It’s Tulip Time in Iowa! Iowan’s are aware of the annual Tulip Time Festival in Pella, running May 7-9th this year, BUT did you know it’s a honeypot of high-brow visitors? Royalty and even musical celebrities are known to make an appearance, all for the love of Dutch heritage and culture. Jessi Galligan, Executive Director of Pella Historical Museums & Tulip Time joins us.
Tulip Time Festival Logistics
Galligan explains how many tulips are planted, how the city of 10,000 plans for, and accommodates nearly 200,000 people, the logistics that go into the festival, and the incredible economic impact it has on the town. She also discusses Tulip Time parking and FAQs like “where are the tulips?”
Pella Tulip Time Festival Parking and Arrival
When should I arrive: Aim to arrive before 9am to get ideal parking. If you arrive after 9am, plan on parking in the designated parking areas near the interstate exists into Pella.
Where do I park: There are large designated parking areas near the interstate exists. There’s a shuttle that will take you into downtown. The shuttle accepts cash or Venmo.
- Delta Lot on west side of town, Exit 40 from Hwy 163 – follow signage at Exit 40 (1417 Washington St – Google Pin 📍)
- Pella Christian High School on the southeast side of town, Exit 44 from Hwy 163 – follow signage at Exit 44 (300 Eagle Lane – Google Pin 📍)
Do I need tickets: You don’t need tickets to check out the tulips! You will need tickets for Vermeer Windmill & Historical Village, Scholte House Museum, Afternoon Grandstand Show, and City Wagon Tours. You can get those tickets here.
How do the tulips look in Pella for the Tulip Time Festival?
While there are many tulips that have lost their blooms due to animals, there are also plenty of tulips to see in Pella! We’ve taken photos below for you to get the very best out of your Tulip Time Festival experience. The hot spot appear to be the Sunken Gardens, Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill, and Downtown area.
Where can I find Tulips in Pella?
Where are the tulips: The tulips are everywhere! Pella plants 300,000 tulips between the city, staff, and private businesses. The tulip hot spots are the Downtown area, Sunken garden, and Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill.
2-min Tulip Time Tour
(Taken May 3rd, 2026)