Guide to Holland

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Welkom! Are you interested in visiting Holland, Michigan? Holland is a mid sized town along the shores of Lake Michigan. Its Dutch roots are on display around town at sites such as Dutch Village and Windmill Island. Every spring, the town welcomes thousands of visitors near and far to celebrate Tulip Time. Beyond that, Holland has other wonderful attractions and experiences worth a visit. Take a look at this guide to Holland, Michigan to discover all you can see and do on your visit to Holland!

Short on time? Check out this list of free sights to visit in Holland!

Guide to Holland Map

Below is a color coded map of all the sights and things to do in the guide to Holland below. Feel free to enlarge it, save it to your Google maps account, or note the destinations that interest you.

Guide to Holland: Most Popular Time to Go

The most popular time to visit Holland is mid May during the Tulip Time Festival. This festival draws in tourists from across the state and country to experience Dutch culture and of course, the beautiful flowers. There are parades, traditional dancing, concerts, markets, amusement park rides, crafts to take part in and more! Most of the activities take part in downtown Holland along 8th Street. The best place to view tulips are Centennial Park and Window on the Waterfront. These are 2 different parks within walking distance of 8th Street.

Besides Tulip Time, summer is another popular time to visit Holland – especially one of its several beaches!

Guide to Holland: Most Popular Things to Do

“Dutch” Things – Outside of Tulip Time, there are several popular Dutch cultural attractions worth visiting. To start, Nelis’ Dutch Village is a Dutch themed mini amusement park with rides and a petting zoo that’s open from mid spring through fall. There’s also a shop to purchase Dutch foods, delft ceramics, and hand carved wooden shoes open year round. Second is the Windmill Island Gardens home to DeZwaan, an authentic Dutch windmill, carousel, and street organ. Finally, check out the Veldheer Tulip Gardens and DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory, which is open from spring through fall. There’s even a buffalo herd!

If interested in visiting during the holidays, check out the Dutch WinterFest!

State Park: Another popular destination is Holland State Park, both for beach goers and campers. From the beach, look out at the iconic Holland Harbor Lighthouse aka “Big Red.” Built in 1870, this is Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse.

Guide to Holland: Outdoor Activities

Beaches, Pools, & Splashpads

Guide to Holland Splashpad in Downtown Holland

Beaches: Besides Holland State Park, there are five other public beaches in Holland. Laketown Beach is my personal favorite. Located south of Lake Macatawa, this beach has a small parking lot and a lot of steps to climb! However, the view and general solitude make it worth it. Tunnel Park and Kirk Park require paid parking from Memorial to Labor day. However there are plenty of amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds and more! Riley Street Beach and James Street Beach are beaches located at the very end of these streets. They are both small beaches without amenities and limited parking. However they are great to relax at or take a quick dip.

Pools: Smallenburg Park has a outdoor swimming pool open between June and Labor Day. Entrance is $1 per person age 16 and older. Besides the pool, there is also a playground, picnic tables, grills, a skate park, and during winter, ice skating rink.

Splash Pad: If traveling with a little one (or pet) there is a small splash pad in downtown Holland on 8th Street. It’s in the open space between West Michigan Community Bank and the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. It is across the street from Holland City Hall & Firehouse No. 2 Historical Marker.

Parks & Trails

Guide to Holland Window on the Waterfront Dutch Statues

Holland would make Leslie Knope proud with the number and variety of parks and trails available:

Parks with playgrounds:

