5 Amazing Things to Do in Holland, Michigan, This Spring—5 Million Tulips Await!
Discover tulips, windmills, vintage treasures and more in this charming Michigan lakeside town
Key Takeaways
- Windmill Island Gardens features 5 million tulips and a 250-year-old working windmill.
- Nelis' Dutch Village offers authentic crafts, live music and traditional Dutch treats to try.
- The free Oz Sculpture Garden at Centennial Park delights visitors year-round with art.
Celebrate spring in full color in Holland, Michigan! Founded in 1847 by Dutch settlers, this charming lakeside town along Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa bursts to life each year with the Tulip Time Festival, showcasing over 5 million colorful blooms. Beyond the flowers, you can dive into the Dutch traditions that give the city its unique charm.
Bask in the beauty of tulips
Kick off your adventure at the delightful Windmill Island Gardens, the perfect spot to soak in Holland’s dazzling tulip displays. While you’re there, step inside the historic working Zwaan windmill—the very last one permitted to make the journey from the Netherlands.
Step back in time at Nelis’ Dutch Village
As the day winds down, head to Nelis’ Dutch Village. Get a taste of culture with Dutch craft demonstrations, live music and rides like the Dutch chair swing ride. And don’t forget to try the metworst, erwtensoep or banket pastry at the café!
See the Oz Sculpture Garden at Centennial Park
This free, year-round exhibit includes life-sized bronze sculptures of the iconic characters. The main highlight? A living book cover!
Shop the Wooden Shoe Antique Mall
Housed in a former wooden shoe factory, it’s now home to dozens of vendors selling vintage glass, antiques collectibles and more. You’re sure to find some hidden gems!
Bonus: Experience Holland at home
An appetizer inspired by deBoer’s and a captivating novel will instantly transport you to Holland, MI!
Pigs in a blanket
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from 17.3-oz. pkg.), thawed, unfolded
- 2 Tbs. pesto sauce
- 8 beef hot dogs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp. caraway seeds
Heat oven to 350°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry into a 12″ square; spread with pesto. Cut into 8 (1/2″-wide) strips. Wrap 1 pastry strip around each hot dog. Place on a baking sheet. Brush with egg; sprinkle with seeds. Bake until heated through and browned, 12–15 min.
Holland, Michigan, book: Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin
This historical fiction novel focuses on two captivating stories of the faith and love of Dutch immigrants in Holland, Michigan.
This story first appeared in the May 4, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.
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