Holland Michigan
The DeZwaan Windmill surrounded by blooming tulips at Windmill Island Gardens
View of Lake Michigan and Holland Harbor Lighthouse, also known as Big Red
Unique boutiques lining downtown’s lovely streets
Couple watching a Lake Michigan sunset from Tunnel Park
Strolling through the colorful gardens at downtown’s Centennial Park
Whimsical Windmill Island Shops
Mt. Pisgah as the leaves are beginning to turn
Kayaking past Windmill Island
Cycling alongside pastures and Windmill Island Gardens
- States:
- Michigan
Lively, small-town charm with a touch of the Netherlands
Surrounded by History
After being settled by the Dutch, Holland’s earliest homes were log sheds that grew out of the forest. Now, that heritage is preserved in the city’s Dutch architecture, food and festivals. Visit the DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens, the Veldheer Tulip Farm and Nelis’ Dutch Village to get a taste of the Netherlands right here in Michigan. Take historic walking tours and view the extensive Dutch art collection featuring pieces from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries at the Holland Museum. Just a few blocks away, the Cappon and Settlers Houses tell the story of Holland’s first mayor and earliest working-class settlers. The world-renowned annual springtime celebration, Tulip Time, is the flagship celebration of Holland’s Dutch heritage. Visit in May to see parades, traditional wooden shoe klompen dances and more than 5 million blooming tulips.
Four Seasons of Downtown Fun
Historic and hip, downtown Holland is a year-round destination. Named the nation’s Coolest Downtown by America in Bloom, it’s filled with beautifully restored late-1800s and early-1900s architecture, tree-lined streets and whimsical pocket parks. Wander at your own pace to discover a creative collection of boutiques, breweries and bistros found nowhere else. Even more special about Holland’s downtown is how both its appearance and activities change with each season. In springtime, it’s tulips and parades and in summer, perennials and street performers. Autumn brings corn stalks and pumpkin carvers, while winter shines with holiday greens and Sinterklaas (the Dutch version of St. Nicholas).
Exploring the Lake Michigan Shoreline
Drink in the glory of the world’s largest lake located entirely in a single country. Bigger than Switzerland and boasting 102 lighthouses, Lake Michigan is a freshwater wonder. Try sailing, kayaking, Jet Skiing and kitesurfing, or fish for your own dinner. Along Holland’s section of this stunning lakeshore, find more than 1,500 hectares of parks and trails that meander through marshlands, wooded glens and towering dunes. You can bike 240 kilometers of paved bike paths or head off-road for hiking, mountain biking and fat tire adventures. When lake-effect snows arrive, cross-country ski or snowshoe through hemlock forests. In any season, top off your Holland visit with an unforgettable Lake Michigan sunset seen from one of the city’s pristine beaches.
Fun Fact
Holland is home to one of only four wooden bowl mills in the USA.
Holland Harbor Light – also known as “Big Red” – is the most photographed lighthouse in Michigan.
Photo: Mike Lozon
Holland is home to the largest municipally owned snowmelt system in the USA, which keeps downtown streets and sidewalks “snow free” in the winter.