Kollen Park – Once the site of a basket factory, the land Kollen Park sits on today was donated in 1921 by Martha Diekema Kollen. Within this park there is a bandshell, boat launch ramps, day use boat slips, decks for fishing, gazebo, picnic areas, and grills. There’s also a fountain donated by Holland’s sister city in Mexico and a sculpture titled The Immigrants gifted by the people of Drenthe, The Netherlands.
Wolter Woods Park – Enjoy this 34 acre park with trails and a horseshoe pit.
Moran Park – Named after a former Holland High School tennis coach, this park also has 8 pickleball and 7 tennis courts.
Lakeview Park – This was Holland’s first park with a playground, built in the 1960s.
Ransom Park – Also contains a tot lot, basketball court, and seasonal trails.
Prospect Park – 7 acres of old growth trees, great for hot summer day.
Rosa Parks green – Features 2 half basketball courts, grills, picnic tables, and a walking loop.
Beechwood Park – This 3.5 acre park also contains pickle ball, basketball, and shuffle board courts.
Helder Park – With over 159 acres to explore, Helder Park has a natural area with hiking trails through it as well as two softball fields, basketball, beach volleyball, lighted tennis courts and soccer fields.
Jim Kaat Ball Park – Named after a local that played MLB, this park includes 3 little league fields.
Quincy Park – This 133 acre park also has Little League and soccer fields as well as a separate entrance to access softball fields.

Walking Trails that are stroller friendly:

Window on the Waterfront – Also known as Riverview Park, the Window on the Waterfront has a beautiful boardwalk and walking/biking paths that extend over the marsh.
Heinz Waterfront Walkway – Attached to Kollen Park, this walkway wraps behind the Heinz pickle plant along Lake Macatawa. It is also bike friendly.
Stu Visser Trails – This paved trail goes through 37 acres along the Pine Creek and there’s also a boardwalk, wetland observation site, and pond.
Paw Paw Park – Explore 172 acres at this Ottawa County Park! This park contains both a paved trail and miles of natural trails.
Black Lake Boardwalk – The boardwalk is located along the northern coast of Lake Macatawa. It extends from the channel entrance to Lake Michigan to Lake Macatawa where seasonal amenities are located.
Van Bragt Park – Small park with replica of W.K. Kellogg’s Dutch inspired windmill built for Tulip Time.

Parks with disc golf courses:

Winstrom Park – With a sizable 18 ‘hole’ disc golf course, Winstrom Park also contains a nature trail, playground, soccer, tennis, pickleball, and baseball fields.
Paw Paw Park – 18 hole disc golf course with plenty of challenges include water features to maneuver around.

Trails with Stairs to Climb:

Mt Pisgah – Stairs are built into this dune just behind the Holland State Park. Once you reach the peak at 157 feet, enjoy the views of Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, and the Big Red Lighthouse.
Sanctuary Woods Preserve – While Mt Pisgah is on the north side of Lake Macatawa, Sanctuary Woods is a dune on the south side and offers views of both lakes.

Biker friendly trails:

Window on the Waterfront – See details above.
Riley Trails – An Ottawa County Park with hiking and mountain bike trails, a pond, and fishing.
Upper Macatawa Natural Trail – 612 acres make up this natural trail that has 2 separate entrances and connects with the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail. There’s a single track mountain bike trail, paved trails for both bikers and walkers, cross country ski trails, scenic overlooks and natural trails.
Pigeon Creek Park – There are hiking, biking, and equestrian trails available during summer. Then during winter there are ski lessons, cross country ski trails, a sledding hill, a snow shoe trail and rentals. A plus is the seasonal concessions available selling snacks and beverages.

Dog Parks:

Park Township Dog Park – This park is located just besides the Skate Park.
Quincy Park – 5 acres for dogs to enjoy off leash. There are separate sections for large and small dogs.
Helder Park – There are 4 acres of dog amenities for your fur covered friends to enjoy off leash.

Historic Parks:

Van Raalte Farm Park – Once owned by the son of Holland’s founder, each year this park hosts a Civil War Muster during the summer.
Albert C Keppel Forest Preserve This park has a historical cabin – a replica of the first cabin built in Holland.

Skate Parks:

Park Township Skate Park – Conveniently located off Ottawa Beach Road near the Ottawa County Fairgrounds and beside the Park Township Dog Park.
Smallenburg Skate park – Built in 2012, there is over 10,000 sq ft to enjoy.

