adminFrom the town surrounded by natural beauty to the most underappreciated locations in Hawkeye State, Iowa is rich in ideal little cities. One of the nicest spots on Earth can be found in the northeastern region of the state, so if you’re looking for a great destination to visit on your next free day, travel there. In Orange City, it’s simple to locate enjoyable activities. Explore some local history while seeing this lovely city’s top tourist attraction. Prepare your to-do list now so you can get started right away when you get there.
Landsmeer Golf Course:
The 160 acres of undulating Iowa hills that make up the 18-hole, prairie-style Landsmeer Golf Course are home to bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways. It is a public course and appears lovely.
Windmill Park:
A nice garden with a small water feature and, unsurprisingly, a few windmills can be found in this lovely little park. There is a fantastic playground in this park if you are traveling with little children. Every Wednesday in the summer, the Orange City Arts Council hosts free performances in Windmill Park along with activities and treats.
Shop city Centrum:
Many great finds can be found at the neighborhood stores near City Centrum. I wanted to visit Craft Central, where they sell crafts (obviously) and Dutch souvenirs, but I was too occupied exploring the event to do a lot of shopping. Additional stores that were suggested to me and that I am sharing with you are Next Door Boutique and Hands Around the World, which sell handcrafted goods from all around the world.
Try Dutch Treats:
In the Midwest, it is almost a given that Dutch pastries will be sold in a town with a strong Dutch background. Poffertjes, which resemble tiny pancakes, may be found at Little White Store. At the Dutch Bakery, I located several Dutch letters.
Wind Mill Visitors Center:
This is a great place for a group shot and a good place to start your city exploration. You pass it frequently if you stay at the Hampton Inn. It’s a good idea to be aware that this is not in the Centrum if you aren’t.
What Makes This One Small Town in Iowa Must-See for Everyone
The state of Iowa is dotted with modest, unassuming villages, each one more endearing and picturesque than the previous, and serves as the face of small-town America. The tiny Dutch town of Pella is one place that stands out especially brightly. Just over 10,000 people call Pella home, but what it lacks in population it more than makes up for in personality. Pella has some highly distinctive architecture as a result of its rich Dutch heritage, most notably the wooden windmills you will see all across the city. Additionally, the town itself is really charming. There are countless courtyards, parks, and gardens, and tulips bloom all over the place in the spring.
They are also well known for their tulips.
Speaking of tulips, you must go to Pella in the spring to experience the city’s renowned Tulip Time event. A procession, the naming of the Tulip Queen, an opera performance at the Pella Opera, and a lot more tulip-themed entertainment take place during the festival.
Visit a few historical sites.
Visit the Scholte House Museum and Gardens while you’re there to find out more about the town’s past and Dominie Scholte, who founded it. The house is furnished with authentic Dutch and American household things, and the garden is filled with vibrant annuals and tulips.
Do a Little Shopping:
In Pella, there are innumerable, one-of-a-kind stores all over the place. Whatever your interests, you’re bound to discover something intriguing here. Visit the Windmill Mall if you’re seeking to do a little shopping.
Get Some Fresh Air:
Drive a few miles outside of town to Lake Red Rock if you want to get some fresh air, and don’t forget to take in the view from the top of the Cordova Observation Tower.
Driving through this charming Iowa town is impossible without stopping.
Iowa is bursting at the seams with quaint, beautiful tiny towns that are ideal for a delightful day trip. Orange City is a beautiful destination to visit if you want to get away from it all for a day or perhaps a weekend. With a population of 6,004, Orange City, a little town in Northwest Iowa, is a breath of fresh air. Most people recognize it for its Dutch heritage, which is evident in its architecture, yearly tulip festival, and picturesque windmills. The Dutch influence on Orange City’s history is so pervasive that the town’s original name was Holland. In recognition of Dutch royalty, it was called. Be sure to explore the Dutch village-style downtown when you first arrive to take in the stores and admire the architecture.
The Sioux County Museum & Orange City Dutch Heritage Center is the next worthwhile pit stop. A one-room schoolhouse, traditional Dutch attire, antiques from Holland, and other items are on display in the museum. The only time tours are not by appointment is during the Tulip Festival, so make sure to call in advance. Don’t forget to stop by the Vogel Old Mill as well. The mill serves as a metaphor for a typical Dutch home and employment. It also offers a fantastic illustration of how generations of Dutch people have used wind power. The mill is situated at 1110 Albany Ave. SE in Orange City and offers tours on weekdays. You’ll undoubtedly be famished after a full day of sightseeing.
Having a fantastic supper at the Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium is a great idea. Three different dining options are available at this unique restaurant all in one location. There is The Lodge, The Passport Club, and the BBQ restaurant, The Smokehouse Grille. Briskets and ribs from The Smokehouse Grille are legendary. Located in Orange City at 814 Lincoln Place SE.
