Things To Do In Holland
Things To Do In Holland. The city of Holland, Michigan, is beautiful and lively. It is on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and has lots of things to do and see for both locals and tourists.
With its Dutch history, beautiful landscapes, and lively arts scene, Holland is a great place to experience both the past and the present. This charming Midwestern gem has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in nature, history, or art.
This piece will show you 30 places and things you must do in Holland, Michigan, so you can get the most out of your trip there. You should also know when the best time is to go to Holland so that you can get the most out of your trip.
30 Fun and Awesome Things To Do In Holland, MI In 2024
1. Windmill Island Gardens
Start your trip to Holland by going to the famous Windmill Island Gardens. This beautiful park is on a 63-acre island in the Macatawa River and is home to De Zwaan, a real Dutch windmill. The park also has beautiful flowers, tulip fields, and information about the city’s Dutch history.
As one of the fun things to do in Holland, you can learn about the interesting art of carving shoes out of wood, watch costumed guides, and take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Get in touch at 1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49423
2. Holland State Park
Holland State Park is one of the best places to go outside with your family in Holland, MI. A lot of people visit this park, which is in Michigan.
There are two beautiful beaches in the park. You can cool off in the cool water of Lake Michigan or on the beach next to Lake Macatawa.
This coastal park has miles of sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, and many fun things to do, like swimming, hiking, and having a picnic. Bring your camera to the pier to take pictures of the beautiful views. From there, you can see ships and, in the distance, the famous “Big Red” Lighthouse.
You can find us at 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424
3. Holland Museum
Want to do something fun in Holland, MI? At the Holland Museum, you can go back in time and learn about the past of the city and Dutch culture.
The museum tells the story of how the Dutch came to the area in 1847 and fought for access to Lake Michigan. It also talks about the terrible fire of 1871 and how the city rose from the ashes. The museum also has a large collection of Dutch fine and decorative arts, as well as items from over 400 years of Dutch history.
31 W 10th St, Holland, MI 49423
4. Nelis’ Dutch Village
If you go to Nelis’ Dutch Village, you can feel like you’re in the Netherlands more than 100 years ago. You can see real Dutch buildings, work on wooden shoes, and other traditional crafts.
The family-owned theme park has many shops and food choices, as well as a street scene that looks like it’s from the Netherlands.
The town has a replica windmill, a Dutch cheese house, and a playground with a Dutch theme that people can enjoy with their children. Small children and babies should also go to the petting zoo.
This is the address: 12350 James St, Holland, MI 49424
5. Big Red Lighthouse
Climb to the top of the famous Big Red Lighthouse, one of Holland’s most well-known features, for a wide view of the lakeshore and Lake Michigan.
The dune stairs on Mt. Pisgah, which is 175 feet above sea level, were built in 1870 at Holland State Park and give you a view of Big Red. There is also information about the past of this impressive building and stunning views of the area, such as Holland State Park and Lake Macatawa.
This is the address: 12350 James St, Holland, MI 49424
6. Holland Community Aquatic Center
Get out of the heat and check out the Holland Community Aquatic Center. This is a fun thing to do with your family in Holland, MI.
There are lots of fun things to do outside at the swimming center, which has pools, water spouts, water slides, yellow streaks, a spa, and a spinning vortex. The center has water games for people of all ages and a leisure pool where you can relax.
This is the address: 550 Maple Ave, Holland, MI 49423
7. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Holland today, take a short drive south to Saugatuck Dunes State Park. There you can enjoy miles of hiking trails through dunes and forests.
There are 13 miles of walks, the 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area, coastal dunes, and 2.5 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline in the park. The 300-acre Patty Natural Area in the park is home to three rare plant species and a system of coastal dunes.
Nature lovers and people who love being outside love the park because it has quiet beaches and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
This is the address: 6575 138th Ave, Holland, MI 49423
8. Holland Area Arts Council
The Holland Area Arts Council is a lively arts center right in the middle of downtown Holland. It is a leader in making the cultural life of the area better.
