This Midwestern Town Looks Like It Belongs in the Netherlands—With Windmills and an Annual Tulip Festival

Windmills, tulips, and quaint European appeal—it seems these three options, which you would possibly sometimes affiliate with the Netherlands, even have a house stateside. Holland, Michigan, a metropolis of roughly 35,000 positioned on the shores of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, was settled by Dutch Calvinist separatists fleeing persecution in 1847; since then, it has advanced right into a vacation spot with a definite look, persona, and tradition. 

“Holland is the quintessential small city that everyone needs they grew up in,” says Lucas Grill, the restaurateur behind 1983 Eating places. “[It’s] gradual, pleasant, cute as a button, and but stylish and cosmopolitan sufficient to fulfill even the big-city of us who like to get out and have some enjoyable.”

Content material creator Emily Tieman, founding father of the Emily Retro weblog, agrees, saying the “picturesque Dutch village” can be notable for its “freshwater seashores with miraculous sunsets each evening.” In the identical vein, Holland’s pure magnificence comes into play throughout one among its best-known occasions: the annual Tulip Time pageant. Tens of millions of tulips take middle stage throughout the days-long celebration, as locals and guests alike honor the town’s heritage and the great thing about the colourful flower.

Even when the tulips aren’t in bloom, Holland affords a wide range of causes to go to, from its thrilling breweries and genuine Dutch bakery to its intensive bike trails and spectacular snow-melt sidewalk system. Through the vacation season, guests can do all their buying in a European-style Christmas market and benefit from the festive lights at Windmill Island Gardens. Based on native lore, creator L. Frank Baum discovered inspiration for “The Great Wizard of Oz” whereas vacationing right here.

If any of these features pique your curiosity, it could be time to plan a visit to western Michigan. Learn on to find tips on how to take advantage of your time in Holland, in line with native specialists.

Finest Motels

Haworth Resort at Hope Faculty

Grill describes the Haworth Resort as a “distinctive and handsomely appointed” boutique lodge. “Moreover, it sits proper on the Hope Faculty campus, giving an added enhance of social environment, and it’s additionally solely a half-block off the principle drag, eighth Avenue,” he says. With 48 visitor rooms and 14 convention rooms, the multiuse house is nice for teams and occasions, as is its on-site café, Biggby Espresso.

Centennial Inn

“I might suggest staying at a lodge or inn positioned in downtown Holland so you may simply stroll to the perfect outlets and eating places,” says Tieman. Adjoining to Centennial Park within the historic district, Centennial Inn affords eight individually adorned rooms in a late-Nineteenth-century Elizabethan Revival dwelling. The most important room has a whirlpool tub, and a few lodging are heated by quaint gasoline stoves.

Tulyp, Tapestry Assortment by Hilton

When you have Hilton Honors factors to spend (or need to earn some to your keep), guide a room at Tulyp, Tapestry Assortment by Hilton. Only one block from Riverview Park, the lodge is positioned close to a lot of Holland’s must-see points of interest, together with Hope Faculty, the Holland Museum, and Windmill Island Gardens.

Courtyard Holland Downtown

One other comfy choice within the walkable metropolis middle—particularly for Marriott Bonvoy fanatics—is the Courtyard Holland Downtown. Finish your day trip in town by grabbing a chunk or beverage on the on-site bistro and bar, taking a dip within the indoor pool, or figuring out within the health middle.

Finest Issues to Do

Go to Holland State Park and the “Huge Pink” lighthouse.

Each Tieman and Gwen Auwerda, the chief director of the Tulip Time pageant, suggest vacationers make their option to Holland State Park and the historic Holland Harbor Lighthouse, extra affectionately often known as “Huge Pink.” Not solely is the lighthouse a picturesque sight, however the park is the perfect spot for mountain climbing, fishing, and swimming and sunbathing on the sandy seaside in summer time.

Stroll the downtown sidewalks—even in winter.

The most important snowmelt sidewalk system within the U.S. makes Holland “a four-season vacationer vacation spot,” says Grill. “Scorching water is pumped by way of pipes underground from the Board of Public Works, which melts the snow within the winter,” explains Auwerda. So whereas snow could also be within the forecast, you may confidently discover the world with out having to wrestle over snowdrifts or icy patches. 

