Updated: August 12, 2026
Holland, Michigan, located 2 hours from Chicago, is an easy getaway whether you’re visiting for a weekend or taking a road trip through Michigan. It has a rich Dutch history, charming landscapes, and fun activities for travelers of all ages.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOLLAND, MICHIGAN
There’s always something fun to do in Holland! From exploring its Dutch heritage and beautiful beaches to strolling through its historic downtown and venturing to nearby towns, here are 8 of the best things to add to your Holland itinerary.
1. VISIT A BEAUTIFUL DUTCH VILLAGE
I’ll start with my favorite. Who knew a little village that’s not more than 10 acres could be so entertaining? At Nelis’ Dutch Village, you can enter a world of Dutch culture and tradition.
This family-friendly place offers a glimpse into the Netherlands with Dutch architecture, costumed performers, wooden shoe carving demonstrations, and traditional Dutch food. Kids and adults alike will love this place.
We don’t have any kids, and we still had a blast! We’ve also been to the Netherlands, and I felt like they did a great job creating an authentic experience, even down to the Dutch-inspired souvenir shops.
It’s a nice little taste of Europe close to home. I took so many photos while visiting; you’ll see them all below.
2. CHECK OUT THE WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS
One of Holland’s most popular attractions is Windmill Island Gardens, which features De Zwaan, a historic windmill imported from the Netherlands.
This is where you’ll find vibrant tulip displays in the spring, walking paths, and a picturesque canal. You can take a guided tour of the windmill and learn about its history while enjoying views of the surrounding area.
Beyond the windmill itself, the gardens are worth exploring for their seasonal flowers, Dutch-inspired details, and photo opportunities. If you’re visiting Holland during tulip season, this is one of the places you’ll definitely want to have on your list.
3. ENJOY THE NEARBY BEACHES
I am not at all a beach person, so I cannot provide personal recommendations for the beaches. However, I know that Michigan has beautiful beaches, and you’ll find several in Holland.
I hear that Holland State Park is a favorite among many, and when you visit, you can get great views of the iconic Big Red, Holland’s famous red-and-white lighthouse. You can swim, sunbathe, picnic, or take a relaxing stroll along the water. My parents visited Ottawa Beach in Holland State Park and raved about it.
Holland State Park is also one of the best places to catch a sunset in the Holland area. The park sits between Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, and the channel offers views of Big Red.
Tunnel Park is another great option, featuring dunes, a playground, and a tunnel that leads directly to the beach. If you want to see more of the Lake Michigan shoreline, you can also look into nearby Kirk Park and Laketown Beach.
photo source: canva.com/angrit
photo source: canva.com/liveslow/gettyimages
4. EXPERIENCE THE TULIP FESTIVAL
Each spring in May, Holland bursts into color during the Tulip Time Festival, one of the largest tulip festivals in the USA. The festival typically takes place over 10 days and features millions of tulips throughout Holland and the surrounding attractions.
You can enjoy elaborate parades, traditional Dutch dancing performances, art fairs, and photo opportunities with the stunning tulip fields. It’s a celebration of Holland’s Dutch heritage that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
photo source: canva.com/csterken/gettyimages
5. VISIT VELDHEER TULIP GARDENS
If you love tulips, don’t stop with Tulip Time. Veldheer Tulip Gardens is Holland’s only tulip farm and is another beautiful place to see the area’s famous blooms. The farm dates back to 1950 and now grows millions of tulip bulbs each year.
The tulips typically bloom from late April through mid-May, making Veldheer a great addition to a spring trip to Holland. You can also purchase tulip bulbs and other flowers to bring a little piece of Holland home with you.
6. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN HOLLAND
Don’t leave Holland without spending some time exploring downtown. The historic downtown area is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and beautiful architecture. It’s an easy place to wander around for a couple of hours, especially if you enjoy browsing boutiques and stopping for coffee or a bite to eat.
If you’re visiting during Tulip Time, downtown is also one of the places where you’ll see Holland’s famous Dutch heritage and colorful tulip displays.