Nature Center/Preserves:

DeGraff Nature Center – Features live animals on site, educational and interactive programs for the family, trails to explore and hike, and naturalists on site to educate and inform.
Kuker-Van Til Nature Preserve – No parking lot. Contains a .7 mile loop trail. The 45 acre preserve protects a redeveloping oak forest and mature hardwood swamp from the nearby residential area.
Dune Pines Nature Preserve – No parking lot. There’s a .6 mile loop. The western boundary of the preserve is marked by the bed of the Interurban Railroad, which once transported vacationers from Chicago to summer getaways in West Michigan. The tracks themselves are gone, but the raised railroad grade is still evident. In 2006, the Land Conservancy purchased the property with the support of families with ties to Laketown Township.
Fillmore Discover Park – With a natural inspired playground, birds of prey center, Native cultural & history exhibit, nature trails and more, there’s a lot to explore at this park!

Kayak Launch’s

Adams Street Landing is a small park with a kayak and canoe launch along the Macatawa River.

Hawthorn Pond Natural Area – This 5 acre pond is situated within this 40 acre park and also contains a boardwalk around the pond with viewing platforms. Fishing is also permitted here.

Howard B. Dunton Park – Launch your kayak right into Lake Macatawa from this 21 acre waterfront park!

Hemlock Crossing Park – This park has a kayak launch into the Pigeon River which empties out into Pigeon Lake before ultimately emptying into Lake Michigan.

Water Rentals

Being near so many wonderful waterways, Holland doesn’t lack companies that rent out watercraft. If you’re looking to spend some time enjoying the water in Holland, check out the companies below.

Companies that rent boats and/or jet skis include:

Companies renting kayaks, canoes, and/or stand up paddleboards include:

If you’re interested in sailing lessons or just want to kick back and relax while someone else does the work, check out Sailing Mac Charters, which offers both options!

Golf

There are 4 golf courses open to the public in Holland:

The Links at Rolling Meadows Golf Club – This 9 hole course brings a British style course to the area.
Macatawa Golf Club – Located within the Macatawa Legends community, this 18 hole course is enjoyable for all skill sets. There’s also a restaurant and pro shop on site.
West Ottawa Golf Club – Play 9 or 18 holes or practice at the driving range.
Winding Creek Golf Club – Ranked by the Holland Sentinel as the best golf course in Holland, there is a different style of golf to be played every 9 holes at this 27 hole course!

Farms

Holland offers a variety of blueberry farms to check out during the summer. U-pick season typically runs from mid July to mid September. Come enjoy the fresh produce from the farms below:

Bowerman Blueberries – Also has a farm market selling fresh seasonally flavored donuts through the summer and fall.
S. Kamphuis Blueberries – There’s a farm store selling prepicked blueberries and all things blueberry!
Gold Barn Blueberries
Kenny Garden Farms
Wa-Hu Blueberry Farm
Visser Farms U-Pick Strawberries – U-pick strawberries available in June.

Guide to Holland: Historic Points of Interest

There are several historic points of interest throughout Holland. From the landmark Holland Museum in the heart of downtown Holland to the various State Historic Markers throughout town, there are several cool historic sites every history buff would enjoy!

First to check out is the Holland Museum. Here there not only are ever changing exhibits, but lasting collections remaining to tell the story of how Holland came to be. Not to be missed is the museum’s Dutch Galleries containing several impressive Dutch artistic and cultural gifts.

Managed by the Holland Museum but located a few blocks west is the Cappon House Museum. Built in 1874, this house once belonged to Holland’s first mayor, Isaac Cappon. When you step inside, you’ll be transformed back to the early 1900’s and become part of Mayor Cappon’s family. Also managed by the Holland Museum and a block away from the Cappon House Museum is the Settlers House Museum. Built in 1867, this home was continuously lived in until the 1990’s. After that, it was restored to its original condition.

Another cool museum in Holland is the free Historical Ottawa Pump House Museum. This seasonal museum is open from Memorial through Labor day and preserves the history of the Ottawa Beach area, the Big Red Lighthouse, and the former Ottawa Beach Hotel complex, which the museum was once part of. Every summer the museum invites different speakers in and changes out some of its exhibits making it a destination you’ll keep coming back to!

