During the first two weeks of May, the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival presents millions of tulips and Dutch traditions in America, making it a must-see destination. Despite being a Michigan resident for most of my life, I had never attended the festival before and now I regret waiting so long.
Holland, Michigan is in lower western Michigan near Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa, where nearly 30% of the population has identified as being of Dutch descent. During the festival, the city transforms into a sea of color, with tulips blooming in parks, gardens, and along the streets. There are also a variety of activities and events, such as a parade, a carnival, a quilt and artisans shows and sales, and Dutch dancing and music. Here are 15 things to do at the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival.
1 See the Tulips
You can see them in bloom all over town, but some of the best places to view them include Windmill Island Gardens, Veldheer Tulip Gardens, Centennial Park, Kollen Park, and the curbside tulip lanes.
2 Tour Windmill Island Gardens
Tour De Zwaan (the swan), is the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. It was built in 1761 in the Netherlands before being moved to Holland, Michigan, in 1964. Visitors can go inside and traverse multiple floors to see how it turns and grinds grain into flour.
On site you’ll also find a hand-painted antique carousel, a street organ, other Dutch-themed exhibits, 140,000 tulips and a gift shop.
3 Visit Nelis’ Dutch Village
Nelis’ Dutch Village is a recreation of an 1800s Dutch village and features Dutch architecture, canals, gardens, cheese-making, candle-carving, and a giant shoe slide for kids. Things to do there include:
- Watch Dutch dancing and wooden shoe carving demonstrations.
- Take a ride on the canal boat.
- Visit the cheese-making and candle-making shops.
- Rides, games, farm animals, photo ops, food, drink and shopping at the Dutch import shops
4 Buy Tulips at Veldheer Tulip Gardens
This Holland farm has acres of tulips from late April to mid-May. Veldheer farms began in 1950 as a hobby. Now, Veldheer plants around 5 million tulip bulbs each year. In addition to tulips, there are other flowers and several varieties of lilies throughout the spring and summer. They charge a $15 fee to tour the gardens.
5 Shop Downtown Holland
There are over 200 businesses in the downtown area, including art galleries, wine tasting, and shops that feature men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, home and outdoor furnishings, home accents, books, music, sporting goods, jewelry, gifts, and more. The central shopping area during the Holland Michigan Tulip Festival is along Eighth Street. There are plenty of shops, including a few that feature Dutch imports.
6 Walk Along Windows on the Waterfront
Window on the Waterfront is a 30-acre park along the Macatawa River downtown. During the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival
Several events and tours take place and there are over 90,000 blooming tulips to admire. Dutch “klompen” dancers give free lessons while wearing wooden shoes.
7 Watch Dutch Dance Performances
You can see authentic Dutch “klompen” dancing in several venues. Look for performances at:
- Holland Civic Center Place
- Windows on the Waterfront
- Ottawa County Fairgrounds
- Centennial Park
8 Join the Street Scrubbing Parade
The parade begins with a white glove inspection by city officials who want to ensure the streets are clean and presentable for the upcoming parade. After the “inspection,” the mayor declares that the streets need scrubbing. This is when residents in Dutch costumes come out with buckets and brooms to scrub the streets clean.
The parade includes dancing, floats, marching bands, and people dressed in traditional Dutch clothing. The parade route winds through downtown Holland and ends at Kollen Park, where there is a festival with food, music, and dancing.
New this year, “Crescendo,” a bicycle showband will also perform. Say what? It’s a musical instrument band that plays music, while dressed in traditional Dutch ensembles, including klompen, while riding bicycles.
9 Participate in the Tulip Time Run
Run through the tulip-filled streets by joining a 5k, 10k, or Kids’ Fun Run.
10 Go to the Local Artisans Market
Over 200 vendors sell handmade arts and crafts and unique items at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, just two miles from downtown. There are plenty of food vendors and Dutch dancing, a carnival and music to enjoy while you’re there.
11 Eat Dutch Treats
There are loads of restaurants around, but during the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival, dozens of food trucks sell traditional festival food and Dutch treats like pretzels and “fatballs.” A Dutch fatball, or oliebollen, is a deep-fried ball of yeast dough often filled with raisins, currants, apples, and powdered sugar. Also, look for poffertjes (mini puff pancakes), bitterballen (fried meatballs), and caramel-filled stroopwafels. Also, stop by New Holland Brewing for craft beer.
12 Go to Music Concert or Show
Different musical performances take place all over the city, including:
- “Girl Name Tom,” at Central Wesleyan Church
- “Elton Rohn,” at the Holland Civic Center
- “Nana’s Naughty Knickers” play at the Holland Community Theatre
- “Dutch Organ Music Old and New” at the Holland Community Theatre
13 Explore the Tulip Time Quilt Show
Local artists display over 100 quilts, wall hangings and art quilts. The show is held at the Holland Civic Center. Admission is $10 for adults,
14 Learn about Floral Arranging
Floral designers at Huisman Flowers teach floral arranging and you leave with your bouquet and a new appreciation for the craft. They also sell plenty of flowers and gift items. The cost of the class is $50.
15 Check out the Art in Bloem Exhibit
Take a look at 20 pieces of curated art that are. Juried and selected to take part in the exhibit. The works show different perspectives of the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival and how tulip time is part of the culture. Vote for your favorite artwork. The exhibit is at the Holland Civic Center.
If you Visit the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival
I have visited the Netherlands three times and have witnessed their traditional dance and activities. Those at the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival are as authentically Dutch as any I have encountered.
This Tulip Festival is a great way to celebrate spring and the Dutch heritage that has shaped Holland over the years. Find out more details and times for these events and more at TulipTime.com, or grab a free map and list of events at one of the many street kiosks.
Read more stories about Michigan here.
1 Comment