historical village, vermeer windmill & scholte house

RandyKasal

Wyatt Earp lived in a home here as a child. They have Dutch style homes and show how pioneer Dutch lived when they came to Iowa. Actually interesting, especially to compare and contrast for those who have been to Netherlands. Even if you have not been to Netherlands, this is interesting and worth a visit to Pella.

TamaraC338

The historical village was both gorgeous and fascinating. It never occured to me that the Declaration of Independance was printed in different languages. If you enjoy seeng the tools used in days passed, its's there. If you enjoy architecture and homes, it's there. If you like collections, and interesting things, such as a huge, decorative one man band instrument (really cool)' it's there. If you like old churches, well, that's there, too. And I haven't even gotten to Wyatt Earp's childhood home and the tour of the Windmill. This place is well worth the $$.

ThomasTCat

The presentation at the windmill was very informative and interesting, and it was fun to watch the miller climb the blades of the windmill to unfurl the cover for the blades. There was an entire room that was dedicated to Dutch miniature village settings. Since they were mechanical and there was so much to see, it was difficult to take it all in and try not miss anything. The Historical Village was a great place to walk around and discover places like Wyatt Earp's childhood home. Unfortunately the Scholte House was not open when we were in town.

propman01

Wonderful and impressive windmill actually was used to grind wheat for baking all sorts of bread, pastries, and other types of goodies. Beside the windmill are vintage homes that reflect typical village life in Holland in earlier days. Most enjoyable and interesting for all ages.

897tonyd

This is a must see. Plan to send two hours on the tour or just walking the historical grounds. We really enjoyed hearing and see the windmill operation and all abut how they constructed the windmill along with some many other things. It is worth twice the price they charge. Of yes the village on the second floor you will be amazed about the way they have done this.

EdLoves2Travel

The Windmill tour was very interesting but lasted a bit too long. We loved the Historic Village since it was a self guided tour and we could go as slow or fast as we wanted. Scholte House was great, the young lady who gave us a tour was very personable and knowledgeable.

ALBERTB318

My husband was born and raised in Pella but we've been away for over 40 years. Our children read about Pella and wanted to see for themselves. It was absolutely a wonderful day. We visited the Windmill and the Historical Village...didn't make it to the Scholte House.....voted to come back another time to see that! Militar, retired, etc. and immediate family is free. They were milling flour the day we visited and since it's only a once or twice a month thing, we were thrilled. Our tour guide Mr. Dykstra was absolutely delightful and very knowledgeable about Pella. The village is a delight and something I would recommend for everybody. We found many of my husband's family on the three boats of people who left Holland, came to America and help found Pella. Also, we had lunch at Ulrechts and bought some Pella Bologna....of course no day is complete in Pella without a stop at Jaarsma's Bakery....Yummy. Must have is a Dutch Letter BUT don't stop there try anything that looks good...probably is good. Clock Glockenspeil plays on specific hours. We saw it at 11...make sure you watch both sides. Going again, yes definitely.

dr917

The windmill tour alone is worth it - fascinating! Lots of other buildings from different eras... filled with antiques. Nice grounds too.

Z5694DUjohnp

This is definitely a must see for anybody visiting Pella. The Historical Village and the Vermeer Windmill are truly the most fascinating sights to see of Iowa's Dutch heritage. Very interesting tour of the operations of the windmill that is still in use today. A leisurely stroll around the town square to savor all that Pella has to offer before heading over to the Scholte House is a perfect way to unwind. The tour of the Scholte House is marvelous with all of its beautiful woodwork for such an old house. Pella is such a lovely little town that is so clean and well kept that I know that we'll be back again in the near future.

Angelgirl12

If you are interested in windmills, where they were started, how they work this is the place to go. This windmill was made in Holland, shipped to Pella and the re-assembled. Pella tulip festival is a must see event. Lovely tulips, everything within walking distance. The parade is great, especially at night when they are all lite up. Can't forget to have some Dutch letters and other customary dutch food. There is also a nice craft show . Buses bring people in from all area. Dutch history is very interesting.

sleeper72

We entered the Historical Village Gift Shop at exactly 4:00pm. Last tour was at 4:00. Just made it. No one was in the gift shop. Finally a girl came out and said we missed the tour. What ? I didn't see a tour leave. She said we could come back tomorrow, but we were just there for a short time. We asked if we could join the tour, she said no. Finally she said the 4:00 tour left at 3:30, the guide didn't feel well. What !! That just doesn't seem like the right way to run a tour. So disappointed that we didn't get to see the village or the village. Thanks Pella !!!

sandfeet

This tour is a must for anyone that is interested in Iowa's history. With its wonderful and great Dutch settlement historical area a perfect place to unwind, reflect and savour the Dutch flavor. Stroll around the streets of this wonderful village with all the charm of days gone by. The Windmill is just truly amazing.

dmt49

We visited Pella, IA (our first visit) for their annual Tulip Festival. It was a very relaxed and fun time, as everything is very walkable. Just park your car, get out and enjoy yourself. The tulips were still very pretty when we were there, although they'd just had a storm a few days before the festival which took a toll on the plantings. We toured the Scholte house and gardens, went to a play at the Opera House, and also visited the Historical Village. Pella is a very pretty town, worth a visit at any time, but especially fun during the annual tulip festival.

northie

loved the tour through the Scholte house although a little long winded. Also loved the historical village which you can tour yourself -which is what I like doing. Sites well marked and you can look at what you are interested in. Gives a great feel for the area.

DorMar53963

It is a well worthwhile stop. I love taking the tour of the windmill and getting to walk around outside at the top. Very informative too.