Top things to do in Holland Michigan
Holland, MI is best known for its sandy beaches along the gorgeous Lake Michigan, its amazing Dutch heritage, and the Tulip time festival. Embrace the beauty, history, and all that Holland has to offer when you check out some of these top activities to do in Holland.
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Cover Photo provided by Farmers Fotos.
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Holland State Park
Holland State Park is one of Michigan’s most visited state parks. Offering access to sugar sand beaches along Lake Michigan for a day of fun in the sun as well as a concession stand and modern restroom facilities for when you need refreshments and a break from the sun. You will also find the Holland-Dune Trail in the park where you will climb to the top of the Mount Pisgah sand dune for some breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Big Red Lighthouse. Also available is a boat launch with a fish cleaning station. Whether you are just visiting for the day or staying for a while you will be sure to find some fun at Holland State Park.
If you prefer to stay for a while, the state park also offers camping in two different campgrounds along Lake Macatawa or beachside accommodations. The Lake Macatawa Campground has electric sites that are either on grass or gravel. Amenities include two playgrounds, a horseshoe area, a sand volleyball court, and a small swimming beach along Lake Macatawa that is accessible from the campground. The modern beach campground is located right over a dune with Lake Michigan on the other side and consists of all paved sites with the majority offering electric-only and 31 sites which offer full hook up.
Tunnel Park
Tunnel Park is a 22-acre park with an extensive beachfront along Lake Michigan which makes it a great choice to spend a day on the beach sunbathing, relaxing, and swimming. This stunning park is named for the unique tunnel that goes through a sand dune to a staircase to give access to the beach – making for some awesome pictures. The park has a children’s playground, beach volleyball courts, picnic sites with grills, and modern restrooms making it a great family-friendly beach option in Holland.
Kirk Park
If you are looking for something to do in Holland with the whole family – including your furry friends, then you will want to check out Kirk Park. Kirk Park has more than 1/3 mile of Lake Michigan beach with high bluffs and wooded dunes. The park is perfect for swimming, hiking – including a handicap accessible loop, kids play area, picnic areas with grills, restrooms, and the best part, an off-leash dog beach so your dog can enjoy the beautiful Lake Michigan as much as you do! Please note dogs are not permitted on the beach between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. from May to October.
Holland Princess Cruise
The Holland Princess is a 65′ Victorian-style paddle-wheel riverboat that offers both public and private cruises beginning on Lake Macatawa and traveling through the channel to Lake Michigan. Climb aboard for either a lunch or a dinner cruise and enjoy a meal with some breathtaking scenic views!
Lunch cruises are $45 per person and are a two-hour cruise that includes lunch, beverages, and dessert. Dinner cruises are $60 per adult and $35 per child for a two-hour cruise which includes dinner, beverages, and dessert. There is also a cash bar available at dinner time. They also offer many options for private parties. The Princess Cruise Runs from May to October, but be sure to book soon as they can become full with the busy season.
Windmill Island Gardens
Windmill Island Gardens is a must-see destination for adults and children alike in the spring. The Gardens feature a 250-year-old working Dutch windmill that towers over the 36-acre park. You will enjoy walking around the property and pleasing your senses as you are surrounded by beautiful flowers. In the spring over 100,000 tulips are in bloom and in the summer annual plants and flowers decorate the grounds. Children will have the chance to climb aboard one of the hand-carved and painted horses on the antique Dutch Carousel or play on the playground and children’s gardens. The gardens are open from April to October, with admission being $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Nelis Dutch Village
Nelis Dutch Village is like taking a step back in time and entering the Netherlands right here in West Michigan. Inside the village, you will find many different presentations and activities to keep the fun coming all day.
The Village has a ton of things to keep the kids busy like rides such as the Dutch Chair Swings, Petal Pumper Cars, Carousel, and Harry’s Windmill Ride. There are many other play structures including a Pirate Balloon Battle where they will have a water balloon battle with a pirate ship and a Dutch trading vessel. Once they have run off some energy with the rides and play structures you will want to head to the petting farm where they can see many animals up close and personal and even become a shepherd and stroll through the meadow with some sheep.
