Southwestern Michigan Explorations: Holland
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Looking for a summer road-trip in the USA? Southwestern Michigan offers the best of everything, from outdoor adventures to cultural sights. For a five day southwestern Michigan vacation combine this post with my posts on Saugatuck and Lansing. Keep reading to find out what to do in Holland, Michigan.
Holland
Have you always dreamed of seeing Holland? Did you know you don’t even have to take a boat or plane to visit Holland!? You can go to Holland, Michigan right in the USA. It might not be the “real” Holland, but it is a quaint town full of Dutch heritage. It has a completely different vibe than Saugatuck. Whereas Saugatuck feels like a more upscale resort town with Midwestern charm, Holland is full of Dutch touches.
What to Do in Holland
Nelis’ Dutch Village
12350 James St, Holland, MI
For a taste of Dutch life spend some time at Nelis’ Dutch Village. All ages can have fun at this mini theme park, but it is geared more towards younger children. I enjoyed visiting the village, but it did feel a little strange there without children. As an adult I think it would be more fun if there weren’t children and the same things were geared towards adults or if you are there visiting with children.
The whole place is set up to resemble a Dutch village and Dutch life. Demonstrations and shows, like Dutch Cheese making and Dutch dancing take place throughout the day. You can participate in some Dutch dancing and learn the secret of how those clogs stay on so well!
Throughout the park there are rides, activities, learning centers, a petting zoo and places for taking fun photos. Everything is included in the price of admission. Walking in wooden clogs is harder than you think!
Of course there are a few places to eat within the village as well. If you have never had stroopwafels, make sure to try this sweet treat!
Windmill Island Gardens
We only had enough time to visit either Nelis’ Village or Windmill Island. If you can fit both places in, there is a discounted admission ticket for both the Nelis’ Dutch Village and the Windmill Island Gardens. We weren’t able to visit Windmill Island, but would have loved to. During the beginning of May is prime season when the tulips are blooming. Even when it isn’t tulip season you can enjoy the gardens and see the only authentic functioning Dutch windmill in the USA.
De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delftware Factory
12755 Quincy St, Holland, MI
Here you can see the traditional Delf pottery and wooden shoes being created. Different days people are working so you may or may not get to see the workers in action. It isn’t a large factory and there aren’t any tours, you just walk around the room and look in the windows. If you are lucky like we were, one of the workers will be available to explain what they are doing. We talked to a very nice lady who was working on the pottery.
If you would like your own pair of wooden clogs or a piece of delft pottery this is the place to buy it! The factory is in the same large room as a store selling these products. What you are buying was literally made only a few feet away!
Where to Stay in Holland
Considering Holland is so close to Saugatuck we spent two nights at the Best Western Plaza Hotel Saugatuck instead of switching to a hotel in Holland. As the Best Western had clean rooms, a large breakfast included, a pool and a convenient location to both Saugatuck and Holland this worked perfect for us. Search below for somewhere that meets your price range if you prefer staying directly in Holland.
More in Southwestern Michigan
Begin your time in Southwestern Michigan in Saugatuck. After Holland, end your time in southwest Michigan in the Lansing area.
Not quite what you are looking for? Don’t worry, I can help! Through my Personal Travel Planning service I can plan the perfect Michigan itinerary to meet your travel needs…or any other place you dream of visiting!
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7 Comments
Candy
Omg, this is so cute. I’ve never been to Holland or Michigan. I had no idea Michigan had it’s own mini Holland. I love that you can get a taste of another country right here in the US. This makes me want to visit both places 🙂
admin
Last year was the first I heard of Holland, Michigan too! I love places that are a “mini” of somewhere else 🙂
Yara
I was totally unaware that this littler town in Michigan existed!! Thank you for highlighting Holland – I can definitely see myself wandering through the Dutch Village and the flower gardens. Great tips overall!
admin
Yes, Michigan’s Holland is not very well known!
Patti
Holland is such a cute town! I would love the gardens and Dutch Village would be a perfect place to take my nephew.
Medha Verma
Nelis’ Dutch Village looks like a really cool place to explore and I don’t see why not one can go without children, I don’t have any and still I would love to explore. I would, however, prefer to land up in a real Dutch village rather than visit a museum or park that is set up to look like one 🙂 Having said that, it sounds like a great place to visit!
admin
You can still have fun at Nelis’ Dutch Village as an adult, but it is geared more towards children. Yes, I agree a real Dutch village would be better. But when you can’t travel too far, Holland, MI is perfect 🙂