Spring has a way of changing everything.
The trees turn green, flowers start popping up, patios reopen, and suddenly everyone is looking for a reason to get outside again.
In Marion County, spring means tulips in Pella, shopping in our downtowns, trails around Lake Red Rock, and plenty of reasons to turn a Saturday into a weekend. So grab your sunglasses, leave the winter coat at home, and Set Your Pace.
Pella is famous for its tulips, and for good reason.
More than 128,000 tulips are planted throughout gardens and tulip lanes across town. Late April is generally prime viewing, with different varieties blooming throughout April and into early May.
Take your time wandering through the gardens, and look for the labels throughout the tulip beds to learn about the different varieties.
And if you happen to visit during Tulip Time, expect Pella to be at its most festive, with parades, Dutch costumes, food, music, and three days of celebrating its Dutch heritage.
Spring is made for wandering downtown...and finding a patio.
Browse local shops in Pella, Knoxville, and Pleasantville, grab a coffee, find something you didn't know you needed, and then settle in somewhere with a seat outside.
Once the sun comes out, so do the patios. Grab a local beer, cocktail, glass of wine, or a bite to eat and enjoy one of those first glorious afternoons when you realize, oh yeah… I missed this. Shop small. Sit outside. Stay awhile.
The lake is waking up - and so should you!
Explore the Volksweg Trail and other hiking trails around Lake Red Rock, where spring wildflowers start popping up along the trails.
Bring your camera, but leave the flowers blooming so everyone can enjoy them.
And if you're feeling adventurous, keep an eye out for morel mushrooms. After warm spring showers and the first warm days of the season, these sought-after fungi can appear on the forest floor. Just be sure to check with an expert before consuming anything you find.
9 AM — Pella
Start with breakfast and a stroll through the historic downtown.
10 AM — Tulips + Shopping
Explore the gardens, wander the tulip lanes, and browse local shops.
Noon — Lunch on a Patio
Find a sunny spot outside and enjoy a meal or drink.
2 PM — Lake Red Rock
Hike the Volksweg Trail, search for spring wildflowers, and take in the scenery.
4 PM — Pleasantville
Explore downtown, grab a coffee, and see what you find.
6 PM — Knoxville
Dinner, drinks, and downtown exploring.
Evening — Stay Awhile
Head back to your cabin, campsite, or local stay and enjoy a spring evening around the fire.
Morning — Slow Start
Grab breakfast and enjoy a quiet morning.
10 AM — Cordova Park
Explore the park, take in the lake views, and get outside.
Noon — One More Local Stop
Shop local, grab lunch, or pick up something to take home.
Come for the tulips. Stay for the small-town charm.
Shop downtown. Find a patio. Chase wildflowers. Explore the lake. Maybe even find a morel or two.
When you're ready to shake off winter, Marion County is ready for you.
