Holland, Michigan is located near Lake Michigan almost directly between Chicago and Detroit, but despite the American dominance you’ll find a large contingent of citizens with Dutch heritage who make their ancestry clearly obvious.
Every spring, the European country is renowned for its annual tulip festival, and the American namesake provides its own popular celebration in May. Visit the U.S. city that has millions of tulips visible practically everywhere you look during the flowering season.
Tulips are only one similarity to the city’s Dutch roots. Observe downtown buildings that have a noticeable Dutch architectural influence and menus often have dishes that would make any European counterpart feel at home. Choose from a variety of restaurants in Holland that feature international cuisine to suit almost every taste.
Windmills are iconic to the Netherlands, and naturally you’ll find one in Holland, Michigan. It’s surrounded by tulips in Windmill Island Gardens on Lincoln Avenue. Go inside DeZwaan Windmill, which is the only authentic working one in the United States and look over 36 acres (15 hectares) of gardens, dikes and canals while reminding yourself which country you’re in.
Fulfill any desire for tulips by also visiting Veldheer Tulip Gardens on Quincy Street.
Visit a full-scale Netherland’s theme village at Nelis’ Dutch Village on James Street with its costumed guides, national dancing events and Amsterdam street organ music. A large wooden shoe slide is a magnet for kids, as is riding on tracked vehicles and feeding farm animals.
Get your swimsuit and towel and walk under a sand dune through a tunnel that comes out on a beach by Lake Michigan. As well as wonderful watery views, Tunnel Park has a children’s playground, picnic areas, a dune climb and stairway.
Nearby on lakes Macatawa and Michigan is Holland State Park with its impressive boardwalk and Big Red Lighthouse, the most photographed lighthouse in the state.
Visit Holland where “going Dutch” takes on an entirely new meaning. Regardless of the time of year, Holland and vicinity has a way of making everyone feel a little Dutch.
