So you’ve noticed the tulips in
Holland
, Michigan, don’t spin back and go home prematurely. This western part still has numerous activities to engage your time.
Michigan
city on
Lake Michigan
That includes a distinctive Dutch angle.
From bustling downtown farmer’s markets to picturesque sandy shores, and the charming Dutch Village,
Tulip Time
, Holland provides numerous opportunities for exploration. Tourists can delve into the city’s Dutch roots by visiting various sites.
windmills
, trying out
wooden shoes
, tasting
windmill cookies
and the millions of blossoming tulips in the springtime.
Holland’s position provides entry to the
Great Lakes
, offering activities like swimming, fishing, boating, and various water sports. Heading south or north along the coastline will lead you to additional attractions.
lake towns
including Grand Haven, Saugatuck, Muskegon, and South Haven.
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Nestled along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, our versatile town is renowned for numerous attractions — from the vibrant tulips of spring to the lively summer festivals, bountiful autumn orchards, and festive winter holidays. However, what truly sets Holland apart is the warmth and hospitality of its residents.
Holland Visitors Bureau
says.
Here’s what you should understand about Holland.
Where is Holland?
Holland is a city located in western Michigan, situated close to the coastline of Lake Michigan, adjacent to both Lake Macatawa and the Macatawa River. With approximately 34,000 inhabitants, this community attracts numerous visitors annually, drawing thousands of tourists each year.
Why is Holland linked to the Dutch people?
In 1847, Dutch settlers initially landed, specifically Calvinist separatists escaping oppression from the Netherlands, leading to the founding of the city of
Holland notes.
Newcomers also
fled
Political unrest and scarcity of food along with impoverishment due to agricultural failures prompted individuals to search for better prospects in a different country, as noted by The Lakeshore. A journey to the
Holland Museum
provides an up-close examination of the city’s Dutch heritage through exhibitions and happenings.
By 2025, approximately 24% of the residents will be part of this demographic.
Dutch descent
According to Statistical Atlas, the city’s Dutch legacy persists through various cultural happenings and sights such as windmills, Tulip Time festivities, traditional Dutch clothing, windmill-shaped cookies, and clogs.
Tour Dutch-style windmills
A visit to
Windmill Island Gardens
provides a comprehensive taste of Dutch culture across 36 acres of parkland. The main attraction is a towering five-story windmill imported from the Netherlands, complemented by costumed staff dressed in traditional Dutch attire, vibrant tulips and various flowering plants, authentic Dutch displays and models, local fauna, rides on a intricately designed vintage children’s carousel, beautifully landscaped gardens, meandering pathways for strolling, an ornate Amsterdam-style street organ, untouched natural spaces, and a charming souvenir shop.
Explore vast tulip gardens
Every spring, explore over 5 million blossoming tulips in a vibrant spectrum of hues at
Veldheer Tulip Farms.
The flower, often linked to Dutch traditions, serves as a seasonal mainstay in Amsterdam during the springtime, evident throughout the city streets.
Tulip Time
The festival has drawn millions of attendees, showcasing live music, art, and dance.
During the summertime, the Veldheer’s provides
perennial garden
Surrounded by windmills, canals, and drawbridges, the farm boasts an array of flowers including lilies, daylilies, peonies, and more, as stated on their website.
Visit a historic lighthouse
Known as Big Red, it is the
Holland Harbor Lighthouse
sits alongside the Holland Channel near
Holland State Park.
The initial lighthouse was constructed in 1870 and is currently under the management of the
Holland Harbor Lighthouse History Board
You can see the lighthouse from various vantage points across the channel at either the state park or Mount Pisgah. This beloved beacon has earned the title of “Michigan’s most-photographed lighthouse.”
Shop and dine downtown
The city’s
downtown district
provides over 100 locally operated outlets for shopping and dining experiences. These include independent shops, boutique stores, gift emporiums, art galleries, niche retailers, eateries, coffee houses, and microbreweries. The merchandise encompasses everything from household items to clothing, textiles, artworks, footwear, accessories, traditional German timepieces, athletic equipment, and much more.
Relax at the shore of Lake Michigan’s beaches
Spend a day at the lakeside on the sandy beaches close to Lake Michigan. Nearby choices consist of
Tunnel Park Beach
and
Holland State Park Beach
, featuring activities such as swimming, sunbathing, watersports, a playground, parks, and hiking trails. These family-oriented zones provide a peaceful escape with breathtaking sunset vistas in the Great Lakes area.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi:
jprestininzi@freepress.com
.
The article initially appeared in the Detroit Free Press.
A lakeside town in West Michigan known for its blooms offers various activities. Here are five things you can enjoy in Holland.
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