If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can also stop by the Holland Farmers Market, which features more than 75 vendors during the regular season.
photo source: facebook.com/discoverholland
7. LEARN ABOUT HOLLAND’S DUTCH HISTORY
Holland’s Dutch heritage is a huge part of what makes the city unique, and the Holland Museum is a great place to learn more about its history. The museum explores the arrival of Dutch settlers in 1847, the city’s history, and Holland’s connection to Dutch culture and art.
If you have extra time, the nearby Cappon House and Settlers House offer another glimpse into the lives of Holland’s early settlers.
8. EXPLORE THE NEIGHBORING TOWNS
Once you’ve explored Holland itself, consider venturing beyond the city to a few of the charming towns nearby. They’re about a 15-30 minute drive away. Saugatuck is known for its vibrant arts scene, boutique shopping, and scenic dune rides. Douglas is right next door to Saugatuck with great shops and dining.
Grand Haven, another nearby town, features a picturesque boardwalk, musical fountain shows, and a lively marina. Both towns provide great dining options and unique experiences that make for a perfect day trip.
These are especially easy to add to a Holland road trip, making them great options if you have more than one day in the area. If you’re driving from Chicago, you can easily turn your Holland visit into a weekend exploring this stretch of Michigan’s west coast.
WHERE TO EAT NEAR HOLLAND, MICHIGAN
Here are a few places we enjoyed during our visit. Please note, all of these are either in or near Holland.
Stovetop Coffee Roasters – Excellent coffee, homemade syrups, and beautiful presentation.
Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions – We visited this place for a delicious breakfast. It features a lovely patio. However, be prepared for a long wait during the summer months. The restaurant focuses on farm-fresh, scratch-made dishes, which can take some time to prepare. However, we were pleased once we received our meals and found the wait worthwhile.
Coastal Society – They have a cute outdoor patio and serve craft cocktails. You can also do a little shopping in their boutique if the mood strikes.
Uncommon Coffee Roasters – It seems to be a popular place among locals. They roast their own beans, the coffee was great, and they have a patio.
The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry – This is a great stop if you’re looking for something simple yet healthy for lunch or dinner, or for the road trip back home. They sell sandwiches, soups, and everything is fresh and made from scratch.
Douglas Root Beer Barrel – This was a fun find! It’s a unique-looking concession stand serving hot dogs and root beer on tap. You can spot my husband below ordering our lunch.
WHERE TO STAY IN HOLLAND, MICHIGAN
You can certainly do Holland as a day trip from Chicago, but if you decide to stay for a few days, I’d recommend Haworth Hotel at Hope College. The hotel was well-located, super clean, bright and modern. Click here for the latest prices.
Staying overnight also gives you more time to explore Holland’s downtown, beaches, and nearby towns without trying to squeeze everything into a single day.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HOLLAND, MICHIGAN?
Holland is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see. Spring is the most popular time to visit for tulips and Tulip Time, while summer is ideal for enjoying the Lake Michigan beaches. Fall brings colorful foliage and seasonal events, and winter offers Holland’s holiday events and snowy small-town charm.
As you can see, Holland and the neighboring towns are excellent Michigan destinations regardless of your travel style. Whether you’re visiting for the tulips, Dutch heritage, beaches, charming downtown, or a relaxing weekend getaway, there are plenty of things to do in Holland, Michigan.
FAVORITE TRAVEL ITEMS I Actually Use
I’m not someone who overpacks or buys a bunch of stuff “just in case.” Everything I bring has to earn its spot. It has to be lightweight, practical, and carry-on-friendly. Here are a few things that have made traveling so much easier for me:
- Packing cubes → My carry-on lifesaver, plus excellent quality
- Toiletry bag → Small but holds so much
- Camera case → For long walking days
- Sony a6000 camera → Lightweight, beginner-friendly
- Compact tripod → For photos without asking strangers
- Vacuum bags → For cold-weather trips
- Mini travel iron → Works fantastically, nary a wrinkle in sight
PIN FOR LATER
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to support the blog and keep it running. Thank you for your support!
No Comments