EOH Explorer Series | Strawberry Picking at Bruck Hillside Acres

Some of my favorite rural Iowa adventures are the simplest ones. No big crowds. No complicated plans. Just fresh air, friendly people, and a chance to slow down for a while.

That’s exactly what we found at Bruck Hillside Acres near Audubon.

Tucked into the rolling countryside of western Iowa, this family-run farm offers a wholesome experience that feels refreshingly authentic. When we arrived, owners Morgan and Tyler Bruck greeted us with big smiles and made us feel right at home. After giving us a quick overview of the strawberry patch and which rows were ready for picking, we headed out into the field with our baskets in hand.

The strawberries were the highlight of the visit. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they were some of the best I’ve tasted all summer. There’s something especially satisfying about picking your own food, knowing exactly where it came from and who grew it.

What makes Bruck Hillside Acres special, though, is that it’s more than a strawberry patch. The farm continues producing throughout the growing season with blackberries, raspberries, sweet corn, sunflowers, zinnias, and pumpkins. They also offer pasture-raised pork and chicken, perennial landscape plants, and homemade baked goods.

The property itself adds to the experience. A charming farmhouse sits nearby, and a beautiful barn overlooks the strawberry field. Families will appreciate the handmade playground, which provides a fun place for kids to burn off some energy before or after picking.

If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that strawberry picking is available by appointment only. Morning appointments are ideal, especially during the warmer summer months. We arrived during the morning and could already feel the temperatures climbing as the sun got higher.

Before heading to the farm, I grabbed a coffee from The Marketplace in Manning, which made for the perfect start to a rural Iowa morning.

Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a unique date idea, or simply an excuse to spend time outdoors, Bruck Hillside Acres delivers a memorable experience. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why supporting local farms matters. You leave with fresh produce, delicious treats, and a deeper appreciation for the hardworking families helping rural Iowa thrive.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably be enjoying fresh strawberries long before you make it home.

 

Katie’s List – Know Before You Go

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Strawberry picking is by appointment only – link Facebook page
  • Fresh strawberries are $4 per pound
  • Early morning visits are recommended, especially on warm summer days
  • Families with young children will enjoy the handmade playground
  • The strawberry field is not stroller friendly
  • Perennial plants and baked goods are available for purchase without a picking reservation
  • Bring comfortable shoes that can handle uneven farm terrain
  • The beautiful barn overlooking the strawberry field makes a great photo backdrop
  • Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the farm
  • Additional seasonal offerings include blackberries, raspberries, sweet corn, sunflowers, zinnias, and pumpkins
  • Pasture-raised pork and chicken are available throughout the season
  • Grab a coffee from The Marketplace in Manning before heading to the farm
  • Don’t leave without sampling a fresh-picked strawberry right from the field
  • Consider bringing a cooler if you plan to take berries home on a hot day

EOH Explorer Series | A Spring Tradition at Pella Tulip Time

Some places never lose their magic, no matter how many times you visit. For me, Pella is one of those places.

My connection to Pella runs deep. My mom grew up here, and some of my favorite childhood memories involve visiting my grandma, who lived just off the town square. Every spring, our family would make the trip for Tulip Time. We would dress in traditional Dutch clothing and take part in one of the festival’s most beloved traditions: scrubbing the streets before the parade.

Now, as an adult, I still find myself returning to Pella year after year.

This year’s Tulip Time brought beautiful weather and plenty of visitors. While the tulips had reached peak bloom a couple of weeks earlier, the festival atmosphere was just as vibrant as ever. The town’s Dutch heritage shines through every detail, from the unique architecture and historical buildings to the music, costumes, and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

One of my favorite things about Tulip Time is simply wandering the square. Local shops welcome visitors with open doors, the aroma of fresh baked goods drifts through downtown, and there’s always something happening around every corner. We spent time catching up with family, including a couple of my aunts, an uncle, and a cousin, which made the day even more special.

The parades remain a highlight and are well worth planning your visit around. Watching the street scrubbers, marching bands, floats, and Tulip Queen process through downtown feels like stepping into a celebration that has remained true to its roots for decades.

Of course, no trip to Pella is complete without food. I never miss an opportunity to grab a Dutch Taco or a plate of warm poffertjes topped with strawberries and whipped cream. We always enjoy supporting the Central College Choir stand, where a tip might even earn you a song while you eat.

While Tulip Time is what draws many visitors to Pella, I’ve learned that the town is worth visiting throughout the year. The boutiques, bakeries, museums, and historic charm make it a wonderful destination long after the tulips have faded.

Tulip Time may be a celebration of spring, but for me, it’s also a celebration of family, tradition, and the simple joy of returning to a place that feels like home.

Katie’s Tip:
Visit on Thursday or Friday if possible. Crowds are typically lighter than Saturday, making it easier to enjoy the shops, food vendors, and photo opportunities.

Katie’s List – Know Before You Go

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Tulip Time takes place each spring in early May.
  • Admission to the square, parades, and vendor areas is free.
  • Plan to spend at least a half day exploring Pella.
  • Street parking is available throughout town.
  • Paid park-and-ride shuttles can help you avoid downtown parking challenges.
  • Expect plenty of walking during the festival.
  • Plan your visit around the parades at 2:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  • Don’t miss the Klokkenspel, downtown shopping, and vendor areas.
  • Try a Dutch Taco, fresh poffertjes, and a treat from Jaarsma Bakery.
  • Popular photo spots include Sunken Gardens, the Wooden Shoe Bench, the Wooden Shoe Wall, Brinkhoff Park, and the downtown square.
  • Tulip Time is family-friendly with parades, music, costumes, and activities for kids.
  • Many downtown areas are stroller-friendly, though some crowded festival areas can be more difficult to navigate.
  • Thursday and Friday typically offer a less crowded experience than Saturday.
  • Use Pella’s side streets and alleyways to move around downtown more easily.
  • Even outside of Tulip Time, Pella is worth visiting for its shopping, history, architecture, and small-town charm.