Holland, situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, is a beautiful city popular for its Dutch origin, beauty of nature, and buffs. Filled with stunning and appealing images such as windmills, tulips, and its adorable downtown, Holland is also very cultural. For history lovers, nature lovers, and the gourmands, this is undoubtedly an enchanting city that never disappoints. Here are the 13 best things to do in Holland, Michigan.
Top Things to Do in Holland
1. Visit Windmill Island Gardens
Dutch Charm
They contain the only pavilion with electrical illumination, the baby palace, the children’s playing ground, and even the Dutch windmill De Zwaan brought from the Netherlands in 1964. A still fully functional windmill that has been standing for 250 years, there is stone ground flour that is produced by it which is available for sale.
Highlights
❖ Tulip Gardens: Wander through 36 acres of gardens; especially if this visit will be during the season of tulip where thousands of them blossom.
❖ Historic Windmill: At this place, you would visit Tour De Zwaan, you would want to learn more about the history of the windmill and also see the miller at work.
❖ Dutch Village: It is recommended to stroll around the rather idyllic village with lovely shops, canals, and Houses and buildings in typical Dutch style.
2. Explore Holland State Park
Scenic Beauty
Among all the state parks in Michigan, Holland State Park attracts a large number of tourists with beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Big Red Lighthouse. The park includes such facilities as a sandy part, places for a picnic, and various types of recreation.
Highlights
❖ Big Red Lighthouse: Get a shot of the lighthouse since it is one of the most photographed places.
❖ Swimming and Sunbathing: There you can see the clean sand and transparent sea.
❖ Hiking Trails: Hike the park trails as these will give one great shot of the dunes and the lake.
3. Discover Downtown Holland
Vibrant Atmosphere
Downtown Holland is a nice area where there are many shops of various types, a great variety of food establishments, and many historic structures. It is always beautiful here, in spring, the streets are filled with flowers, and tulips, in particular, and in winter there are beautiful lights.
Highlights
❖ Shopping: Shop at the plethora of fashion stores, art, and home décor as well as other exquisite shops.
❖ Dining: Take a bite in one of the restaurants which vary from small cafes to exquisite restaurants.
❖ Events and Festivals: Holland Farmers Market and Tulip Time Festival can help you experience the cultures of Holland.
4. Visit the Holland Museum
Historical Insights
There is the Holland Museum next to the Olde St. Mary Church and it features all the history of Holland, the Dutch formation of the city and so on. The museum contains cases with exhibits, objects presented in the form of a presentation, games, and others.
Highlights
❖ Dutch Galleries: The departures provide galleries depicting Dutch art, culture, and customs.
❖ Local History: Follow the history of Holland and how this place evolved into a blooming city.
❖ Interactive Displays: Interact with displays that make you feel as if you are living in those early years.
Read More: Weekend Trips in Michigan
5. Enjoy Veldheer Tulip Gardens
Blooming Beauty
It’s also a must-visit place for tourists who have a passion, especially for flowers such as those found at Veldheer Tulip Gardens. Tulips bloom in the gardens every spring with more than 5 million blooms perfect for those who love photography and for lovers of nature’s wonders who would want to take strolls.
Highlights
❖ Tulip Fields: Stroll through the large rows of tulips, every type of them is placed separately.
❖ Windmill and Canal: To add some flair this restaurant features a genuine Dutch windmill and a canal as well.
❖ Bulb Market: Buying tulip bulbs will give the beauty of Holland to your garden.
Book Hotels Near Veldheer Tulip Gardens
6. Tour Nelis’ Dutch Village
Cultural Experience
Nelis’ Dutch Village is an amusement park targeting families with interests in Dutch culture and tradition. There are aspects of traditional Dutch architecture along with costumed characters and actual engagements and demonstrations of recreating the Dutch way of life.
Highlights
❖ Traditional Crafts: See locals make cheese and wooden shoes and do other local vocational demonstrations.
❖ Petting Zoo: Come and see petting-friendly animals on a farm in a petting zoo.
❖ Rides and Attractions: Rides like the Dutch swing ride and the carousel can also be taken for children as they are friendly to them.