Discover Windmill Island Gardens.

There’s a superb likelihood you’ve seen photographs of Windmill Island Gardens and its well-known construction, DeZwaan (“The Swan”). The one actual Dutch windmill working within the U.S., DeZwaan was initially in-built 1761 and left the Netherlands in 1964. At the moment, it resides on this 36-acre website, which options flower beds, strolling trails, an vintage carousel, and a Dutch road organ. The park is often open between mid-April and early October, plus a couple of weeks in December for its vacation occasion.

Get to know Holland’s craft beer scene. 

Most beer drinkers will acknowledge the identify New Holland Brewing Firm, so a cease at its Holland Brewpub needs to be in your agenda. Different locations to whet your whistle embody Our Brewing Firm and Huge Lake Brewing, which Auwerda says has “fabulous meals and some Dutch dishes together with nice beer.” For those who desire one thing stronger, sip a cocktail or two at Coppercraft Distillery.

See a sundown on Lake Michigan.

“You may’t go to Holland with out strolling on the shores of Lake Michigan at sundown,” says Tieman. Grill describes the “actually majestic, breathtaking” physique of water, only a 15-minute drive from downtown Holland, as “one of many nice hidden gems our world has to supply,” thanks, partly, to its sugar-sand seashores and “sunsets for days.”

Finest Buying

“Downtown Holland has the perfect buying,” says Tieman. Begin with one thing candy from the Holland Peanut Retailer. Open since 1954, this old-time sweet store sells nostalgic sweets, Dutch-imported licorice, paddle pops, and its well-known freshly roasted nuts, hand-dipped in gourmand chocolate.

There are additionally a wide range of boutiques and vintage shops to browse alongside eighth Avenue. For a “quintessential ladies’s boutique buying expertise,” Grill says to take a look at JB & Me. “The entire crew at JB & Me prides itself within the hand-curated and meticulous collection of such superb attire, footwear, dwelling items, and extra,” he says.

For those who’re thinking about sustainable buying, you’re in the fitting place. “Holland can be a thrifter’s paradise with tons of thrift outlets to go to,” says Tieman. For antiques, particularly, she recommends Downtown Antiques & Residence Furnishings, “which has among the greatest classic items on the town.”

Finest Eating places

deBoer Bakkerij

Based on Tieman, deBoer Bakkerij “is the quintessential Holland bakery… It’s a long-standing, family-owned, and inexpensive restaurant the place the locals like to eat.” Cease by the full-service restaurant for breakfast or lunch—the house-made double-fried hen is known for a purpose—or choose up a couple of doughnuts, pastries, or Dutch espresso truffles to go.

Seventy-Six

For “high-end American meals in a shocking environment,” Auwerda recommends Seventy-Six, a part of Grill’s 1983 Eating places group. The menu consists of hearty “Knife & Fork ‘Sandwiches’” and a wide range of objects that fall into the restaurant’s self-created class of “high-end junk meals.” Assume jumbo lump crab truffles and goat cheese queso with wild mushrooms.

Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant

“Boatwerks is on the water, with outside seating, stunning views, and nice meals,” says Tieman, who shares that it is a really perfect spot for a date evening. On summer time nights, sit on the lined patio and benefit from the views over Lake Macatawa with a cocktail in hand. For the perfect expertise, go to from Could to October, though the restaurant is open to patrons year-round. 

Huge Lake Brewing

Pattern flavorful IPAs like Fudgie, an oatmeal stout, or a bitter, just like the Blue Razz Foolish Goose, at Huge Lake Brewing. Wine and handcrafted cocktails are additionally obtainable, as are salads, pizzas, burgers, and different bar bites when you’re feeling peckish.

Festivals and Occasions

Tulip Time

“Tulip Time is Holland’s largest occasion of the 12 months, with thousands and thousands of individuals everywhere in the world coming to see the tulip fields,” says Tieman. Together with the thousands and thousands of tulips on show, you may count on parades, Dutch musical and dance performances, excursions, and distributors over the 10-day pageant every Could. “My greatest advice is to plan your journey by taking a look at our web site to see what actions you need to do on the times you are visiting,” says Auwerda. “Daily has completely different actions.” She advises attending to city early, particularly when you’re visiting over the weekends, which are usually the busiest. 

