Daily Activities

There are many different activities described below.  Click on the links below for different suggested itineraries.

One Day Itinerary (PDF File)                    Two Day Itinerary (PDF File)

Century Home - Built in 1900 by Orange City's first major and later the home of a Federal judge, this delightful home is restored with period decor and antique furnishings especially decorated for our festival guest.  The home is surrounded by tulip beds.

Children's Art Exhibit - Local students, 1st through 8th grade will display their artwork in the Courthouse Lobby.

De Klompen Maker - Old Factory Wooden Show Demonstration - See blocks of wood formed into wooden shoes using machinery imported from Holland.  Demonstrations every hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Don't miss the De Klompen Maker where tradition comes alive in the old world trade of hand craving Dutch wooden shoes.

Dutch Dozen - Attired in authentic Dutch costumes, the Dutch Dozen entertains with Dutch folk songs and dances in the City Hall. Performances at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Dutch Street Organ - A unique sound from the past.  One of only two in the United States!  Playing daily at the Straatmarkt.

Dutch Windmill Visitors Center - Standing taller than most of the structures in the town, the Center is perhaps the most spectacular windmill in Orange City. Hours are Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fietsen Zangers - After a number of local residents toured the Netherlands by bicycle in 1998, the Fietsen Zangers (bicycle singers) were born.  Bicycles have always been an important part of the Dutch culture.  While dressed in historic costumes from various provinces, this group rides their bikes down main street every day at noon.  They’ve learned a few Dutch folk songs and love to sing for our visitors along the street.  Listen for the bike bells as they approach each day. 

Horse-Drawn Street Car Tours - Take a relaxing and informative tour of the town on these replicas of 19th Center hour trolleys.  Beginning at the Information Windmill in Windmill Square Park daily from 9 a.m. to noon, and following the afternoon parade. Admission $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under 12.

Little White Store - The oldest commercial building in Sioux County was moved to its present location on Central Avenue in the 1870's.  Present selling commemorative Red Wing pottery, the store also serves "poffertjes," a traditional Dutch pastry.

Orange City Public Library - The film entitled "The Holland We Remember - a nostalgic journey through old Holland" will be shown in the Rieckhoff Room at 4 p.m. daily.

Quilt Show - A beautiful array of 200 or more quilts will be featured this year at the Northwestern College Bultman Center.  Sponsored by Sioux Prairie Quilters.

Sioux County Heritage Center and Flower Show - Displays of antiques used by early Sioux County settlers, native American artifacts display, and more!  Among the displays are many lovely arrangements of flowers.  Local flower enthusiasts add the the originality and beauty of the show. Over 1,000 tulips and flowers are used in the displays.

Straatmarkt - Stroll through our Dutch "Street Market."  Vendors specialize in Dutch foods and souvenirs, or try your skill at the authentic Dutch Street Games.  Treat yourself to food and fun in this miniature Dutch Village under the shady ash trees.

Tulip Beds - View the Tulip beds at Northwestern College, Windmill Visitors Center, Veteran's Park, Windmill Square Park, Vogel Windmill, and down Central and Arizona Avenue.

Tulip Town Bulb Company - See this colorful array of  over 40 varieties of imported Dutch tulips at the new location at 116 1st Street SW. Come and place your order of tulip bulbs for fall delivery.

Vogel Windmill - A working replica of the mills in Holland, the "Old Mill" shows how paint was ground with wind power.

Copyright © 2008 Tulip Festival Steering Committee