There’s something timeless about Central Park here in Pella. Once known as Garden Square, this space has always been the heart of our downtown — a place where tulip beds, flowering trees, historic benches, and winding sidewalks invite you to slow down and take it all in.

From the Civil War statue and the 1900s fountain, to the cannon, sundial, and the iconic Tulip Tower, Central Park beautifully blends the history of this town with the bright, hopeful blooms of spring.

And just across the street on the east side of the square is where we call home — Thistles Flower Market, tucked into a building that’s stood here since 1897.

🏛️ A Park with Deep Roots: From Garden Square to Tulip Time Traditions

Central Park hasn’t always looked the way it does today. Originally known as Garden Square, this space has been a community gathering place for generations. Over the years, it has evolved into the vibrant, welcoming hub where visitors now stroll among historic benches, lamp posts, and the graceful layout of tulip beds that bloom each spring.

One of the park’s most beloved features, the Tulip Tower (Tulp Toren in Dutch), carries its own story of tradition and community pride. The very first Tulip Tower was built in 1940, designed by New York architect and Pella native John Lautenbach. The tower, constructed largely of wood and standing 70 feet tall, was created as a centerpiece for Tulip Time — a way to bring more of the festival’s celebration into the heart of downtown.

Though the original tower was meant to last for just one festival season, the community’s love for it stretched its life to three more years before it was dismantled. Decades later, in 1968, Pete and Lucille Kuyper generously funded the construction of the permanent Tulip Tower we know today. Their passion for preserving Pella’s heritage made sure this symbol of celebration would continue to stand tall for future generations.

Today, the Tulip Tower remains a landmark of Tulip Time and a symbol of the community spirit that has shaped this town.

🌷 The Avenue of Tulips: A Stroll Between Fountain and Sundial

One of the most enchanting ways to experience Central Park’s tulips is along the Avenue of Tulips, the walkway that stretches between the water fountain on the north side of the park and the sundial near the center.

This path lets you see the wide range of textures, heights, and colors that tulips can bring to a garden — from soft pastels to vivid reds and sunny yellows.

At the sundial, you’ll find Marcy’s Mix, a blend created by one of Pella’s own gardeners. Marcy has worked with over 400 tulip varieties throughout her career, and this mix was so well-loved by the wholesale grower in the Netherlands that they named it after her as their Centennial Blend. It’s been our most popular seller this year at PellaTulipBulbs.com — a customer favorite for good reason.

💐 Tulip Varieties Blooming in Central Park (Available to Plant at Home)

Many of the tulips blooming right now in Central Park are available for fall shipment through PellaTulipBulbs.com, ready to plant for your own spring garden.

Look for these featured varieties:

• River Rainbow – A playful, vibrant mix that mirrors the joyful spirit of Tulip Time.

• Marcy’s Mix (Centennial Blend) – A beautifully balanced blend with heritage roots.

• Don Quichotte – A classic bright pink tulip with bold color and sturdy stems.

• Jennie Butchart – A deep, romantic red tulip that brings richness and drama to the garden.

• Menton – Soft blush-apricot tones with an elegant shape, blooming late in the season.

• El Niño – Tall, bold, and fiery orange-red — a true statement bloom for late spring.

🌿 Plan Your Visit — or Plant a Piece of Pella at Home

Whether you’re wandering through Central Park this spring or dreaming up your own garden at home, we invite you to enjoy the beauty and tradition these tulips bring.

If you’re planning a visit to Pella, be sure to explore the City of Pella’s Tulip Bed Map, which identifies the tulip varieties planted in each of the 250 tulip beds across town. You can find the full guide here:
👉 City of Pella Tulip Bed Map

And if you’re ready to bring a bit of Pella’s history home, you can browse all available varieties and place your order for fall shipment at PellaTulipBulbs.com.

Because every bloom has a story — and we’d love for you to be part of it.