Holland, Michigan, Travel Guide

Windmills, tulips, and quaint European charm—it turns out these three features, which you might typically associate with the Netherlands, also have a home stateside. Holland, Michigan, a city of roughly 35,000 located on the shores of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, was settled by Dutch Calvinist separatists fleeing persecution in 1847; since then, it has evolved into a destination with a distinct look, personality, and culture. 

“Holland is the quintessential small town that everybody wishes they grew up in,” says Lucas Grill, the restaurateur behind 1983 Restaurants. “[It’s] slow, friendly, cute as a button, and yet chic and cosmopolitan enough to satisfy even the big-city folks who love to get out and have some fun.”

Content creator Emily Tieman, founder of the Emily Retro blog, agrees, saying the “picturesque Dutch village” is also notable for its “freshwater beaches with miraculous sunsets every night.” In the same vein, Holland’s natural beauty comes into play during one of its best-known events: the annual Tulip Time festival. Millions of tulips take center stage during the days-long celebration, as locals and visitors alike honor the city’s heritage and the beauty of the colorful flower.

Even when the tulips aren’t in bloom, Holland offers a variety of reasons to visit, from its exciting breweries and authentic Dutch bakery to its extensive bike trails and impressive snow-melt sidewalk system. During the holiday season, visitors can do all their shopping in a European-style Christmas market and enjoy the festive lights at Windmill Island Gardens. According to local lore, author L. Frank Baum found inspiration for “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” while vacationing here.

If any of those aspects pique your interest, it might be time to plan a trip to western Michigan. Read on to discover how to make the most of your time in Holland, according to local experts.

Best Hotels

Haworth Hotel at Hope College

Grill describes the Haworth Hotel as a “unique and handsomely appointed” boutique hotel. “Additionally, it sits right on the Hope College campus, giving an added boost of social atmosphere, and it’s also only a half-block off the main drag, 8th Street,” he says. With 48 guest rooms and 14 conference rooms, the multiuse space is great for groups and events, as is its on-site café, Biggby Coffee.

Centennial Inn

“I would recommend staying at a hotel or inn located in downtown Holland so you can easily walk to the best shops and restaurants,” says Tieman. Adjacent to Centennial Park in the historic district, Centennial Inn offers eight individually decorated rooms in a late-19th-century Elizabethan Revival home. The largest room has a whirlpool tub, and some accommodations are heated by quaint gas stoves.

Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

If you have Hilton Honors points to spend (or want to earn some for your stay), book a room at Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Just one block from Riverview Park, the hotel is located near many of Holland’s must-see attractions, including Hope College, the Holland Museum, and Windmill Island Gardens.

Courtyard Holland Downtown

Another comfortable option in the walkable city center—especially for Marriott Bonvoy enthusiasts—is the Courtyard Holland Downtown. End your day out on the town by grabbing a bite or beverage at the on-site bistro and bar, taking a dip in the indoor pool, or working out in the fitness center.

Best Things to Do

Visit Holland State Park and the “Big Red” lighthouse.

Both Tieman and Gwen Auwerda, the executive director of the Tulip Time festival, recommend travelers make their way to Holland State Park and the historic Holland Harbor Lighthouse, more affectionately known as “Big Red.” Not only is the lighthouse a picturesque sight, but the park is the ideal spot for hiking, fishing, and swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beach in summer.

Stroll the downtown sidewalks—even in winter.

The largest snowmelt sidewalk system in the U.S. makes Holland “a four-season tourist destination,” says Grill. “Hot water is pumped through pipes underground from the Board of Public Works, which melts the snow in the winter,” explains Auwerda. So while snow may be in the forecast, you can confidently explore the area without having to struggle over snowdrifts or icy patches. 

Explore Windmill Island Gardens.

There’s a good chance you’ve seen photos of Windmill Island Gardens and its famous structure, DeZwaan (“The Swan”). The only real Dutch windmill operating in the U.S., DeZwaan was originally built in 1761 and left the Netherlands in 1964. Today, it resides in this 36-acre site, which features flower beds, walking trails, an antique carousel, and a Dutch street organ. The park is typically open between mid-April and early October, plus a few weeks in December for its holiday event.

Get to know Holland’s craft beer scene. 

Most beer drinkers will recognize the name New Holland Brewing Company, so a stop at its Holland Brewpub should be on your agenda. Other places to whet your whistle include Our Brewing Company and Big Lake Brewing, which Auwerda says has “fabulous food and a few Dutch dishes along with great beer.” If you prefer something stronger, sip a cocktail or two at Coppercraft Distillery.

See a sunset on Lake Michigan.

“You can’t visit Holland without walking on the shores of Lake Michigan at sunset,” says Tieman. Grill describes the “truly majestic, breathtaking” body of water, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Holland, as “one of the great hidden gems our world has to offer,” thanks, in part, to its sugar-sand beaches and “sunsets for days.”

Best Shopping

“Downtown Holland has the best shopping,” says Tieman. Start with something sweet from the Holland Peanut Store. Open since 1954, this old-time candy shop sells nostalgic sweets, Dutch-imported licorice, paddle pops, and its famous freshly roasted nuts, hand-dipped in gourmet chocolate.

There are also a variety of boutiques and antique stores to browse along 8th Street. For a “quintessential women’s boutique shopping experience,” Grill says to check out JB & Me. “The whole team at JB & Me prides itself in the hand-curated and meticulous selection of such amazing apparel, footwear, home goods, and more,” he says.

