Europe in America: Holland, Michigan

Dutch Heritage: Windmill Island, Tulips, and a Great Downtown

Holland, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is well known for its annual Tulip Time Festival, the largest tulip festival in the United States. The small town was founded by Dutch Americans and retains its European Heritage to this day. The most popular attractions are Windmill Island Gardens, Veldheer Tulip Gardens, and Nelis’ Dutch Village. The town also attracts visitors for outdoor recreation and its downtown with unique shops and many great dining options. As with many towns in Michigan, Holland is home to a growing list of craft breweries and distilleries, most of which provide tours or have tasting rooms. In May the city blooms with over six million tulips planted across the city;during the summer months the beaches along Lake Michigan are the main attraction.

Did You Know? De Zwaan is an original 250-year-old Dutch windmill, the oldest authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States. The name is Dutch for “The Swan” or “Graceful Bird.”

Dutch Attractions

– Experience Dutch Heritage in Holland with a visit to the Windmill Island Gardens. Take a tour of the De Zwann Windmill, wander through gardens, and visit the shopping village for authentic gifts.

– Veldheer Tulip Gardens is Michigan’s only tulip garden— they plant over five million tulips every year. While visiting the gardens, watch the herd of American Bison and visit the De Klomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory.

– Nelis’ Dutch Village is a small theme park– great for little ones– with rides, petting farm, and demonstrations. The village fills 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, canals, and brick walkways.

– The historic Cappon House Museum and the Settlers House are two small museums in Holland. Admission includes both homes and provides a glimpse into life in Holland from the perspective of the working class and the town’s first mayor.

Photo: Dan Irving courtesy of Holland Area Visitors Bureau

Outdoor Recreation

– Holland State Park is Michigan’s most visited state park, with two great beaches on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. The park is also home to the picturesque Holland Harbor Lighthouse, affectionately called “Big Red.” It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset while enjoying the sugar-sand beaches.

– The Outdoor Discovery Center is a 160-acre nature preserve with trails and boardwalks that lead you through meadows, remnant dunes, upland forests, lowland hardwood forests, marshes, and ponds. The center also includes a visitor center, play park, and the De Witt Birds of Prey Center. The family-friendly programming is focused on conservation, wildlife management, and outdoor education.

– DeGraaf Nature Center is an 18-acre preserve with trails leading through woodland, shrub, marsh, and ponds. The Helen Brower Visitor Center has live animals and other educational exhibits to see before your trek through the preserve.

Downtown Holland

– Spend an afternoon in charming downtown Holland, with over 100 unique and independently owned stops, galleries, and creative arts venues. Keep your eyes open for lunch and dinner options as you navigate the cobblestone sidewalks— there are dozens of cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, and brew pubs in the downtown area.

Brew, Distill & Ferment

– Spend a day tasting craft brews, hand-crafted cocktails, ciders, and wine from locally grown vineyards. Here’s a short list from the dozens of tasting rooms in the Greater Holland Area: New Holland Brewing Company, Coppercraft Distillery, Tulip City Brewstillery, and Warner Winery.