Pella, Iowa

While we were at Trainland, we were asked if we had ever visited Pella, Iowa.   When we said no, it was suggested we should take a side trip - only 25 miles- to see Pella.   He also suggested that no trip would be complete without a "Dutch Letter".   Since we had seen Trainland and met our objective, we took him up on his suggestion and drove over.

Our first stop was the Visitor's Center where we obtained a map and suggestions on what we should be sure to see.   Again we were told to have a "Dutch Letter".    Found the Jaarsma Dutch Bakery and went inside.....we were blown away by the amount and variety of bakery goods available!   The store was two store fronts wide, and contained an amazing variety of Danish, other rolls, cakes, coffee cakes, and cookies.   We asked about a "Dutch Letter" and we were shown a large "S" made with a sweet dough and inside was almond paste.   YUM!!   We bought two, split one and saved the other for the next day.  

We toured the 1854 Vermeer Mill windmill next.   The town contracted with Dutch windmill builders to build it according to 1854 blueprints in the 70's.   It was built in the Netherlands and shipped to Pella in pieces and erected on a 40 ft. base so it would catch the breeze, as it was meant to be a working mill, grinding wheat into flour which was sold to the bakeries and bagged for sale in the Gift Shop.    From there we went to the 2nd floor of the Vermeer Mill Windmill Center where we enjoyed the miniature village.   It was created over the years and is a unique charming display depicting the era of Pella's ancestors who as a colony of 800 strong, left Holland for a new start in America in 1847.  The village was started in 1938 as a WPA project.   In 1978 it was restored and in 2001 additional buildings, landscaping and costumed dolls were added.  

Attached to the Mill Visitor's Center/Gift shop was a historic village which included tradesmen making wooden shoes, a replica of the original church, and the childhood home of Wyatt Earp and his family.  

For Flower lovers, Pella is known for it's Tulip Time in early May every year when the town plants thousands of tulips.  

Every Thursday evening the town has food and fun in the park square.   We stayed and enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich and home-made coffee ice cream.   We then left for Altoona and our campsite.