People who like the arts will enjoy going to the Arts Council, where local artists show off their skills in classes and exhibitions. The Arts Council also plans fun things for the community, like family festivals, music outside, and other events.
People of all ages can also take classes in the performing and artistic arts through the council every year. This is one of the unique things to do in Holland. You can sign up for these classes with your kids.
150 E 8th St, Suite 200, Holland, MI 49423
9. Mount Pisgah Dune Boardwalk
The Mount Pisgah Dune Broadwalk ends with stunning views of Lakes Michigan and Macatawa, Big Red, and Harbors. It is 157 feet above Lake Michigan.
The tall dunes are near Holland Park. You can walk along the boardwalk or take the stairs to get to the top of the hill. Climb up about 200 to 300 steps of these very tall stairs as one of the fun things to do in Holland this weekend. At the top, you’ll see Lake Michigan and the Big Red Lighthouse in all their glory.
2238 3rd Ave, Holland, MI 49424
10. Tulip Time Festival
An event called the Tulip Time event is held every year in Holland, Michigan. It is one of the best things to do there in the spring. The event, which takes place in May, honors Holland’s Dutch heritage and has lots of fun things to do.
There will be fireworks, parades, a Dutch market, shows and concerts, a craft fair, klompen dancing, and street cleaning at the party.
Large-scale concerts by famous artists and people dressed in Dutch clothes are part of the festival. It is one of the best small-town gatherings in the United States.
42 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423
11. Holland Farmers Market
This weekend, one of the interesting things to do in Holland is to check out the Holland Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is at the Eight Street Market in Downtown Holland. It has around 100 sellers.
From mid-May to early December, the market is open twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is full of local farmers selling freshly picked fruits and vegetables of all kinds, as well as flowers and plants for the home and yard.
You can also get a lot of different kinds of baked foods, natural honey, and maple syrup, as well as farm-fresh cheese, eggs, and meats at the market. Check out the market and try some cooked goods from the area while you’re there.
The address is 150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
12. Tunnel Park
This 22-acre Tunnel Park is on North Lakeshore Avenue in Holland, MI. It has a long beachfront on Lake Michigan and is a great place for families to have fun in Holland.
The park has a unique tunnel through a dune, as well as a playground for kids with a dune climb and a dune stairway with a view of Lake Michigan, as well as picnic areas, a beach, sand volleyball courts, modern bathrooms, and a seasonal concession stand with vending machines.
To find a great place to have fun and relax with your family in Holland, take them to Tunnel Park and spend the day sunbathing and resting on this great beachfront park.
The address is 66 N Lakeshore Ave, Holland, MI 49424.
13. Holland Princess Dinner Cruise
Take a two-hour dinner tour on the Holland Princess at night. It’s a fun thing to do in Holland. The Holland Princess is a paddlewheel boat in the style of the Victorian era. It takes people on public and private trips to Lakes Macatawa and Michigan.
Listen to soothing music and enjoy a cruise with lunch or dinner while taking in the sights. There is a cash bar, relaxing music, and the “Captain’s Feast” on the Holland Princess, which can be used for parties and other events.
The Holland Princess also has a full Karaoke system, so anyone can come up and sing a song. This is a fun boat ride for the whole family. The kids can blow the loud whistle or pick a prize from the Captain’s chest.
This is the address: 260 Howard Ave, Holland, MI 49424
14. Critter Barn
Going to Critter Barn is a fun thing to do with your family near Holland, MI. Kids can interact with animals in a fun and useful way at this farm.
Pets like bunnies, ducklings, chicks, calves, hogs, goats, horses, cats, and sheep can be met and learned about at the farm.
To do things on the farm, you can milk a goat or bottle feed a baby, collect eggs from the chicken coop, visit the cat corral, plant seeds in the yard, pet and cuddle baby animals, learn about wools, and feed animals.
2950 80th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464
15. BAM! Entertainment Center
Visit the family-friendly indoor entertainment center, BAM! It’s one of the best things to do in Holland. The tagline for this leisure center is “Eat.” Have a drink. Play. Again, and for good reason!
