Things to Do at Tulip Time
Where to see the tulips
Tulip Avenue in Central Park and Sunken Gardens Park The City of Pella plants tens of thousands of tulips throughout these two parks in celebration of Pella ’ s Dutch heritage . Especially vibrant and colorful is Tulip Avenue in Central Park , which runs from the north fountain to the center of the park . An immense variety of tulips are showcased along this sidewalk .
Scholte House Gardens | Corner of Broadway and Washington Streets Behind the Historic Scholte House Museum are the beautiful Scholte Gardens . Featuring more than 35,000 tulips , the gardens are free and open to the public . At one time , this land was under the care of Maria Scholte , the wife of Pella ' s founder Dominie Hendrik P . Scholte . Here you ' ll find benches to rest on , art sculptures to admire , a gazebo for shade and many varieties of tulips . Once the tulips have finished blooming , they are replaced with annuals so that the garden remains enjoyable through autumn .
Fair Haven Memorial Garden | Corner of East 3rd and Union Streets This popular garden was originally planted in 1947 with tulip bulbs donated by the Netherlands in gratitude for war-relief aid sent by the citizens of Pella after World War II . Today , these gardens feature more than 13,000 tulips . The Memorial Garden also features two monuments listing more than 800 local veterans who served in WWII . Once the tulips have finished blooming , they are replaced with annuals so that the garden remains enjoyable through autumn .
18 Pella ’ s Tulip Time 2024
Central College | 812 University St . Nearly 15,000 tulips will bloom on Central College ’ s beautiful campus . The main tulip beds are located in the plaza by Graham Conference Center , east and north sides of Central Hall , Jordan Plaza , Peace Mall , and Weller Flag Garden , with various other small beds and at the campus cornerstones . Approximately 30 different varieties will bloom throughout the spring .
Pella Garden Club ' s Annual Tulip Bulb Sales and Flower Show | 728 Washington St ., Scholte House | 9 a . m . -6 p . m . See beautiful arrangements using tulips in the historic home of Pella ' s founder Dominie Scholte . Order your tulip bulbs in person at the Flower Show or online .
Fresh Tulip and Bulb Sales | 507 Franklin St ., Scholte Church at the Historical Village | 9 a . m . -6 p . m . Purchase fresh-cut tulips that are specially designed and packaged by local farmer Meredith Nunnikhoven of Barnswallow Flowers , or add color to your garden by purchasing a collection of bulbs shipped to your front door . Learn from regional farmers and gardeners about growing tulips in the Midwest , and enjoy an amazing live art installation with tulips . A portion of each sale is donated to Pella Historical Museums and Tulip Time .
Tulip Toren Entertainment Afternoon and evening shows take place on the Tulip Toren ( or " Tower ") stage .
The afternoon Grandstand shows begin at 1 p . m . each day and end with the Volks parade . The show features Dutch dancing and singing , a Dutch Costume Culture Show , presentation of the Tulip Queen and her Court and more . Tickets are $ 12 for bleacher seating and $ 5 for park seating , and they can be purchased outside the Grandstand area or online .
Free evening Feesthouden shows feature special entertainment each night 7 p . m on Thursday and Friday , 6:30 p . m . on Saturday ) on the Tulip Toren stage . Special thanks to Central College for sponsoring these evening shows ! ( See full schedule on Page 4 )
Museums
Pella Historical Village Museum and Vermeer Windmill Tour | 507 Franklin St . | 9 a . m . -6 p . m . Learn about Pella ’ s history and Dutch heritage . The Vermeer Windmill is one of the largest working mills in the United States . Tickets include a tour of the mill , as well as the Historical Village – the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp , the Werkplaats , the General Store , Beason-Blommers , Grist Mill and a working Dutch bakery .