the Volksweg Trail, which you'll access at the Pella Public Library trailhead. Dutch for "people's path," this unique trail connects Pella to Lake Red Rock.
Just outside Pella, Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake, with more than 15,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of land perfect for all sorts of outdoor recreation. It's positively sublime.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a kayak excursion on Lake Red Rock is a bucket-list must. Canoesport Outfitters offers a variety of options perfect for kayakers of all skill levels!
Of course, to get the full Pella experience, you must stop by the town's Dutch bakeries. Vander Ploeg Bakery is known for its dreamy, cream cheese frosted cakes and cookies.
Another must-visit in town, Jaarsma specializes in all varieties of Dutch pastries and baked goods. This enchanting little bake shop is best-known for its Dutch letters: flaky, S-shaped puff pastries filled with a luscious almond cream.
After a day of exploring, biking, and eating your way through Pella, you can keep the Dutch vibes going and book a night at the town's Royal Amsterdam Hotel. This accommodation is about as delightful as it gets!
In fact, if there's one word we'd use to describe Pella, Iowa, it would be "delightful." Pella is a place that celebrates its history and culture, and warmly welcomes visitors to come and do the same!