This indoor entertainment center is a one-stop shop for family fun. It has a huge playground, karaoke, high ropes courses, laser tag with different levels, and bowling with mini and monster balls.
You can hang out with your kids and let them have fun while you eat or drink at the full-service restaurant or the brewery.
The address is 478 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423
16. Holland Symphony Orchestra
The Holland Symphony Orchestra plays beautiful classical music, and seeing them play is one of the best things to do in Holland at night.
The 85+ skilled musicians are led by Music Director Johannes Muller-Stosch and play a wide range of classical and popular music at their concerts each season. Find out when their shows are and make plans to go to one of them for a memorable musical experience.
96 W 15th St #201, Holland, MI 49423
17. Kollen Park & Heinz Waterfront Walkway
The Kollen Park & Heinz Waterfront Walkway is a place in Holland that you can visit with your pet. Kollen Park, which is on the shores of Lake Macatawa, is a great spot for a walk with your dog, a run, or a lunch.
The park is one of the most beautiful places to relax in Holland. It has a playground, a picnic shelter, a boat launch, and fishing off the beach.
A lovely path runs along the water in the park called the Heinz Waterfront Walkway. It’s great for a romantic walk or bike ride. You can also sit with your partner and enjoy the view from many picnic booths and tables.
240 Kollen Park Dr., Holland, MI 49423
18. Saugatuck Center For The Arts
One of the best places for art lovers to visit near Holland is the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, which is only a short drive away.
The art center has events all year long for both artistic and performing arts. The center also shows off artists from across the country and the country, making it a cultural hub for the area. The center is always fun for everyone because it has events and programs all year long.
The address is 400 Culver St., Saugatuck, MI 49453
19. Outdoor Discovery Center
Our Outdoor Discovery Center is a great place to learn about nature that is run by volunteers and is open to the public. The nature reserve at this center for nature-based instruction and conservation has five miles of beautiful trails.
The center has live animal displays and miles of trails that wind through different Michigan habitats, letting visitors get up close and personal with the state’s wide range of wildlife.
They also have special programs like bird watching, fishing, snowshoeing, accessible trails, sensory nature walks, studying ecosystems and ponds, summer camps, studying natural history and wildlife, and studying sledding and fishing. Add this center to your list of things to do in Holland, Michigan as you plan your trip.
The address is 4214 56th St, Holland, MI 49423
20. Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market
Visit the Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market in Holland in the summer. It’s one of the best things to do there. You can get farm-fresh food at the farm that is run by a family.
You can also have a great time picking your blueberries at the Farm. They also sell a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in the area, like fresh-picked strawberries, sweet cherries, peaches, plums, sugar peas, green and yellow beans, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, sweet corn, potatoes, and more.
Also, don’t miss their famous blueberry cookies. Both locals and visitors love these sweet treats.
This is the address: 15793 James St, Holland, MI 49424
21. Downtown Holland
A list of “America’s Prettiest Towns” says that Downtown Holland has a lot of different places to shop and eat.
Along the sidewalks of the street, there are more than 100 one-of-a-kind, locally-owned shops, studios, restaurants, and brew pubs. Downtown Holland is a unique place to visit. A snowmelt system keeps the paths and streets clear of snow and ice all year, so people from all over the world can stay active in downtown Holland even in the winter.
This is the address: 15793 James St, Holland, MI 49424
22. Van Raalte Farm Park
In Holland, going to the Van Raalte Farm Park is a fun thing to do outside. With its wooded walks, open fields, and old farm, this 160-acre park is a peaceful place to get away.
This park has nature walks, a picnic shelter, play structures, and a hilltop with a farmhouse and outbuildings from the 1800s that look out over pasture and woods. In the winter, you can go sledding and cross-country skiing.
When you take your dog to the park, you can walk it around the lovely fields and woods.
Find us at 1076 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423
23. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is one of the best places to visit in Holland. It is right in the middle of downtown. This Victorian-era park used to be Holland’s marketplace and now has many facilities that anyone can use.
This park has a gazebo, flowerbeds, a fish pond, a war memorial, a figure of Albertus VanRaalte, who founded Holland, and a traditional Dutch fountain.