Finally, there are several Michigan State Historic Markers located throughout Holland. I’ve listed them below:

Guide to Holland: Unique Experiences

Holland Princess – The Princess is a 65 foot Victorian paddle-style riverboat offering lunch and dinner cruises. Relax and enjoy cruising along Lake Macatawa past the Big Red Lighthouse and out onto Lake Michigan. Cruises typically last around 2 hours and run mid May to mid October.

Fellinlove Farm – Located on over 11 acres of wooded land in Holland, Fellinlove Farm is open for tours, trail rides, and more for visitors of all ages and abilities. With a nonprofit status, Fellinlove charges only $5 per person with the objective to help everyone enjoy nature. They understand not everyone has access or the ability to enjoy getting out in nature or interacting with animals and want to help! The work they do here is truly inspiring!

Enjoy a game of mini golf at Sundae Sundae Golf Golf, Pirates Landing, or Craig’s Cruisers. Please note these attractions are seasonal and available during the warmer months, but check the website for exact opening dates and times.

A wonderful place to spend the day during the cooler months is the BAM! Entertainment Center. All indoors, this destination includes an escape room, bowling alley, laser tag, high ropes course, arcade, and billiards tables. There’s even a private mini bowling suite one may reserve in advance. Their website contains a detailed list of measures and precautions they’re taking to ensure they don’t contribute to the spread of COVID and so you can have a fun, worry-free day!

Another fantastic indoor destination in Holland is the Holland Aquatic Center which contains a 50-meter diving pool, fitness room, hot tub, Therapy Pool and Splash Zone, with slides and water toys. This center is not just catered for children, although there are definitely a lot of fun perks for kids to take advantage of. For just $8.50 a person, you can spend the whole day here!

Finally, another great experience is indoor ice skating at Griff’s Ice House West. Be sure to checkout their website for open skate schedules.

Sportfishing Charters

Located right on Lake Michigan, Holland is a fantastic spot to fish. If you don’t have a boat or would like a guide, take advantage of these sportfishing charters. It’s possible to catch salmon, perch, trout, and more from Holland! Charter options include:

SuFISHient Charters – Also bookable for sunset cruises, beach hopping, and dinner cruises. Also sails out of Grand Haven & Saugatuck.
Deep V Sportfishing Charters
JJ Sportfishing Charters
Bending Limits Sportfishing Charters
Reel Talk Sportfishing Charters – Option to fish in Lake Macatawa.
Charter Michigan (CoHooker) – Also bookable for sunset charters.
Powderhorn Sportfishing Charters – Also bookable for sunset or scenic charters. If fishing with smaller children, there’s the option to fish in Lake Macatawa for sheephead.

The Arts

Holland Area Arts Council – Offering art classes, workshops, and classes continually throughout the year as well as ever changing exhibits that are open to viewing with advance notice, check out their website for the latest offerings and current exhibits.

Holland Community Theatre – Currently closed for the foreseeable future due to COVID.

Art in the Park is a fine arts and craft show that occurs annually on the first Saturday in August. It’s located in Centennial Park.

Knickerbocker Theatre – Hope College’s theatre hosting independent film showings, lectures, student performances and showcases, and more.

Park Theatre – Currently offering livestream concert experiences due to COVID, this nonprofit typically hosts live music and concerts in its historic theatre.

Sperry’s Moviehouse is a boutique movie theater with 12 screens. Unlike most traditional movie theater’s, Sperry’s seating is top notch and contains a tray table to enjoy a meal with your movie.

GQT Holland 7 – With big comfy seats, this traditional movie theater charges only $7 per ticket!

Guide to Holland: Food & Drinks

Guide to Holland Exterior of Windmill Restaurant

Guide to Holland Waverly Stone Gastropub Dinner

Guide to Holland New Holland Brewing Moscow Mule

Breakfast/Brunch: Start your day off at popular local breakfast restaurants like The Biscuit or the Windmill Restaurant.

