There are so many great things to do in Holland, MI!
This adorable town was founded in 1847 by Dutch settlers and much of that heritage is still evident throughout town. You will feel as if you have been transported to the Netherlands!
If you want to attend one of the top events in Michigan, visit Holland during May for the Tulip Time Festival. Five million colorful tulips throughout town are at their peak and are gorgeous!
If you are looking for one of the best Michigan vacation spots, Holland should be on your radar!
The town has many beautiful gardens and parks, museums, and historic buildings. You will love visiting the local shops, breweries, and restaurants.
If you want to experience one of the best day trips in Michigan, add Holland to your list!
Let’s look at the best tourist activities in Holland, Michigan!
10 Best Things to Do in Holland Michigan
Visit the Beautiful Windmill Island Gardens
The Windmill Island Gardens are one of the most popular attractions in Michigan!
Open from April through October, you can pretend you are in the Netherlands as you wander through rows of 150,000 tulips.
The centerpiece of the park is the 125-foot-tall De Zwaan Windmill. Brought over from the Netherlands in 1964, this historic mill still grinds wheat into flour.
Climb to the top of the windmill to enjoy sweeping views of the gardens.
There are pretty Dutch-styled buildings, a street organ, and a hand-painted, antique carousel to check out as well.
If you are looking for one of the best photo spots in Holland, visit during the spring to snap some amazing pictures!
You will not want to miss out on one of the best things to do in Michigan!
Learn History at the Holland Museum
Visit the Holland Museum to learn about the history of the town from its founding through to today.
There are over 100,000 artifacts and archival materials. These include not only physical items such as art, books, quilts, advertisements, and photographs but also written and recorded stories from area residents.
There is also a comprehensive collection of Dutch cultural items. You’ll see Delftware, silver, Dutch costumes, furniture, paintings, and more.
The museum also has a number of rotating exhibits so you can see something different every time you visit.
Other properties maintained by the museum include Caboose No. A967, the Cappon House, the Settlers House, and the Holland Armory. There are all great attractions in Holland, Michigan, if you love history!
Holland State Park
One of the best state parks in Michigan, Holland State Park is found where Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan connect.
Did you know Holland is one of the top beach towns in Michigan? Ottawa Beach is super expansive with sugary sand. Swim, sunbathe, or play beach volleyball. Watch boats sail by on Lake Michigan.
The Holland Harbor Lighthouse, known as Big Red, is popular among photographers. With its vivid color, it is one of the best lighthouses in Michigan!
You can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards at the Macatawa Boathouse.
The park also has a playground, picnic tables, a concession stand, a playground, two beach wheelchairs, and a beach house. The pier is a fantastic place to watch the sunset over the water.
This state park is also one of the best places for camping in Michigan. There are two campgrounds: the Beach Campground and the Lake Macatawa Campground.
If you want to visit the best Michigan tourist attractions, you can’t miss out on this park!
Travel to the Netherlands at Nelis’ Dutch Village
Nelis’ Dutch Village is an adorable recreation of a classic Dutch village. This is easily one of the top attractions in Holland, MI, and has been entertaining visitors since the 1950s.
The village has over 30 structures including shops, a restaurant, a petting farm, playgrounds, and rides including a Ferris wheel and carousel.
Watch traditional Dutch dancers perform to the music of the historic Golden Angel Street Organ from 1880. There are demonstrations of wooden shoe carving and cheese making.
Dine at the Hungry Dutchman Cafe where you can order Dutch specialties.
In the shops, you can purchase personalized wooden shoes, Delftware, Dutch cheese, fudge, stroopwafels, and other souvenirs and treats.
A visit to Nelis’ Dutch Village is one of the best things to do in Holland, MI, for families. There is so much to do for all ages!
Taste Test Craft Beer at Local Breweries
If you love trying local craft beer when you travel, you are in luck in Holland! There are a bunch of breweries in town that use local ingredients and Michigan-grown hops.
Check out the many bars in the Downtown Holland Social District. Alcoholic beverages purchased at participating establishments can be enjoyed as you roam the sidewalks.
New Holland Brewing is one of the top pubs. It opened in 1997 and its beers and spirits are distributed across the country. Stop by their downtown location to order a pizza and a Dragon’s Milk.
A few doors down, Our Brewing Company is a nano-brewery offering craft beer, wine, cider, and cocktails. Events here include live music and trivia nights.
At Big Lake Brewing, try a variety of ales, lagers, IPAs, and stouts. Flavors include Cotton Candy Haze, Blue Apple Cider, Pumpkin Porter, and Imperial Chocolate PB Stout.
If you are more of a wine person, check out the Warner Vineyards Tasting Room. This is one of the top wineries in Michigan.
To taste-test multiple brewery options at one spot, check out HopCat with its great atmosphere. If you are wondering what to do in Holland, MI, this is a great bar!
