LOCAL THINGS TO DO

· Dutch treats and downtown wandering: www.visitpella.com/do/ https://www.midwestliving.com/best-places-to-see-tulips-without-going-to-the-netherlands-11931668

· Golf at Bos Landen: golfbos.com

· Pickleball courts: www.cityofpella.com/472/Pickleball-Courts

· Fast cars nearby: Iowa Speedway: www.iowaspeedway.com

· Fast cars nearby: Knoxville Raceway: www.knoxvilleraceway.com

· Pella Historical Museums: Vermeer Windmill, Historical Village, Scholte House, Tuttle Cabin https://www.pellahistorical.org/

· Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge: about a 35 minute drive from Pella. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/neal-smith

Planning on Spending Some Time in Iowa? Here Are Some Iconic Iowa Points of Interest You May Have Heard Of

Have an extra day or looking to turn the wedding weekend into a little Iowa road trip? Here are a few well-known, unique, and only-in-Iowa places of interest, listed from shortest to longest approximate driving distance from Pella.

Iowa's Capitol: Des Moines

Distance from Pella: 43 miles

If you want to add an extra day and explore Iowa's “big city,” consider staying in downtown Des Moines. Suggested hotels include Des Lux Hotel, Surety Hotel, or another brand hotel of your choice. Great stops include the Iowa State Capitol, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines Art Center, DesMoines Science Center, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines Civic Center, and Valley Junction.

American Gothic House & Center — Eldon, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 61 miles

Website: American Gothic House & Center

The American Gothic House is the real house that inspired Grant Wood’s famous 1930 painting American Gothic. Visitors can learn about the history of the house and Grant Wood, and the visitor center offers props for taking your own version of the iconic portrait.

High Trestle Trail Bridge — Madrid/Woodward, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 72 miles

Website: High Trestle Trail

This striking pedestrian and bike bridge spans the Des Moines River Valley between Madrid and Woodward. The bridge is especially memorable after dark, when blue

lights illuminate the steel frames inspired by the area’s coal-mining history.

The Bridges of Madison County — Winterset/Madison County, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 79 miles

Website: Covered Bridges of Madison County

Madison County is known for its historic covered bridges, made famous by the novel and movie The Bridges of Madison County. It is a classic small-town Iowa day trip with scenic drives, historic charm, and photo-worthy stops.

John Wayne Birthplace & Museum — Winterset, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 79 miles

Website: John Wayne Birthplace & Museum

Winterset is also the birthplace of actor John Wayne. The museum is dedicated to his life and film career and can easily be paired with a visit to the covered bridges in

Madison County.

Amana Colonies — Amana, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 86 miles

Website: Amana Colonies

The Amana Colonies are seven historic villages in east-central Iowa known for German heritage, craftsmanship, shops, museums, and traditional food. It is a charming cultural stop for guests who enjoy history, shopping, and small-town exploring.

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum / Herbert Hoover National Historic Site — West Branch, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 105 miles

Websites: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Located in West Branch, this site honors Herbert Hoover’s life, presidency, and Iowa roots. The National Historic Site includes historic buildings and grounds connected to Hoover’s boyhood, while the Presidential Library & Museum is located nearby; guests should check current hours before visiting, especially because the museum has been undergoing renovations.

All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club — Charles City, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 150 miles

Website: All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club

A true hidden gem for tennis fans, the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club is a grass tennis court on a family farm near Charles City. It was modeled after Wimbledon’s Centre Court and is one of the few places in the United States where the public can play on a world-class grass court by reservation.

Surf Ballroom & Three Stars Memorial Site — Clear Lake, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 153 miles

Website: Surf Ballroom

The Surf Ballroom is a legendary music venue best known as the final stage for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson before the plane crash remembered as “The Day the Music Died.” Music-history fans may also

want to visit the nearby Three Stars Memorial Site.

Field of Dreams — Dyersville, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 172 miles

Website: Field of Dreams Movie Site

Baseball and movie fans may enjoy visiting the famous ballfield from the 1989 film Field of Dreams. The site hosts seasonal events, youth tournaments, and opportunities to experience the nostalgia of the movie and America’s

pastime.

Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption — West Bend, Iowa

Distance from Pella: Approximately 179 miles

Website: Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption

The Grotto of the Redemption is one of Iowa’s most unique landmarks and is described as the largest man-made grotto in the world. Built with stones, gems, and minerals from around the world, it is part roadside attraction, part

religious shrine, and part geological work of art.