Holland Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Holland is a charming city in the state of Michigan. Known for its Dutch heritage, vibrant tulip fields, and picturesque landscapes, Holland offers a delightful blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty.

One of the highlights of Holland is its annual Tulip Time Festival, which takes place in early May. During this time, the city bursts into a riot of colors as millions of tulips bloom in parks, gardens, and along the streets. Visitors can enjoy parades, traditional Dutch dances, and delicious Dutch pastries while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic festival.

For a taste of Holland's Dutch heritage, a visit to the Windmill Island Gardens is a must. This meticulously maintained park features a 250-year-old working windmill, De Zwaan, which is the only authentic Dutch windmill in the United States. Visitors can explore the windmill, learn about its history, and even see the miller grind grain into flour. The park also boasts beautiful gardens, canals, and Dutch-style buildings that transport visitors to the Netherlands.

Nature enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors in Holland. The city is home to several stunning beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan, where visitors can relax, swim, or engage in water sports. Holland State Park is a popular destination, offering sandy beaches, sand dunes, and panoramic views of the lake. The nearby hiking and biking trails provide a chance to discover the region's diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rolling dunes.

Art lovers will appreciate the vibrant arts scene in Holland. The city is dotted with art galleries, studios, and public sculptures that showcase the creativity of local artists. The Holland Area Arts Council hosts regular exhibitions and workshops, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local art scene.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Holland also offers a wide range of dining options, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Visitors can indulge in Dutch specialties such as poffertjes (mini pancakes) and stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles) or savor international cuisines in the city's diverse eateries.

Alternative names: Population: 33.7 thous.Area: 17.35 mi²Elevation: 604 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°47'24"N, 86°6'19"W

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MichiganUnited States

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Holland Top Attractions

Holland Attractions - What to See and Explore

Holland offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: De Zwaan Windmill, Holland Harbor Light, Holland Museum, Veldheer Tulip Gardens. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum
De Zwaan Windmill
De Zwaan is an authentic Dutch windmill in the city of Holland, Michigan. The windmill's name is Dutch for The Swan or Graceful Bird. It is the oldest authentic, working Dutch windmill in the United States. De Zwaan is located in Windmill Island municipal park.
Lighthouse
Holland Harbor Light
The Holland Harbor Light, known as Big Red, is located in Ottawa County, Michigan at the entrance of a channel connecting Lake Michigan with Lake Macatawa, and which gives access to the city of Holland, Michigan.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Holland Museum
Holland Museum in Holland, Michigan is a local historical museum. Located in a landmark, neo-classical former Post Office building next to Centennial Park.

42°50'29"N • 86°5'48"W
Veldheer Tulip Gardens
Garden • Park • Arts and crafts
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Third Reformed Church of Holland
Third Reformed Church of Holland is a historic church at 111 W. 13th Street in Holland, Michigan. It was built in 1874 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Macatawa
Lake Macatawa is a lake in Ottawa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The lake is about 6 miles long with a maximum width of 1.2 miles and a surface area of 1,700 acres.
42°47'15"N • 86°5'60"W
Kruizenga Art Museum
Museum • Midtown
Museum • Midtown
Isaac Cappon House
The Isaac Cappon House was constructed as a private house, located at 228 West 9th Street in Holland, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It is now operated as the Cappon House Museum.
Church • Downtown Holland
Pillar Church
The Holland Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, now known as the Pillar Church, is a religious structure located at 57 East 10th Street in Holland, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
Hope College
Hope College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Holland, Michigan. It was originally opened in 1851 as the Pioneer School by Dutch immigrants four years after the community was first settled.
Island
Windmill Island
Windmill Island Gardens is a municipal park located in the city of Holland, Michigan. It is home to the 251-year-old windmill De Zwaan, the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the United States.
Event space
Dorr E. Felt Mansion
The Felt Mansion is a house located at 66th Street and 138th Avenue, in Laketown Township, Michigan near Saugatuck, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
42°46'34"N • 86°8'21"W
DeGraaf Nature Center
Nature and wildlife • Park
42°48'18"N • 86°12'35"W
Lakewood Farm
Lakewood Farm, also known as the Getz Zoo, Getz Farm, or Lakewood Zoo, is a house and outbuildings located at 264 Lakeshore Avenue in Holland, Michigan. The property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
Library • Midtown
Herrick District Library
Herrick District Library is a public library system serving the residents of Holland, Michigan and the surrounding townships. In 2008-2009, over the course of 583,000 visits, library cardholders checked out 1.2 million items.
42°47'24"N • 86°6'8"W
Holland Old City Hall and Fire Station
The Holland Old City Hall and Fire Station is a former government building located at 108 East 8th Street in Holland, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Concert hall • Downtown Holland
Holland Civic Center
The Holland Civic Center is a 2,000-seat multi-purpose event center located in Holland, Michigan, United States. It hosts local sporting events, recreation programming, public expos and concerts/live entertainment.
42°47'21"N • 86°6'58"W
Thomas and Anna Morrissey House
The Thomas and Anna Morrissey House was built as a private house, located at 190 West 9th Street in Holland, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Neighbourhood • Westside
Holland Public Schools
Holland Public Schools is a school district in Holland, Michigan, United States, founded in 1848. There are 314 teachers, with an average of 14 years experience each, most possessing master's degrees.

Day trips

Holland – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Holland, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Grand Rapids Art Museum (Grand Rapids), Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids), Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (Grand Rapids).

25 milesNE
Museum, Art museum
Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids
Nestled in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) stands as a beacon of culture and creativity. This modern art museum, notable for its sleek, contemporary architecture, offers visitors an opportunity to explore a diverse...
29 milesNE
Museum, Garden, Art museum
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids Township, Michigan, United States. Opened in 1995, Meijer Gardens quickly established itself in the Midwest as a major cultural attraction jointly focused on horticulture and sculpture.
25 milesNE
Interactive exhibits on president's life
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the presidential museum and burial place of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and his wife Betty Ford.
28 milesNE
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport venue
LMCU Ballpark, Comstock Park
LMCU Ballpark is a baseball stadium located in Comstock Park, Michigan, just north of Grand Rapids. Established as Old Kent Park in 1994, the stadium hosts a minor league baseball team, the West Michigan Whitecaps, and other sporting events.
28 milesS
Piers and boardwalks, Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
South Haven Light, South Haven
The South Haven South Pierhead Light is a lighthouse in Michigan, at the entrance to the Black River on Lake Michigan. The station was lit in 1872, and is still operational.

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Best Time To Visit Holland

Learn when is the best time to travel to Holland weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Holland?

The top attractions to visit in Holland are:

What is the best time to visit Holland?

May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in July. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.