In Centennial Park, you can spend time with your family and pets.
250 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423 will do.
24. Holland Bowl Mill
You can see the art of making wooden bowls at the biggest commercial wooden bowl mill in the United States. This is one of the most interesting things to do in Holland today.
At the Holland Bowl Mill, they make solid hardwood bowls and other high-quality wooden items. The beech, maple, cherry, walnut, or red oak logs used to make each piece come from sustainable woods in Michigan and the Midwest.
As part of your trip to Holland, you should take a guided tour of the complex steps used to turn a log into a beautiful, useful piece of art.
The address is 120 James St, Holland, MI 49424
25. Coppercraft Distillery
At this famous distillery, one of the fun things to do in Holland is to try some of Michigan’s best drinks. The company that makes spirits uses local products and a mix of old and new methods to make its best liquor.
Take a guided walk as one of the things to do in Holland. You’ll learn about how the whiskies, rum, gin, and other drinks are made and get to try some of their award-winning samples.
Here is their address: 184 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424
26. Knickerbocker Theater
Want to do something fun this evening in Holland? Then go to the Knickerbocker Theater to see a live show. The theater was built in 1911 and is run by Hope College. It hosts a wide range of events for both locals and visitors, from vaudeville acts to rock bands.
The 536 theater is on Eighth St., right in the middle of downtown Holland. It hosts a wide range of cultural events, such as talks, art films, concerts, musicals, and plays. You can spend the evening at this theater and see some of their best shows.
86 E 8th St #3504, Holland, MI 49423
27. Crazy Horse Steakhouse & Saloon
An important part of your trip to Holland is eating at one of the best steakhouses in the country. The restaurant has been open since 1995 and serves both locals and guests.
Crazy Horse Steakhouse is proud of its great food, friendly staff, and casual, comfortable environment. Check it out and enjoy some of the best steaks in town. On Thursday nights, don’t miss the steak and lobster special. You can also get a lot of different wines and cocktails to go with your food.
The address is 2027 N Park Dr, Holland, MI 49424.
28. Scrapyard Climbing Collective
This weekend, one fun thing to do in Holland is to go to the Scrapyard Climbing Collective, which is a rock climbing gym. People can get together at the climbing gym to climb, test their limits, learn, and be active in a friendly and helpful setting.
The climbing wall at Scrapyard Climbing Collective is easy enough for newbies and hard enough for experienced climbers. They have 3200 square feet of climbing walls, bouldering, roped climbing, auto-delays, walls that are good for kids and beginners, padded flooring, training tools, and areas with tables and chairs where you can work or watch.
Because this building has climbing walls, you can test your climbing skills as one of the fun things to do in the city.
76 S River Ave, Holland, MI 49423
29. Paw Paw Park
Exploring Paw Paw Park is a fun thing to do outside in Holland, MI with your family and pets. The Macatawa River and the Noorderloos Creek make up the 122-acre park. A lot of water birds, like Great Blue Herons, live in the park as well.
There are many things to do at Paw Paw Park, such as an 18-hole golf course, picnic tables, rustic toilets, a half-mile paved trail, hiking or cross-country skiing paths with natural surfaces, a scenic overlook, bridges, and boardwalks.
The park is one of the free things to do in Holland because it is free to get in. You can bring your dogs to this park too.
1099 Paw Paw Dr., Holland, MI 49423
30. Day Trip To Saugatuck
Take a day trip to Saugatuck, Michigan. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Holland. The city is known for its sandy beaches, port towns, outdoor activities, culture, history, and so much more. It’s only a few minutes away from Holland.
There are lots of fun things to do in the city, like wine tasting at farms, breweries, and small shops. Take a trip to Saugatuck and have fun with all the fun things to do there.
Ideas for Things to Do in Holland, Michigan
In Holland, Michigan, you can embrace your Dutch history, enjoy fine art, savor delicious food, and explore the natural beauty. There are many unique things to do there. Start making plans for your trip to this charming city, and enjoy all the different things that will make you remember it.