We Reopen March 23 - And Spring at Pella Historical Is Just Beginning
After a quiet winter spent planning, preserving, and preparing, we are delighted to announce that Pella Historical Museums will reopen on March 23, and with it comes the return of windmill blades turning, village doors opening, and another vibrant season of Pella’s story unfolding.
Winter may have been restful, but behind the scenes it has been anything but slow. Now, we cannot wait to welcome you back!
The Return of the Windmill & Village
Beginning March 23, you can once again:
- Take a tour of the iconic Vermeer Windmill
- Explore the Historical Village buildings and exhibits
- Discover new gift shop items - we have something for everyone!
- Immerse yourself in local history at the 1848 Scholte House Museum
There is something special about those first days of reopening - the first guests stepping into the museums, excitement building as tulips start to pop up from the earth, and the familiar rhythm of sharing Pella’s remarkable story once more.
A Royal Beginning: Tulip Queen’s Royalty Party
March 24 | 7:00 PM | Pella Opera House
Free and open to the public
The excitement continues the very next evening with the Tulip Queen’s Royalty Party at the historic Pella Opera House. This special evening marks the first official presentation by the 2026 Tulip Court, as they debut their program and unveil their beautiful new costumes. The Dutchesses will also perform, adding music and movement to what promises to be a celebratory kickoff to Tulip Time season.
This event is free and open to the public. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our Tulip Court and be among the first to see the costumes that will soon grace the streets during Tulip Time.
Dutch Costume Market
Scholte Church - Historical Village
- March 26 | 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- March 27 | 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- March 28 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Tulip Time preparation begins in earnest with our annual Dutch Costume Market, held inside the Scholte Church at the Historical Village. We’ll have new and gently used Dutch costumes in a variety of sizes, making it easier for families to participate in one of Pella’s most beloved traditions. Whether it’s your first Tulip Time or your fiftieth, there is something special about dressing the part and stepping into the story. Those interested in selling costumes can find more information at www.pellahistorical.com/comingup
Looking Ahead: King’s Day & Tulip Time
While March brings reopening celebrations, May is already on our minds. Planning for King’s Day on May 2 is well underway, and Tulip Time preparations - months in the making - have officially shifted into high gear.
Behind the scenes, committees are meeting, details are being refined, and the energy that makes Tulip Time so extraordinary is building by the day. It takes an entire community to bring Tulip Time to life, and we are grateful be leading the way in preserving and presenting the traditions that define it.
Progress on the Trolley Station
We’re also excited to share continued progress on the trolley station building. The old garage has officially been torn down, making way for what will become an important addition to our campus. We plan to hold a ribbon cutting during Tulip Time to mark this exciting milestone. Construction is moving steadily forward, with hopes of opening the completed station in late summer 2026. It’s a project that represents growth, accessibility, and the future of welcoming visitors to Pella.
A Big Step Forward Behind the Scenes
Over the winter months, our team has also taken on a major internal project: implementing new museum software that will combine gift shop sales, rentals, events, donations, admissions, and more into one unified system.
This has been a significant undertaking for our staff, one that required patience, persistence, and more than a few cups of coffee. We are confident it will greatly improve the visitor experience and streamline our operations.
As part of this transition, there will be changes to our membership structure and processes coming soon. We will share full details in the coming weeks, and we appreciate your understanding as we make these improvements.
A Season of Momentum
Spring at Pella Historical is always filled with anticipation, and this year feels especially full of promise. From reopening day to royalty celebrations, from costume markets to construction milestones, we are stepping into a season of renewal and forward motion. And we cannot do it without you.
We look forward to welcoming you back on March 23 to climb the windmill, stroll the village, attend an event, and continue writing the next chapter of Pella’s remarkable story together. See you soon!
Image courtesy of Douglas Tupper Photography