Book Hotels Near Nelis’ Dutch Village
7. Hike Mount Pisgah
Outdoor Adventure
Mount Pisgah is also another hike whereby once you climb to the top you are rewarded with the view of the landscape. The stairway has 157 steps and then accesses a platform to get views of Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, and other neighbouring areas.
Highlights
❖ Scenic Overlook: Watch the splendid views of the town as you move to the observation floor.
❖ Nature Trails: Check out the linked paths of the sandy area of the park.
❖ Photography: Take photos of scenic views, and sunsets at the top of the mountain.
8. Relax at Tunnel Park
Coastal Delight
Thus, the name of the park Tunnel is a passage through a dune to the shore. This public park is the best to visit if you’re looking for a new kind of beach experience with playgrounds, picnic areas, and spectacular sceneries ideal for families with children.
Highlights
❖ Tunnel Entrance: Descending the stairs and passing the dune tunnel to get to the beach.
❖ Playground: Let the kids play at the merry-go-round with the slides swings, and climbing structures.
❖ Picnicking: This could be a picnic area with several tables and/ or grills to be used.
9. Visit the Outdoor Discovery Center
Educational Fun
The Outdoor Discovery Center is an organisation that opens a nature preserve and education facility aimed at asserting community engagement with nature. It has trails, wildlife exhibits, and a ‘touch table’ area.
Highlights
❖ Wildlife Viewing: Sight native animals, Birds of prey, reptiles, and marsupials.
❖ Nature Trails: Enjoy the nature walk, the nature trails, and different areas of habitat.
❖ Interactive Exhibits: Organise, attend, and support all forms of education from early childhood education to post-secondary schooling.
10. Explore Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Coastal Adventure
Only a 20-minute drive from Holland, Saugatuck Dunes State Park is packed with 1,000 acres of woods, trails, sandy beaches, and dunes.
Highlights
❖ Hiking Trails: Trek on distinct paths in the dunes and forests.
❖ Beach Access: In addition, there is an opportunity to sunbathe and swim on a wide, clean, singular wild beach by Lake Michigan.
❖ Wildlife Watching: This region is quite diverse and one might be able to view birds and other forms of wildlife in this area.
11. Experience Cappon House Museum
Step Back in Time
The Cappon House Museum is the preserved residence of Holland’s first mayor and prominent merchant, Isaac Cappon. It is a Victorian Era house and it provides a snapshot into the life of a wealthy family of the 19th Century.
Highlights
❖ Guided Tours: Check out the general information on the house’s history, the architecture and take a guided tour.
❖ Period Furnishings: Several old furniture and family items belonging to the Cappon family are exhibited here.
❖ Historic Insights: For lovers of history with a focus on social and culture, this isn’t a place to miss since you get to learn about the past of Holland through this structure.
12. Savour Local Brews at New Holland Brewing
Craft Beer Delight
New Holland Brewing is a favourite place for all lovers of craft beer. Try homemade beer with its set of brands, and savour the atmosphere of home comfort and hospitality.
Highlights
❖ Beer Tasting: Try the best available brands of beers varying from IPA, to Stout, and many more.
❖ Brewery Tours: While at the brewery take a tour, which will help in understanding how the beer is produced.
❖ Live Music and Events: The performances and other events it hosts often occur on a day-to-day basis and have live music.
Read Also: Things to Do in Maggie Valley
13. Discover the DeGraaf Nature Center
Tranquil Escape
It has trails, animals, and teaching experiences to get nature into the lives of people who go to the nature centre. Indeed, it is such a great place for bird watching, trekking, and any other natural activities.
Highlights
❖ Nature Trails: See the living forest, the wet lays, the meadow, the maple and the pine, the deciduous woods, and the pine-bearing orchards.
❖ Birdwatching: Speak to your binoculars and maybe you can get to see a different form of bird species.
❖ Educational Programs: The programs and the workshops should be related to nature and its conservation.
Conclusion
Holland, Michigan is a city that can attract tourists successfully as some of the significant cultural, historical, and distinctive natural sights can be found here. From culture to the arts, history, beautiful natures, beer to an adrenaline rush; there is nothing left that is not offered by the Utrecht. In this choice of thirteen different picks, you are positive to seek out some cool things to do whether you are going for a weekend getaway or a trip of two weeks. It is time to pack up and go travelling to discover all that time Holland Michigan has to offer this weekend.
