This Stunning European-Inspired Town In Michigan Is The Perfect Place For A Day Trip
By Jack Springgate|Published November 30, 2023
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
The state of Michigan has a rich history of European settlement and it shows in many of the communities around the state. Nowhere is this influence more evident than in the West Michigan town of Holland.
You can see a touch of Dutch culture in the town’s architecture, art, and attractions. If you’re looking for all of the comforts of the Netherlands without having to leave Michigan, consider a day trip to this stunning European-inspired town.
It’s hard to imagine a windmill like this anywhere but in Europe, however, you might be surprised to see several if you’re near Holland, Michigan. The town is named after the homeland of the original Dutch settlers who moved to West Michigan in 1847.
Located in downtown Holland, Windmill Island Park is where their iconic De Zwaan Windmill pays homage to this town’s past. This is a functional windmill that gives tours to interested visitors.
Dutch roots run deep in Holland, literally. You’ll find tulips like these standing tall throughout Holland during the warmer months. Between May and October, these flowers paint the town with walls of color.
You can also find several shops that sell tulip bulbs you can plant in your own garden. They also have a festival devoted to these blooms in early May called the Tulip Time Festival. It’s been running for nearly 100 years.
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You’ll truly feel like you’ve been transported to Amsterdam when you visit Nelis’ Dutch Village. This reminds me of my own trip to Amsterdam due to the architecture of the buildings lining the canal.
Canals are very prevalent in the Netherlands due to the country’s location on the ocean. Holland’s place on Lake Michigan allows them to replicate these famous water features.
It wouldn’t be a Dutch day trip without a pair of wooden shoes. You can find clogs like these at several different shops, including Nelis’ Dutch Village and the Deklomp Wooden Shoe Factory.
Delft blue pottery came about in the Netherlands as an alternative to more expensive Chinese pottery. It’s an undistinguishable signal of Dutch influence.
The Holland Museum is a one-stop shop to not only learn about Dutch influence in Holland, but also about European Dutch history. They have several Dutch galleries that display artifacts from overseas.
This attraction is expected to come in 2024 pairing one of the best things that Michigan and the Netherlands share, ice. The City of Holland is near completion of this new ice ribbon that allows visitors to skate just like folks do on the canals in Amsterdam.
You can learn about several upcoming events in Holland by heading to the town’s tourism website. Whether you’re heading out for a family day or a solo adventure, this West Michigan gem is a great day trip destination.
As many unique features this town has to offer, there are several great places to stay as well.
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