Summer time Avenue Performer Sequence

Come summertime, Holland’s road performer collection shuts down eighth Avenue each Thursday night from mid-June to mid-August. Musicians, face painters, magicians, caricature artists, and aerial acrobats showcase their creativity and entertain the plenty. “Each restaurant is packed, the streets are packed, and it’s so enjoyable for everybody to come back and benefit from the artwork on show,” says Grill. 

Holidays in Holland

Town’s appeal tends to come back out in full power throughout the vacation season. “Holland is decked out with wreaths, pine cones, garlands, and every little thing you’d count on presently of the 12 months,” says Grill. “Including in heat, cozy, snow-free sidewalks, Santa, parades, and extra… There’s actually one thing for the child in everybody in Holland each vacation season.”

Given Holland’s Dutch roots, it’s no shock that the European-style open-air Christmas market, “Kerstmarkt,” is an annual custom. It runs most weekends from mid-November to mid-December, and guests can discover varied vacation items and treats in addition to artisan demonstrations. Winter additionally marks the arrival of Santa Claus, who makes his option to downtown Holland throughout the Parade of Lights, held annually in late November or early December.

Magic on the Mill at Windmill Island Gardens is one other “must-see” this time of 12 months, says Auwerda. “It boasts a light-weight present with all of the timber and windmill lit up as nicely.” The occasion takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from early to late December, and whereas it is notably good for teenagers, there’s enjoyable available for the entire household. The road organ performs vacation music, the reward outlets are open, and there’s even an opportunity to satisfy Sinterklaas, the Dutch model of Santa Claus.

Finest Time to Go to 

The very best—and hottest—time to go to Holland is throughout the tulip season, from late April to mid-Could. Summer time is available in as a detailed second. For those who’re planning to go between July and early September, you should definitely convey your swimsuit, as you’ll need to benefit from the world’s sandy seashores and lake entry. 

For those who aren’t scared off by freezing temperatures, don’t overlook Holland’s vacation season. “Downtown Holland is totally stunning at Christmastime with lights, decorations, and snow to create the proper vacation city mixture,” says Tieman. Whereas snow typically poses a difficulty for sightseeing throughout the winter, Holland’s snowmelt system ensures the sidewalks are “snow and ice-free, so you may confidently take pleasure in looking for Christmas items with out worrying about slipping and sliding,” she says. It is essential to notice, nonetheless, that a few of Holland’s shops and points of interest could also be closed on Sundays this time of 12 months, so you should definitely name forward earlier than making concrete plans.

Easy methods to Get There

Muskegon County Airport (MKG) and Gerald R. Ford Worldwide Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids are every a couple of 45-minute drive from Holland. MKG is served by Denver Air Connection, which affords each day service to Chicago’s O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD). GRR is extra accessible for many vacationers, because it’s linked to greater than 30 main U.S. cities by way of Delta Air Strains, Southwest Airways, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airways, American Airways, and United Airways.

Hire a automotive to finish the ultimate leg of your journey to Holland. For those who desire to journey by prepare, Amtrak operates its Pere Marquette route from Chicago’s Union Station to Holland, which takes about three hours—alternatively, it is almost a 50-minute trip from Grand Rapids.

Easy methods to Get Round

Whereas having a automotive to discover Holland could be extraordinarily useful, you may as well get round sure areas by strolling or biking. “Downtown may be very walkable to get to all of the retail shops, eating places, and fantastic metropolis parks,” says Auwerda.

As for public transportation, the Macatawa Space Specific (MAX) bus makes it simple to journey all through Holland and its surrounding areas. Adults (ages 18 to 64) pay $1.15 per trip, whereas rides value simply $0.50 every for youth (ages 5 to 17), seniors (65 and up), and Medicaid and ADA cardholders.

Holland and its surrounding communities are dwelling to over 150 miles of motorbike paths and off-road trails, a lot of which traverse the town’s hottest parks. For those who aren’t touring with your personal set of wheels, you may hire a motorbike from Rock ‘n’ Street Cycle or Velo Metropolis Cycles.