Pella is a city located in Marion County, Iowa, within the United States. Situated approximately forty miles southeast of Des Moines, it occupies a total area of 8.73 square miles, all of which is land. The community lies within Iowa's 2nd congressional district, having previously been part of the 3rd district before 2013. Its geographic position places it near Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest reservoir, which serves as a regional destination for outdoor activities.

The settlement was established in 1847 by approximately 800 Dutch immigrants led by Dominee Hendrik "Henry" P. Scholte. The name Pella references the ancient city of the Decapolis, chosen because the founders sought religious freedom similar to the Christians who found refuge there during the Roman–Jewish war of 70. The area is also notable as the childhood home of Wyatt Earp, whose father Nicholas Porter Earp settled on a nearby farm, and where his brothers Warren and Morgan were born.

The city features distinct architectural landmarks that reflect its heritage, including the Vermeer Mill, a fully functional 1850s-style windmill standing 134 feet tall. The Pella Opera House, built in 1900 and renovated in 1990, is known for its stained-glass windows and ornate tin ceilings. Molengracht Plaza contains a canal, shops, restaurants, and a full-size working drawbridge. The Bos Landen golf club is also located within the town limits.

Pella celebrates its Dutch heritage through the annual Tulip Time Festival held in May, featuring parades, costumes, and tulip gardens. In 2010, the festival set a world record for the most people dancing in wooden shoes with over 2,600 participants. The community also preserves Pella Dutch, a dialect of the Dutch language spoken locally. Visitors are drawn to these cultural traditions and the historic sites that evoke the pioneer years of the settlement.

According to the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 10,464. The local economy includes Central College and manufacturing companies such as Pella Corporation and Vermeer Manufacturing Company. The city operates public schools through the Pella Community School District and serves students via Pella Christian Grade School and High School. The median age is 37.4 years, with a significant portion of residents living in urban areas.