August 25, 2018

Holland Michigan Travel Guide: 10 must see and do activities in this Dutch city

Holland Michigan has a lot to offer. Whether you’re visiting for a festival, looking for something fun to do on a day trip or in town visiting family there is so much to do and see in Holland! There’s history everywhere you look. Recently, on a trip to West Michigan, we made sure to spend some time in Holland to honor and learn more about the history behind our family. Joel’s grandfather came over from the Netherlands in 1958 so Joel takes pride in the heritage and is very interested in the culture. Here are some of the things we put together for a must see/do list:

WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS – In the heart of downtown Holland is a cool attraction that you have to visit. In the early 1960’s a dutchman turned Holland, MI resident wanted to bring an authentic windmill from The Netherlands to America. As part of the agreement, it had to be restored to a working windmill and used for educational purposes. The windmill came over on a cargo ship in 1964 . Due to the height of the trees in Michigan (vs. in the Netherlands) a brick structure was built to support and raise the windmill to a level where it would catch the most wind. Did you know the wind must be at speeds of 15 mph or higher in order to make the windmill operate? That’s why sometimes you don’t see it spinning. Also, when it was stopped and based on it’s position it would mean different things: the miller is away for a short period of time, away for a long period of time, in mourning or celebrating something (such as a family wedding). I had no idea the position of the blades while stopped had any meaning! Did you?

The windmill Island Gardens has the only female miller in the US. She also holds the only membership to the Association of Traditional Millwrights outside of the Netherlands. Here with this windmill, they grind corn and wheat and sell cornmeal, grits and flour. You can even take a tour of this 5 level windmill lead by an employee dressed in dutch clothing and see exactly how it works!

Also on the property are the flags of all the Netherlands provinces, an authentic beautiful dutch player organ, souvenir shops (complete with wooden shoes) and beautiful landscaping! If you purchase a ticket in combination with a ticket to Nelis Dutch Village, you can save $2 per ticket. (Discount given at ticket counter of either attraction) If you’d like to see a video of the awesome dutch organ pictured above, head over to our Facebook page and you can see it in action!

NELIS DUTCH VILLAGE – Whether you are of dutch heritage or not, this theme park is a fun spot with lots of character! All of the employees are dressed in authentic clothing complete with wooden shoes! The park features rides, exhibits, a petting zoo, and many shops featuring dutch items. Throughout the day there are many demonstrations, from dancing to cheese making and so much more.

Have you ever wondered why and how wooden shoes are made? You can learn more about their history and buy your very own pair! This Dutch themed amusement park is only open during the warm months, so make sure you check out their schedule while planning a trip. The souvenir shop, cafe, cheese shop and other little shops are open all year round for you to enjoy! Check out this post for more photos of this attraction filled with history.

DEBOERS BAKKERJI – Don’t let the name stop you from checking this place out, this eatery and bakery is as delicious as they come! Started by the deBoer family after immigrating in 1956 and continued today by a fourth generation baker and his sons, DeBoer’s is a hot spot for homemade eats and treats! Homemade breads, donuts, cinnamon rolls, coffee and more will draw you in and the delicious food will bring you back time and time again!

A stripped down, no frills cafe style eatery means they are putting the effort into their recipes and it shows. We have been there a couple times and both times we’ve left happy. Judging by the line, everyone else does too! The most recent time we went there, I had the eggs benedict with dutch potatoes and Joel had the New Amsterdam omelet. We both really enjoyed the dishes we ordered! We had fast and efficient service! Of course as you’re leaving, don’t forget to check out the bakery counter and all of it’s fresh made goodies to take with you! Plus, if you really love it or want to celebrate the dutch heritage, they offer souvenirs with a dutch theme.

8TH STREET FARMERS MARKET – Every week you’ll find a collection of local artisans, bakers and farmers showcasing their goods. When we were there most recently in August, the booths were filled with many sellers and the walkway was full of customers! This month was prime blueberry season, so not only were they for sale but you could find many baked goods, jams and many more items featuring blueberries. We really enjoyed the muffins from the Bowerman Blueberries booth. There were also many booths with fresh flowers, some featured succulent gardens, plus veggies, fruits and so much more! If you like fresh local produce and other locally made items, this farmer’s market is a great stop!

ART IN THE PARK – Second only to Tulip Time in May, Art in the Park is a very popular event. It celebrates the artists and their talent with a large arts and crafts fair. With hundreds of booths and artists from multiple states, you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and baked goods to restored furniture and fine art. Held in a large park every August, the fair will celebrate 50 years in 2019! Whether you’re looking for just the right gift or the perfect piece to complete your decor, this art fair has it all.

TULIP TIME – Join thousands of spectators and line the streets for one of the several parades during the Tulip Time Festival! While you’re here for the festival, check out the traditional Dutch Marketplace and Food Court to experience some true Dutch culture. You’ll find many options to satisfy your taste buds, thousands of dancers dressed in authentic garb, a craft fair and shopping all in one place! Although there are many unique things about the Tulip Time Festival, one thing that I absolutely think it amazing, is the over 5 million tulips blooming every spring! They are along city streets, in the parks, public attractions and of course, residential gardens. The Tulip Time Festival is easily one of the most famous festivals in Michigan, so if you’re looking for something to do in May consider checking it out!

HOLLAND STATE PARK – A beautiful area on Lake Michigan, the Holland State Park features 142 acres with a pier and lighthouse at the water’s edge. During the summer you’ll find children lining the sandy beaches and boats out enjoying the open water. There’s also modern bathrooms and a concession stand if you want to make a day trip out of it. You can also enjoy fishing, a small park and a camping area if you’d like to stay longer. Dip your toes in the crystal clear chilly waters of Lake Michigan at the Holland State Park.

DOWNTOWN HOLLAND– With beautiful historic buildings and streets lined with trees, this downtown is as notable as they come! One thing you’ll definitely take note of in the winter, is the lack of snow! With heated streets and sidewalks, downtown Holland is very visitor friendly! Stop at one of the Dutch restaurants such as The Windmill Restaurant or Alpen Rose, check out the many clothing and gift boutiques or stop by the Chamber of Commerce and say Hi to Lucy the city’s mascot!

HOLLAND MUSEUM – Situated in an old downtown post office building, the Holland Museum is a unique one. It features 3 levels of local and Dutch history. With exhibits showcasing the history of how the settlement became a city, temporary and traveling exhibits, as well as the Dutch gallery which features 600+ years of art and culture, the Holland Museum really presents a well rounded look back in time. I have to say my personal favorite was the art and culture gallery on the 2nd floor. The furniture was so ornate and beautiful to say the least!

LIVING WATER ADVENTURES (JET SKI RENTAL) – We weren’t actually in Holland when we rented the Jet Ski as you might have read here, but with having delivery, it would make a perfect addition to your day in Holland! Lake Michigan is a beautiful backdrop for family pictures, a picnic by the water or the relaxing afternoon you need… BUT, if you want something fun to do, definitely check out Living Water Adventures! You can rent Jet Skis and they’ll deliver them right to you. With just a few instructions, you’re off! You can also try fly boarding if you’re feeling extra adventurous! Check out their website for more info and rental information. You’ll be glad you did!