As you stroll throughout the village you will learn about Dutch heritage and even see some traditional dancing. The village also offers places to buy souvenirs and food. The Village is open from April to October and admission is $15 for adults and $14 for children. Nelis Dutch village is a must for kids to experience in Holland!
Tulip Time Festival
If you have ever heard about things to do in Holland in the springtime, you have probably heard about the Tulip Time festival. Join in the celebration of Holland’s Dutch heritage and the diverse community that Holland has today and witness over six million tulips growing all through Holland. Keep an eye on the website for an updated list of events for this year’s festival. Mark your calendar as the eight-day celebration is returning this year from May 7 – 15! Make sure to watch our page for a more in-depth look at the Tulip Time Festival coming soon.
Veldheer Tulip Garden
Veldheer Tulip Garden is one of a kind. They grow and sell perennials and flowers that are brought in from around the world so you can make your very own one-of-a-kind gardens at home. Veldheers encourages guests to visit their spring gardens from the last week in April to the middle of May where they will have five million tulips in bloom as well as 50,000 daffodils, 10,000 hyacinths, and 20,000 crocus which is any plant enthusiast’s dream!
As summer continues, you will want to make another trip between June 1 – mid-October to see their ten-acre landscaped perennial garden including Dutch lilies, daylilies, peonies, and other rare perennials. The perennial garden is landscaped among drawbridges, canals, and windmills. Admission to the gardens is $10. In addition to the gardens, there is a store on the property named De Klomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory, where you can buy wooden shoes and other traditional Dutch goods that have been handmade. Veldheer’s is a must add to your to-do list in Holland.
Holland Farmers Market
Also known as Eighth Street Farmers Market, the Holland Farmer Market is the place to be to find local produce, flowers, handmade goods, hot meals, and much more. The market runs the first and third Saturdays of February, March, and April. Keep an eye on the website to check out upcoming vendors and spring/summer hours. Support local farmers and vendors when you shop at the Holland Farmers Market!
Holland Museum
Explore the history and the story of Holland and its Dutch roots as well as the history of the region at the Holland Museum. The Holland Museum promotes learning through interaction and encourages visitors to find a connection of why the history of Holland matters to them and encourages guests to share their stories. With more than 90,000 artifacts and archival materials, the museum strives to teach about the past to help shape the future. The museum has both permanent galleries as well as rotating which means you will be sure to find something new and interesting when you return. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for students and children ages five and above. Children under five are free.
Outdoor Discovery Center
Explore nature and learn hands-on at the Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland. The discovery center is 160 acres of land that has been restored to its pre-settlement conditions. Visitors can walk on three miles of trails and experience unique surroundings including ponds, remnant dunes, wetlands, meadows, remnant prairie, and lowland hardwood forest. Bring your fishing gear and catch and release some fish in one of two ponds – a great way for little ones to learn! Let the little ones run around on the 7- acre play park all inspired by structures that exist in nature. There are even some birds of prey and other small animals for you to visit. Admission is free however donations are welcomed. ODC offers many different programs for you and your family to get involved in, so be sure to check out all they have to offer here.
Restaurants
Holland has a ton of great restaurants to choose from if you are looking for something to do. Here are just a few of our favorites!
Boatwerks – Boatwerks is an American fare restaurant located on Lake Macatawa with stunning views from both their raised indoor seating and the huge outdoor patio. Boatwerks is a fun place for couples and groups alike.
New Holland Brewing – The original home of New Holland Brewing featuring locally brewed beers and locally distilled spirits. New Holland’s menu features pub fare with something for everybody.
Hops at 84 East – Hops at 84 East offers a seasonal menu featuring local farms and growers and has many farm-to-table options. Beverages include an award-winning tap list with over 60 beers on tap, barrel-aged specialty cocktails, an extensive whiskey and bourbon menu, and wine by the glass from the first wine on-tap system in the area. Be sure to check out their margarita flights as we’ve heard they are amazing!
Poquito – Poquito is a tapas restaurant featuring dishes that originated in Spain and then found their way into Latin cultures. Take your taste buds on a journey as you make your way through some exciting small plates.
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