If you’re interested in sustainable shopping, you’re in the right place. “Holland is also a thrifter’s paradise with tons of thrift shops to visit,” says Tieman. For antiques, specifically, she recommends Downtown Antiques & Home Furnishings, “which has some of the best vintage pieces in town.”

Best Restaurants

deBoer Bakkerij

According to Tieman, deBoer Bakkerij “is the quintessential Holland bakery… It’s a long-standing, family-owned, and affordable restaurant where the locals love to eat.” Stop by the full-service restaurant for breakfast or lunch—the house-made double-fried chicken is famous for a reason—or pick up a few doughnuts, pastries, or Dutch coffee cakes to go.

Seventy-Six

For “high-end American food in a stunning atmosphere,” Auwerda recommends Seventy-Six, part of Grill’s 1983 Restaurants group. The menu includes hearty “Knife & Fork ‘Sandwiches’” and a variety of items that fall into the restaurant’s self-created category of “high-end junk food.” Think jumbo lump crab cakes and goat cheese queso with wild mushrooms.

Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant

“Boatwerks is on the water, with outdoor seating, beautiful views, and great food,” says Tieman, who shares that it’s an ideal spot for a date night. On summer nights, take a seat on the covered patio and enjoy the views over Lake Macatawa with a cocktail in hand. For the best experience, visit from May to October, although the restaurant is open to patrons year-round. 

Big Lake Brewing

Sample flavorful IPAs like Fudgie, an oatmeal stout, or a sour, like the Blue Razz Silly Goose, at Big Lake Brewing. Wine and handcrafted cocktails are also available, as are salads, pizzas, burgers, and other bar bites if you’re feeling peckish.

Festivals and Events

Tulip Time

“Tulip Time is Holland’s biggest event of the year, with millions of people all over the world coming to see the tulip fields,” says Tieman. Along with the millions of tulips on display, you can expect parades, Dutch musical and dance performances, tours, and vendors over the 10-day festival each May. “My best recommendation is to plan your trip by looking at our website to see what activities you want to do on the days you’re visiting,” says Auwerda. “Every day has different activities.” She advises getting to town early, especially if you’re visiting over the weekends, which tend to be the busiest. 

Summer Street Performer Series

Come summertime, Holland’s street performer series shuts down 8th Street every Thursday evening from mid-June to mid-August. Musicians, face painters, magicians, caricature artists, and aerial acrobats show off their creativity and entertain the masses. “Every restaurant is packed, the streets are packed, and it’s so fun for everyone to come and enjoy the art on display,” says Grill. 

Holidays in Holland

The city’s charm tends to come out in full force during the holiday season. “Holland is decked out with wreaths, pine cones, garlands, and everything you’d expect at this time of the year,” says Grill. “Adding in warm, cozy, snow-free sidewalks, Santa, parades, and more… There’s truly something for the kid in everyone in Holland every holiday season.”

Given Holland’s Dutch roots, it’s no surprise that the European-style open-air Christmas market, “Kerstmarkt,” is an annual tradition. It runs most weekends from mid-November to mid-December, and visitors can find various holiday gifts and treats as well as artisan demonstrations. Winter also marks the arrival of Santa Claus, who makes his way to downtown Holland during the Parade of Lights, held each year in late November or early December.

Magic at the Mill at Windmill Island Gardens is another “must-see” this time of year, says Auwerda. “It boasts a light show with all the trees and windmill lit up as well.” The event takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from early to late December, and while it’s particularly good for kids, there’s fun to be had for the whole family. The street organ plays holiday music, the gift shops are open, and there’s even a chance to meet Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus.

Best Time to Visit 

The best—and most popular—time to visit Holland is during the tulip season, from late April to mid-May. Summer comes in as a close second. If you’re planning to go between July and early September, be sure to bring your swimsuit, as you’ll want to take advantage of the area’s sandy beaches and lake access. 

If you aren’t scared off by freezing temperatures, don’t overlook Holland’s holiday season. “Downtown Holland is absolutely beautiful at Christmastime with lights, decorations, and snow to create the perfect holiday town combination,” says Tieman. While snow often poses an issue for sightseeing during the winter, Holland’s snowmelt system ensures the sidewalks are “snow and ice-free, so you can confidently enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts without worrying about slipping and sliding,” she says. It’s important to note, however, that some of Holland’s stores and attractions may be closed on Sundays this time of year, so be sure to call ahead before making concrete plans.

How to Get There

Muskegon County Airport (MKG) and Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids are each about a 45-minute drive from Holland. MKG is served by Denver Air Connection, which offers daily service to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). GRR is more accessible for most travelers, as it’s connected to more than 30 major U.S. cities via Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

Rent a car to complete the final leg of your journey to Holland. If you prefer to travel by train, Amtrak operates its Pere Marquette route from Chicago’s Union Station to Holland, which takes about three hours—alternatively, it’s nearly a 50-minute ride from Grand Rapids.

How to Get Around

While having a car to explore Holland would be extremely helpful, you can also get around certain areas by walking or biking. “Downtown is very walkable to get to all the retail stores, restaurants, and wonderful city parks,” says Auwerda.

As for public transportation, the Macatawa Area Express (MAX) bus makes it easy to travel throughout Holland and its surrounding areas. Adults (ages 18 to 64) pay $1.15 per ride, while rides cost just $0.50 each for youth (ages five to 17), seniors (65 and up), and Medicaid and ADA cardholders.

Holland and its surrounding communities are home to over 150 miles of bike paths and off-road trails, many of which traverse the city’s most popular parks. If you aren’t traveling with your own set of wheels, you can rent a bike from Rock ‘n’ Road Cycle or Velo City Cycles.