Tulip Time Festival and Beyond: Must-See Events in Holland, MI.
Holland, Michigan, is a charming town situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. The city is known for its vibrant Dutch heritage and beautiful tulip gardens, which draw visitors worldwide.
But beyond its Dutch roots, Holland has much to offer regarding outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and unique shopping and dining experiences.
One of the main draws of Holland is the Tulip Time Festival, a week-long celebration of Dutch heritage and culture that takes place every May. The town comes alive during the festival with colorful tulip gardens, traditional Dutch costumes, and authentic Dutch food and music.
But even outside the festival, visitors can explore the city’s Dutch heritage at the Holland Museum, showcasing the history and traditions of the Dutch settlers who first established the town.
But there’s more to Holland than just its Dutch heritage. The city is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of bike paths, hiking trails, and waterways to explore. Holland State Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and boating.
Nearby Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers miles of pristine beach and dunes to explore. If you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor recreation, there’s something for everyone in Holland, Michigan.
Holland State Park
Located on the west side of Holland, Michigan, Holland State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. There are 142 acres of rolling dunes, various habitats, and trails that meander through it.
The outdoor discovery center is a great place to start. It features a seven-acre play area, ponds, remnant prairie, small animals, and birds of prey. It also has a self-guided tour and a sledding hill.
Tunnel Park is another Holland, Michigan, attraction that is not to be missed. This 22-acre park is known for its tunnel through the dunes. It is also home to a children’s playground, sand volleyball courts, and beach volleyball. The trail to the beach is a 0.6-mile path.
If you prefer not to be near the beach, you can enjoy the view from the pier. The Holland Riverboat Company offers scenic dinner cruises, passenger-sung karaoke performances, and private charters. They also offer water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and tubes.
Windmill Island Gardens
Located in Holland, Michigan, Windmill Island Gardens is a 36-acre park showcases Dutch heritage and history. It features a working windmill and canals. There are also picnic areas and play areas.
The park is covered in dozens of varieties of flowers and plants. During peak bloom week, the garden explodes with vibrant colors. It is an excellent destination for families and friends.
The windmill at Windmill Island Gardens is the only one that is genuinely authentic and still operating in the United States. It was built in 1761 in Krommenie, the Netherlands. It arrived in Holland, Michigan, in 1964. It has been a part of the park since then.
Windmill Island Gardens is best visited during the spring and summer seasons. It is a fun way to experience Dutch heritage. Visitors can tour the windmill and learn about its inner workings. They can also take a walk through a miniature village.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Located near Holland, Michigan, Saugatuck Dunes State Park is ideal for a day trip. It is home to one of the world’s giant freshwater dunes. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers.
There are several activities to enjoy at the park, including hiking, biking, and camping. It is also a great place to see Lake Michigan. The park is dog friendly, and you can take your pet.
The park features 13 miles of trails that allow you to explore the dunes. You can choose from three different hikes. The shortest path is the Beach Trail. The other two are Mount Baldhead and Beeline Trail.
Several endangered plant species are also found in the park. You can also see the piers of Holland, which you can see from the lakeshore. The park has picnic tables and restrooms at the trailhead.
Nelis’ Dutch Village
Located in Holland, Michigan, Nelis’ Dutch Village has been family-owned and operated since 1958. The park is open from April through October and includes rides and attractions designed to appeal to children.
In addition, the park features authentic Dutch architecture, a petting zoo, a wooden shoe factory, and a movie theater. During the winter, the park is closed Monday through Friday.
The theme park at Dutch Village in Holland, MI, focuses on Dutch culture and history. Visitors can explore the canals, windmills, a petting zoo, a museum that exhibits authentic costumes, and a cheese-making display. In addition, there is a carousel and swings.
DeGraaf Nature Center
The DeGraaf Nature Center is a great place to learn about local wildlife in Holland, Michigan. The center is operated by the Outdoor Discovery Center Network (ODC Network), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes the conservation of the natural world. The Nature Center is also home to numerous animals that are available to interact with, feed, and take pictures with.
The DeGraaf Nature Center is 18 acres and offers several immersive programs and activities. Aside from the apparent animal displays, the center is also home to several habitats.
This includes an animal exhibit, an educational trail, a boardwalk, and a few other features. However, the most significant portion of the site is dedicated to native plantings that provide interpretive opportunities.
The DeGraaf Nature Center in Holland, Michigan, offers an impressive collection of nature trails. These include the obvious, a path that is made of gravel. The trail is about a quarter of a mile long. The route is easy enough for children and adults alike. The best part is the paths are wheelchair-friendly.
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