Take Pictures at Veldheer Tulip Gardens
Whether you want to buy flowers and bulbs for your garden at home or want to admire the flowers, make sure to stop by Veldheer Tulip Gardens. This is one of the coolest places to go in Michigan!
The farm began in 1950 and today, about five million tulips are planted each year. Many other flowers are available for purchase as well.
After tiptoeing through the tulips and photographing the windmills, stop by the De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delftware Factory. This is the only production facility for Delftware in North America
Delftware, or Delft Blue, is blue and white, Dutch pottery with pretty intricate designs. The hand-painted pieces make a wonderful souvenir.
The wooden shoes are hand-carved with authentic Dutch machinery. They range from doll-size to size 14 adult shoes.
This is one of the most unique things to do in Holland, MI, to learn about Dutch culture.
Shop Downtown
Holland has a very cute downtown with plenty of shops and art galleries to browse. Even if you do not buy anything, you will have fun window shopping while admiring the architecture and sculptures.
You will find clothing, home decor, jewelry, chocolate, pottery, antiques, art, and so much more.
At the Holland Clock Company, you can find beautifully crafted, traditional Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Garsnett Beacon Candle Co. allows you to create your own candle.
Readers World Bookstore is a great independent bookstore for bibliophiles. There are many boutique clothing shops if you want to add something cute to your closet.
Shopping here is great year-round. You will love the colorful foliage in fall and in winter, the streets and sidewalks are heated so there will be no snow.
It is easy to see why Holland is one of the best places to visit in Michigan!
Check Out the Holland Farmers Market
If you want to shop for fresh produce and other goodies, check out the Holland Farmers Market conveniently located downtown.
There is so much to find in this outdoor market which is open year-round one to two days a week.
Fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, cheese, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, soaps, lotions, and flower bouquets fill the stalls. Everything is locally grown and made.
There can be up to 100 vendors at a time. Shopping here is a fantastic way to support the local economy.
The food court serves breakfast and lunch. You can get classic American fare as well as Mexican and Chinese food. Snacks include kettle corn, ice cream, and cinnamon sticks.
A slow morning at the farmers market is one of the top things to do in Holland, MI, for couples.
One of The Fun Things To Do In Holland MI Is Exploring The Many Parks In Town
One of the most fun things to do in Holland, MI, is explore the many pretty parks dotted throughout town.
Set on the Macatawa River, Window on the Waterfront is one of the prettiest parks, especially during Tulip Time.
From there, you can walk a short trail to Riverside Park. Kids will love the Sally Smoly Nature Playscape.
Centennial Park is a pretty green space with flowerbeds, a fountain, a gazebo, and a fish pond. Many events in Holland are held here throughout the year including Art in the Park.
Kollen Park is also on the Macatawa River. Stroll along the Heinz Waterfront Walkway, enjoy a picnic, or let the kids play at the playground.
History lovers will want to explore Van Raalte Farm Park. The 1870s-era Van Raalte Farmhouse and outbuildings were built by Benjamin Van Raalte, the son of the town’s founder.
Spend time at the park hiking the nature trails. If you visit during winter in Michigan, you can have fun sledding and cross-country skiing.
All of these parks are some of the most beautiful things to see in Michigan.
Dining at a Tasty Restaurant Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Holland MI
During your weekend getaway in Michigan, you have to check out some of the tasty restaurants in Holland. There are so many great options no matter what you are craving.
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant sits on Lake Macatawa and offers diners great views. They serve delicious seafood, burgers, pizza, steaks, and salads.
Pair your meal with draft beer, wine, or a yummy cocktail.
Some of the mouth-watering desserts include caramel apple Snickers pie and maple bourbon crème brûlée.
The Waverly Stone Gastropub is perfect for foodies. The menu of this family-owned eatery features creative food with a global influence.
Order the cheese-stuffed Venetian meatball, wild mushroom spaghetti, a chorizo smash burger, or lime and garlic marinated shrimp skewers.
Other places to eat that might interest you include the Windmill Restaurant, Mizu Sushi, Hops at 84 East, and Bowerman’s on 8th.
Where to Stay in Holland MI
There are so many great places to stay in Holland, Michigan, no matter what kind of accommodation you prefer.
From vacation homes for family trips to boutique hotels for romantic getaways in Michigan, you will have there are many choices.
By the end of your trip, you will agree that Holland is one of the best places to visit in MI!
Mid-Range Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Holland, an IHG Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range Historic Bed and Breakfast: Holland Farmhouse Inn B&B. Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury Hotel: Haworth Hotel at Hope College. Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury Hotel: Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Check Rates: Booking.com
Packing List When Visiting Attractions In Holland Michigan
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Michigan, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when looking for things to do in Holland MI.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc…. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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Hopefully, you have discovered some of the top things to do in Holland, Michigan! There is so much Michigan fun to be had!
If you want more ideas of what to do in Michigan, check out my guide to the Michigan road trips!
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