As Iowa begins to thaw out, there’s no better time to get outside. Update your Iowa spring bucket list with fun farm tours, sweet treats and flower gardens galore.
Tulip Time in Pella
Pella is lovely all year round, but during tulip season it comes alive with flowers, Dutch attire, authentic cuisine and so many unique activities for the entire family to enjoy. From May 4 to May 6, Downtown Pella will be bursting with blooming tulips during Tulip Time. Better known as Iowa’s most colorful tradition, thousands of tulips and local residents decked out in Dutch attire will be in attendance to honor their heritage and ring in spring. This tradition began in 1935 and has since blessed Iowa with an annual weekend of fun in the sun. While strolling through West Market Park and Molengracht Market, guests can peruse over 100 booths filled with a wide variety of shopping, food and beverage options. So make sure to check off your Iowa spring bucket list by visiting historic Downtown Pella for Tulip Time. For more information, visit pellahistorical.org.
Spring Enchantment at Reiman Gardens
As the first flowers of spring begin to emerge, there’s no better place to frolic through the fresh blooms than at Reiman Gardens. In honor of the special season, Reiman Gardens will be hosting Spring Enchantment all April long. With lots of festive, family-friendly events in store, there is something for everyone to add to their Iowa spring bucket list. From adult gardening classes to woodcarving shows, the event lineup is nothing short of exciting. Plus, this spring, guests can search for whimsical fairy doors created by local artists hidden throughout the gardens. Then, later on in April, Reiman Gardens will also stun with a bulb display featuring thousands of brightly colored tulips. In addition, if you’re looking for a fun way to get some exercise with your furry friends, Rovers at Reiman is a brand new program that opens the garden doors to dogs for the first time on select days. For more information, visit reimangardens.com.
Fenelon Place Elevator Company Rides
Beginning in April, the Fenelon Place Elevator Company will once again begin their relaxing yet adventurous rides on what is better known as the world’s steepest, shortest and most scenic railway. Guests can step on board the historic cable car and watch out the window as the uphill journey slowly lifts them nearly 300 feet in elevation. Once at the top, guests will be wowed by breathtaking views of Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois from above. There’s no better way to take in all of the lush greenery that spring brings than with a skyline view, especially if you decide to catch a sunset ride. Plus, since Fenelon Place Elevator Company is located in the Downtown Dubuque business district, making a trip out is also a great excuse to do some spring shopping and dining. Fenelon Place Elevator Company rides are available for $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for guests ages 5 and under. For more information, visit fenelonplaceelevator.com.
Farm Tours at Hansen Dairy
If you’ve ever wondered why a kangaroo serves as a mascot for Hansen Dairy milk, then be sure to add a farm tour at Hansen Dairy to your Iowa spring bucket list. Not only is this local farm home to lots of cows, but it’s also the best place to meet, pet and feed cuddly kangaroos. During the farm tours, guests can learn about dairy farming and milk processing, as well as engage with a variety of entertaining animals. All of the tours begin with a scenic trolley ride out to the farm, where guests can then feed a calf, milk a cow by hand, pet the farm animals, make homemade butter, sample Hansen’s products, and even eat some delicious ice cream. Beginning in April, farm tours at Hansen Dairy will be available every day. The hands-on tour will be available for $20 per person, and the animal petting tour will be available for $15. All tours are free for guests under 4 years of age. For more information, visit hansendairy.com.
Maple Syrup Festival
The only thing that can make your Iowa spring bucket list even sweeter might be maple syrup season. Join in the springtime fun at Hartman Reserve for the Maple Syrup Festival on March 10 to March 12 to celebrate sugar maple trees and all of the sweet maple syrup that they produce every year. Guests will be able to get outside for some fresh air and some time in the spring sunshine while enjoying all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage with maple syrup, Sidecar coffee and Hansen Dairy products. Likewise, to support more businesses local to Iowa, the Maple Syrup Festival also features festive raffle prizes like a kayak package from CrawDaddy Outdoors and a bike package from Bike Tech, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for guests ages 3 to 15, and free for guests under 3 years of age. For more information, view hartmanreserve.org.