Windmill Island Tours

Windmill Island which includes a garden and a windmill
Windmill Island featuring wildflowers and a garden
Windmill Island showing a small town or village and wildflowers
Windmill Island featuring a windmill
Windmill Island showing a small town or village, wildflowers and a house


For those wanting to visit the Netherlands, this is a close facsimile without going to that country. Visit this American attraction for a taste of Dutch heritage.

It’s appropriate that this attraction emulating the Netherlands, known as Windmill Island Gardens, is located in Holland, Michigan. Spend time strolling through the 36-acre (15-hectare) municipal attraction and you’ll believe that you’re somewhere else.

The focal point of the gardens is a full-scale 18th-century windmill that was brought from the Netherlands and is the only working authentic Dutch one in America. DeZwaan (the Swan) Windmill stands picturesquely by a small canal with a decorative bridge connecting it to the other part of the gardens. Forget momentarily where you are when you see staff in traditional Dutch clothes walking by the windmill.

The 125-foot (38-meter) tall DeZwaan was brought to Michigan in 1964 and has a striking presence, particularly when surrounded by over 100,000 tulips when they’re in bloom. Take a tour of the windmill and purchase flour or cornmeal that’s ground by the structure’s milling stones.

Keep your camera handy for the row of shops with their Dutch architecture. Drop in to the Post House, an exact replica of a 14th-century wayside inn that has an interesting display on the windmill.

An ornate and intricate carousel with hand-painted wooden horses is a favorite for children, while adults like to ride it too. Accompany your child through the children’s garden and enjoy the family playground.

The gardens are a popular venue for weddings and for the greenhouses that supply an on-going assortment of plants. Listen to traditional music from an original Amsterdam street organ and visit the stores for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Find Windmill Island Gardens, a member of the American Public Gardens Association and the American Horticultural Society, on Lincoln Avenue in the city’s west end. Children 3 to 15 years old are given reduced admission and leashed pets are allowed in most areas of the grounds.

The gardens are wheelchair accessible and open every day from April to October.

Plan a trip to see Windmill Island

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Windmill Island

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Holland, MI

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Holland, MI

3 out of 5
12260 James St, Holland, MI
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Holland, MI
White Pines Inn & Suites

White Pines Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2888 W Shore Drive, Holland, MI
White Pines Inn & Suites
Haworth Hotel at Hope College

Haworth Hotel at Hope College

2.5 out of 5
225 College Avenue, Holland, MI
Haworth Hotel at Hope College
Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

3.5 out of 5
61 East 7th street, Holland, MI
Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown

3 out of 5
121 East 8th Street, Holland, MI
Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown
Hampton Inn Holland

Hampton Inn Holland

2.5 out of 5
12427 Felch St, Holland, MI
Hampton Inn Holland
Tru By Hilton Holland, Mi

Tru By Hilton Holland, Mi

2.5 out of 5
12400 Riley Street, Holland, MI
Tru By Hilton Holland, Mi
Staybridge Suites Holland by IHG

Staybridge Suites Holland by IHG

3 out of 5
12170 JAMES STREET, Holland, MI
Staybridge Suites Holland by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Holland by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Holland by IHG

2.5 out of 5
12381 Felch Street, Holland, MI
Holiday Inn Express Holland by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Windmill Island

At Windmill Island in Holland, Michigan, explore the iconic De Zwaan windmill, where you can learn about its history and functionality. Participate in engaging planting activities during the Tulip Time festival, celebrated for its stunning floral displays. Don't miss the Tulip Festival, which showcases vibrant tulips and cultural events. Additionally, the Sharing Horizons program offers unique insights into Dutch heritage and traditions, making your visit a memorable experience.

Shopping

For shopping in Windmill Island, visit Hudsonville Winery, a charming store 12 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out RiverTown Crossings Mall, 18 miles away, featuring family entertainment, or explore Downtown Market, 24 miles away, for local goods and city vibes.

Recreation

The Holland Community Aquatic Center, located 2 miles from Windmill Island, offers a family-friendly environment with pools for relaxation and fitness. Tunnel Park, 6 miles away, provides a serene setting for wellness and relaxation. For fun, enjoy adventure-filled mini-golf at Sundae Sundae Golf, just 0.8 miles away.

Adventure

Explore Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk, where you can enjoy romantic outdoor beach vibes while taking in beautiful views. For a more active experience, head to DeWitt Tennis Center, perfect for adventurous tennis matches. Don’t miss the Beach Trail Trailhead for a scenic outdoor hiking experience.

Nightlife

In Windmill Island, the Knickerbocker Theatre offers a charming cultural experience just 0.7 miles away, perfect for families and romantic evenings. For a thrilling adventure, The Lost City arcade, 0.9 miles away, guarantees family fun, while Craig's Cruisers, located 21 miles out, promises exciting arcade games for all ages.

Find the best attractions near Windmill Island

Windmill Island in Holland, Michigan, offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences for families and urban explorers alike. You can visit the iconic Dutch windmill, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the nearby parks and beaches. Whether you seek a relaxing day in nature or an insight into Dutch heritage, Windmill Island has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Dutch Village: Experience the charm of this amusement park, featuring a delightful blend of rides, games, and Dutch-themed attractions. With adventure and family-friendly activities, it’s perfect for a day of fun just 0.9 miles from Windmill Island.
  • Hope College: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this modern college campus. With its beautiful architecture and engaging city vibes, it offers a glimpse into student life and community events, located only 0.9 miles away.
  • Veldheer Tulip Gardens: Stroll through stunning displays of tulips and other flowers in this picturesque garden. With a focus on family-friendly experiences and outdoor beauty, it’s a serene getaway just 3 miles from Windmill Island.

Best time to go to Windmill Island

The best time to visit Windmill Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Windmill Island falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Windmill Island falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is very cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January26.1°F (-3.3°C)Light RainVery CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Windmill Island

To save money on your trip to Windmill Island, take advantage of the free entry to the park. Plan your visit during the cheaper months of March or December to January, avoiding the peak summer months. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help reduce accommodation costs. Use Expedia to find the best deals by filtering prices and consider package deals for flights and hotels. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide additional discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Lastly, explore local attractions and activities to maximize your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Windmill Island are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Windmill Island is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Windmill Island is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Windmill Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.