My family went to Holland Michigan this past summer and had a wonderful time! Although we stayed in South Haven (read about what to do in South Haven with kids HERE), we made a few day-trips up to Holland during the vacation.
Just as the name suggests, Holland Michigan was founded by a group of Hollanders that fled religious persecution and economic hardship in the late 1840’s. The group tried to bring their traditions with them and ensure they’d be preserved in this new land. You really do see signs of Dutch heritage all over the city — even all these years later!–which is very unique and fun.
We all left very impressed with this charming town, and I’m dying to return someday for their tulip festival. (Apparently the annual tulip festival is called Tulip Time. How darling is that? It’s held early-mid May; read more on their website HERE.)
Right?? Who wants to join me??
By the way…
Everything I’ve included in this 1-day itinerary is something we actually did on our recent trip! We visited in July– peak summertime– but you can enjoy most of these activities in the spring or fall as well.
If you are looking to visit in the wintertime, definitely check out the Kerstmarkt (outdoor Christmas market) right in Holland. This post by The Travel made me want to tour a snow-dusted Holland!
I digress.
Nothing from this article is sponsored or affiliated. I’m just passing along some recommendations. Hopefully it will make your trip-planning just a little bit simpler!
Shall we “begin our day”? 😉
First, Grab Breakfast at a Traditional Dutch Bakery & Restaurant
If you came all the way to Holland Michigan, you might as well try some Dutch food, right??
DeBoer Bakkerij is a Dutch bakery (bakkerij) with two locations in Holland to choose from: the North and the South. The North location is more of a bakery + full restaurant combo while the South location has slightly more limited offerings.
You can’t go wrong because either location will provide you with kraklingen. Think of the pretzel-shaped Christmas cookies that come in that round blue tin…but then imagine they are perfectly sweet and dense and not the least bit dry.
You can barely see it at the top of this photo. Mmmm!
If you opt for the North location like we did, you should know that the Klompen Cakes (buttermilk pancakes) with marionberry jam were a huge hit with my kids. My husband really enjoyed his savory Hillbilly Hash breakfast dish.
I ordered A Taste of the Old Country off the menu (pictured above; croquette, gouda cheese + bread, sausage pig in a blanket, and split pea soup). While it was fun to sample several traditional foods, my modern taste buds would probably order a pastry next time to try something different (the Almond Coffee cake maybe? mmm).
Next, Spend the Morning at Windmill Island Gardens
You simply cannot come to Holland Michigan and NOT see this incredibly famous windmill. By the way, her name is De Zwann.
I was initially hesitant when I saw the prices for entrance to the Windmill Island Gardens. However, once we spent a few hours there and saw all that it entailed, I was more than satisfied by the value. It wasn’t just a steeply priced ticket to go see a windmill; you feel like you are stepping back in time and across the pond into ye olde Holland itself.
This place is large and there’s so much to say about it that it deserves its own blog post- read all about our morning HERE! You can even climb up into the windmill and learn about the function and history of it. There are great views of the gardens from up there! I highly recommend this place.
Pst! Before we leave, there is a great shop there to grab some Dutch cheese + crackers for a picnic out at… the shores of Lake Michigan!
Then, Head Out Mid-Day to See Big Red
Big Red’s official name is the Holland Harbor Lighthouse. But I don’t think she’s called that very often.
I do need to warn you of a couple things first:
- You can’t get super close to Big Red (certainly not anywhere as close as this photographer Peggy was able to get)! The lighthouse is on a southern piece of land that is owned privately, but you CAN walk around Ottawa beach (just north of there) to get the best views possible.
2. If you go on a busy summer day, you may be stuck in traffic for a VERY long time because there is one (yes, one) road that leads in and out of the area– Ottawa Beach Road.
3. Be ready to pay a $9 (price per vehicle per day) parking fee at the Holland State Park if you want to get out and spend some time at Ottawa Beach or the pier down by the lighthouse.
I’m not trying to scare you off from visiting, but I think it’s helpful to know what to expect before you trek out there (like we did!).
Do I think it’s worth a visit still?
Yes! Big Red is a very famous lighthouse, photographed up and down and side to side and backwards and forwards….and it’s near & dear to the heart of Michiganers. Michiganites? Michiganians! (LOL. That’s so fun to say. Say it!!)
Also, the accompanying state park is a very scenic way to actually see Lake Michigan and the coast, sand, and beach while in Holland Michigan. (Much of the downtown area is surprisingly far away from the Lake!).
After that, Go on an Afternoon Walking Food Tour in Downtown Holland
When I saw a highly-rated food & walking tour experience in Holland Michigan on Airbnb I was immediately intrigued. All of the reviews were right- Linda is an amazing storyteller! As a native of Holland Michigan her love for the town and its history shines through. We really loved everything about this walking food/history tour.
I don’t want to spoil all the fun of finding out each of the delicious places you stop on this food tour… but just as a teaser, I will tell you that Holland’s famous Bowerman’s Donuts live up to allllll the hype.
This blueberry donut was the most flavorful, best-textured blueberry donut of my life. Admittedly I can’t think of too many other blueberry donuts I’ve had, but that is neither here nor there. Even if you aren’t able to swing the food tour for whatever reason, stop in Bowerman’s on 8th for donuts!!
The food tour includes 7 tastes along the way, a great mix of sweet and savory. Come hungry because you will leave stuffed!
Note: Children are not allowed on this tour (it is a dry tour- no alcohol- but because lots of lengthy stories are shared it’s geared more towards history-loving adults).
Finally, Stroll Downtown Holland Michigan
Downtown Holland is extremely charming. There are tons of unique places to eat and lots of stores to shop at!
One of our favorite stores was full of beautiful Dutch souvenirs and items: Nelis’ Dutch Village Downtown. There’s a wall full of wooden shoes, beautiful blue & white painted pottery, and tulip-themed items for days.
(Has anyone been to Nelis’ Dutch Village Family Theme Park?? I would love to hear about it!!)
Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis in Holland on public art, theatre, and culture in general. Tons of original sculptures line the main street. You can wander for a long time just reading all of the plaques and enjoying the art!
There is often live music in the warmer months too. Or, the historic Knickerbocker Theatre (part of Hope College) has regular performances you could attend.
Do you love these storefronts and historic buildings as much as I do??
That’s it!
One day in Holland Michigan! Did you enjoy your “trip?”
Have you been to Holland Michigan (other than this virtual tour 😉 )? If so, what would you add to this list? What would you love to do there if/when you visit?
Let me know in the comments below!
Cover Photo (and others, too) by Lindsay Priday (my talented photographer sister!).
Read about our other family travels, too:
6 AMAZING SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN SOUTH HAVEN, MICHIGAN FOR KIDS
HOW TO VISIT BAINBRIDGE ISLAND: SEATTLE’S BEST DAY-TRIP
SILVER DOLLAR CITY: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (FOR YOUNG FAMILIES)
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