Dubbed America's "Tulip City," This Dutch Gem is Michigan's Masterpiece

If you’re not able to get to Europe as often as you’d like (or, heaven forbid, you’ve not yet been), you’ll be thrilled to learn that America has a lot more in common with the old continent than you might think. In fact, dotted around the US are countless towns and cities boasting deep connections to Europe, all of them justifiably proud of their heritage.

One of the best examples is the small city of Holland, Michigan. Located in the heart of the American Midwest near Lake Michigan and just 30 miles west of Grand Rapids, this charming Dutch-centric community of 34,000 people offers a unique glimpse into the culture and traditions of the Netherlands. And for those that do visit, Holland is as authentic a European experience as you’ll find on either side of the Atlantic.

Holland, Michigan: The Early Years

Holland’s unique charm is a direct result of its rich Dutch heritage and can be traced back to the original settlement founded here in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists. Led by Reverend Albertus C. Van Raalte, these early settlers from the Netherlands were drawn to America by the promise of religious freedom and the opportunity to build a new life for themselves in this exciting young country.

It was Van Raalte who successfully petitioned the Michigan Legislature to grant the new township the name of “Holland,” something they did out of respect for his role in promoting the state as a suitable destination for Dutch immigrants. So successful was the Dutch pastor, in fact, that more than 2,600 people followed him to West Michigan from the Netherlands that first year, a number that doubled within three years of the town’s creation.

With these new Americans of Dutch descent came the traditions, the language, the culture, and yes, even the tulips from their former home, all of it still very much in evidence in Holland, MI, to this day.

A Time for Tulips

Pay a visit to this one-of-a-kind Michigan destination today and you could easily kid yourself into thinking that you were, in fact, in Europe. This is especially true if you visit during Holland’s annual Tulip Time Festival. Held over nine days each May since 1929, this popular event draws over 500,000 visitors, all here to celebrate the same thing: that charming Dutch culture.

In addition to the parades, the event also boasts big-name music acts. Notable past performers include the late great Johnny Cash (1977), Christina Aguilera (2020), and The Oak Ridge Boys, who had so good a time they played here twice (in 2006 and again in 2009). But perhaps the biggest celebrity accolade, however, comes from none other than Homer Simpson (yes, the Homer Simpson!), who identified the Tulip Time Festival as a place he planned to RV to.

But the biggest stars, of course, are the tulips. More than five million of the Netherlands’ national flowers are planted throughout the city’s, streets, and gardens, creating a colorful spectacle that brings people back year after year. So magnificent a display is it that Tulip Time is consistently recognized as one of the top festivals in the United States.

Flavors of Old Europe

But there’s certainly more to Holland than just its tulips. Holland’s downtown area is a focal point for visitors and is especially fun if it includes a stroll along 8th Street with its boutique shops and friendly eateries with Dutch-inspired menus (check out Dutch Brothers Restaurant and the Hungry Dutchman Café, which serve up classics like Metworst sausage and Erwtensoep).

This colorful commercial hub also boasts the famous De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delftware Factory where traditional Dutch wooden shoes (klompen) are crafted, offering a hands-on experience of these old-world skills. This must-visit store also sells the country’s famous Delftware, an elegant blue and white glazed pottery that’s been popular since the 1600s.

The town’s iconic Windmill Island Gardens is another important reminder of Holland’s Dutch roots. It’s here you can see De Zwaan, an authentic 250-year-old Dutch windmill that continues to operate today. Literally translated as "The Swan," this amazing structure, the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the US, was transported from the Netherlands in 1964 and is surrounded by acres of tulips (tours are available).

European Traditions Aplenty

Holland also hosts its Dutch Winterfest, the Kerstmarkt, during the holiday season. This traditional European-style Christmas market starts in late November and continues right up to Christmas with residents and visitors alike gathering to watch Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, make his arrival.

Interested in history? Holland’s origins and its Dutch connection are brought to life at the Holland Museum with its fascinating details about the settlement of the town, the challenges faced by its early residents, and their enduring cultural and religious values. The Dutch Galleries within the museum are must-sees and house an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

Holland’s Natural Landmarks

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Holland State Park is one of Michigan’s most popular natural destinations. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, this 142-acre attraction offers miles of sandy beaches, and spectacular lake views, and is home to the awesome Big Red Lighthouse.

Painted in a distinctive bright red, this iconic structure was built in 1872 and is a favorite among photographers and beachgoers alike. Holland State Park also provides opportunities for camping, boating, and hiking, making it a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts.

Take a short drive from downtown Holland and you’ll wind up in Saugatuck Dunes State Park. A quiet alternative for those interested in exploring nature, here you’ll find towering dunes, scenic hiking trails, and superb views of Lake Michigan.

An Ideal Place to Visit Year-Round

While Tulip Time is certainly a highlight in Holland, there’s no shortage of fun things to do here year-round. In the fall, the town’s picturesque surroundings come to life with the changing leaves, making it an ideal time for scenic drives or visits to nearby orchards and farms while getting in some leaf-peeping.

Winter brings magic of its own, especially during Dutch Winterfest when the downtown area is decked out in holiday lights and decorations. An interesting feature of downtown Holland is its unique snowmelt system which uses heated water pipes to keep sidewalks and streets free of ice and snow.

In summer, Holland’s lakeshore location makes it a popular destination for beachgoers, boaters, and anglers. Lake Michigan provides ample opportunities for water activities, with places like Tunnel Park Beach being popular for its clean sand and gentle waves, making it perfect for a relaxing summer getaway.

The Final Word

Holland, Michigan, certainly stands as a testament to the perseverance and rich traditions of its original Dutch settlers. Together, generations of immigrants from the Netherlands have built a town that has flourished and has become a beacon of European culture in the American Midwest. From the celebrated Tulip Time Festival to the iconic Windmill Island Gardens, this charming city offers a blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty that few places in the Great Lakes region can match.