Orange You Glad You Came?

Okay, for the second week in a row, I have titled my post with an “it-just-doesn’t-get-any-lamer-than-that” pun, so please accept my humble apology.

To my fairly certain knowledge, William of Orange, 17th century king of what’s now the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, did not visit Iowa personally. In fact, during his travels, he may not even have made it to the Midwest at all.*

Yet Orange City, Iowa, in the northwest corner of the state, does indeed derive its name from “King Billy.” The Dutch settlers who founded the town 140 years ago chose the name to honor one of their homeland’s most famous monarchs.

The town itself is quiet and clean, with just 5,600 permanent residents, yet it has a nice college-town feel thanks to Northwestern College. In fact, my first exposure to Orange City came many years ago, on my way home from a playoff game in another part of Iowa where my college football team lost.

[BORING REMINISCENCE ALERT: Game time found us slogging through rain and mud; by halftime, the rain had turned to sleet; by the fourth quarter, we were playing on an ice rink, in snow. We lost the game when the most talented player on our team slipped on the ice and our opponent scored a long touchdown on him late in the game. Central of Iowa ended up winning the Division III NCAA national championship that year . . . not that I’m bitter or anything.]

Held annually since 1936, Orange City’s Tulip Festival is probably the town’s main claim to fame. This year, the festival runs from May 14–16 and will transport you back to 19th-century Holland.

The chamber of commerce expects more than 100,000 visitors, most from the region, although with some people coming from as far away as—you guessed it—the Netherlands. With two parades a day, a car show, concerts, craft demonstrations and, of course, lots of tulips, the festival pretty much dominates the town. The locals even select a “Tulip Queen”; this year, Juliana Pennings gets the honor of making appearances throughout the state in traditional Dutch garb.

Choices for places to lay your head right in town are relatively scarce, but about the best option is the Dutch Colony Inn, which is privately owned and clean (if bare bones). The good news is: Rates are low!

I can also recommend the Prairie Path B&B in Cherokee, Iowa, about 40 miles from Orange City. It’s probably just because I’m partial to horses, and it offers riding lessons, but the setting is quite beautiful, and it’s quiet.

As for food, in keeping with the “Dutch-ness” of this post, try the Nederlander’s Grill. I like the setting, and you’ll have a hard time leaving there with any room left in your stomach.

If you get a chance, play a round of golf at Landsmeer Golf Club (“Lake of the Land” in Flemish, I’m told). For a small-town track, it’s great fun and has earned a number of awards for excellence (the second hole, a par-three, is my personal favorite). Plus, it’s cheap . . . free if you play on your birthday!

Finally, you’ve got to love a place whose motto is: “Consider the Middle of Something.” I have no idea really what it means, but it shows a certain humility that’s appealing. Plus, in May, Orange City is the middle of tulip lovers!

As the Dutch might say: Breng on seen bezoek! (Pay us a visit!)

* For the record, the William of Orange to whom I refer in this post, is the one who took over England, Ireland, and Scotland from his uncle, James II, in 1689. As I know how astute my readers are, I want to reassure them that I fully understand that there was no “United States” at that time; the reference to the king is my small attempt at humor.

Comments

[Bob Hanvik]

Dear Gary - Thanks for writing in. I know Orange City and really admire your town. Apologies for misstating your motto. Speed kills!

[Gary Blythe, City of Orange City, IA]

Good Morning! Thank you so much for sharing with your readers about our community. It has kept its Dutch Heritage alive with its Annual Tulip Festival (3rd weekend in May) as well as several commercial and residential buildings that showcase old Holland Dutch architecture. Plus, there are (6) windmills on a canal in the downtown square.

BTW...the community's motto is "Consider the Middle of Somewhere" (not something). We do think we had created a special place here in the Midwest.

Yes, please pay us a visit and be our guest.