Coffeeshops: Not into a full meal? Grab a coffee at Lemonjello’s, 205 Coffee Bar, Way Cup Coffee, Ferris Coffee, or Simpatico.

Breweries/Wineries/Distillery’s: Are you planning to stop by one or more of Holland’s craft breweries, wineries or distilleries? If so, be sure to stop by the Holland Area Visitor’s Bureau to pick up a Handcrafted Passport. Participating breweries are Bam! Brewing, Big Lake Brewing, Brewery 4TWO4, or Our Brewing Company. Participating distilleries are Coppercraft, Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Hopland Brewstillery, and New Holland. Finally participating wine tasting rooms include Warner Wines. Other craft breweries in Holland include Tulip City Brewstillery.

Dutch-styled Restaurants: Stop by de Boer Bakkerij or Wooden Shoe for delicious Dutch-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes. There’s also Russ, a local chain serving soups, salads, and hot sandwiches.

Notable Restaurants: Enjoy fine dining at Butch’s Dry Dock, or take in the water views while dining at Boatwerks, Ottawa Beach Inn, or Lolo’s Bar & Grill. Downtown is home to gastropub’s Waverly Stone and Seventy Six, offering new twists to classic American favorites.

International Cuisine: Check out Taco + Bar downtown if you’re craving Mexican or hit up El Huarache off Butternut if you’re looking for a tasty option to go. Share some tapas at Poquito.

American: If in the mood for American comfort food, check out Salt & Pepper, Hops at 84 East, Beechwood Grill, or Paisley Pig.

Ice Cream: Rounding out the food category is dessert! Captain Sundae is one of the most popular stops for ice cream in Holland. While here, enjoy some mini golf either before or after at Pirates Landing! Otherwise there is Peach Wave and Orange Leaf serving fro-yo’ or Kilwins in downtown Holland.

Guide to Holland: Local Shopping

Farmers Market: One thing I love to do whenever I visit someplace new is check out the local Farmer’s Market. Holland’s Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays & Saturday’s, 8am – 2pm from May to mid December. One awesome thing about the Farmer’s Market in Holland is its convenient location right on 8th Street, which is where many shops and restaurants are located.

Unique Local Shops: Cento Anni is an independent woodworking shop selling items such as cutting boards, furniture and custom products. Their products are available for sale at their store as well as online. Similar to Cento Anni is Holland Bowl Mill. This shop sells locally manufactured and sustainably sourced beech, maple, cherry, walnut, or red oak bowls and products. It’s possible to visit their local showroom on James Street to shop and when stopping by, you may see the saws at work carving their latest products.

Downtown Holland (8th Street): There are a plethora of shops downtown – from independent retailers like Studio K and Threads on 8th to national retails like Talbots and White House Black Market. There are home goods stores such as Gezellig Home and Garden and Canterbury Cottage. If you’re visiting with kids, Sandcastle For Kids (toys) and the Holland Peanut Store (candy) are popular!

Guide to Holland: Lodging

Camping

Camping during the summer is extremely popular in Holland, particularly at Holland State Park, which is steps away from Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, restaurants along Ottawa Beach Road, and recreation like hiking Mt Pisgah. Close to the state park is Oak Grove Campground & Resort. Oak Grove has a pool and hot tub which is a bonus. Finally, there’s Drew’s Country Camping, which is the most off the beaten path, located off the highway north of town.

Downtown Hotels

In downtown Holland, there are three hotel options. Right now Haworth Inn & Conference Center is closed due to a complete renovation expected to be done by June 2021. If you’re interested in staying in a modern, LEED certified gold hotel, CityFlats Hotel is an exceptional choice. Last but not least, the Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown is extremely convenient to everything. It also has an indoor pool and indoor/outdoor hot tub.

Please note: This Post was originally published in October 2020 & updated with new, relevant content in May 2021.

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