Off again to our next stop in Pella Iowa. Through the flats of Nebraska into Iowa, also rather flat, but with some rolling hills, and more trees.
Arrived at the town of Pella, Iowa, and yes the Pella Window Company is headquartered here. However, this charming town is known for much more!
This town was settled in the 1800’s by about 800 Dutch immigrants. The town has maintained their history, in fact all buildings must have a Dutch facade. Every year there is a huge tulip festival (200-300,000 bulbs are planted each October), that brings 150,000+ visitors.
We stopped at the Vemeer windmill and historic village and house. Took a tour of the village, learned all about the Dutch life here, as well as information on all the different Dutch provinces and their native costumes.
Also learn Wyatt Earp lived here for 14 years, so there was a whole interactive display on his life.
Soon it was our time for the windmill tour. Learned all about how the windmill was constructed, how it operates, and saw how a family would live in the mill. One floor was even a display of miniature Dutch villages at different times of the year.
Decided to check out the downtown before the hotel. Made it to the Jaarsma
Bakery with its delicious Dutch baked goods. Had one of their delicious Dutch letters, and off for some retail therapy!
Checked into the hotel, and made our way downstairs to the lovely bar area for a drink, and into the restaurant for a fabulous dinner!
Now it’s off to bed, continuing our sojourn east tomorrow,