Bulbs and Beyond

By Mark Loehrke
Appears in the April 2024 issue.

Holland, Michigan’s tulip festival is one of the town’s many Dutch treats

Few things symbolize the promise of warmer days ahead like blooming spring flowers. In the spirit of that, there’s no better place for a winter-busting weekend road trip than Holland, Michigan, where the annual Tulip Time Festival (tuliptime.com) is a prime showcase of the town’s Dutch heritage.

Unfolding throughout the town from May 4 to 12, this year’s 95th edition of Tulip Time will feature a wide array of both ticketed and free attractions and events, including a parade, concerts by country singer Scotty McCreery and ABBA tribute group Dancing Queen, tall ship tours, a fireworks display, carnival rides, Dutch dance demonstrations (and lessons), lectures, guided historic walking tours, art shows, floral arranging classes, and a pickleball tournament.

“Tulip Time is a time-honored tradition in Holland with the community and visitors,” says Gwen Auwerda, the festival’s executive director. “The community fills over 1,000 volunteer spots during the nine-day festival, hosting guests from all over the world.”

But for all the hoopla, folks descending on Holland this time of year will be coming for one simple and rejuvenating reason—to see spring writ large in the form of millions of tulips weaving a rainbow of colors all over town. While the flower power of Tulip Time will always be a major draw for Holland, those bulbs and blooms aren’t the only reasons to seek out a weekend in southwestern Michigan. After a tip-toe through the tulips, be sure to check out some of these other attractions.

Much Dutch

There are plenty of ways to experience the town’s namesake heritage. Don’t miss the stunning views of the 36-acre Windmill Island Gardens from the fifth story of the 250-year-old De Zwaan Windmill, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States.

Tour living history at Nelis’ Dutch Village, complete with wooden shoe carving, Dutch dance lessons (try the Klompen!), and Stroopwafel cookie-making. The park also boasts several nostalgic rides like the 1924 Draaimolen (carousel) and the petal pumper cars rescued from the Chicago area’s shuttered Kiddieland. cityofholland.com; dutchvillage.com

Farm Fresh

Open for business on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning May 17 at the Eighth Street Marketplace (and indoors at the Holland Civic Center on April 6 and 20), the
Holland Farmers Market is a 45-year tradition of bringing the produce, flowers, and crafts of nearly 100 growers and artisans directly to the public. hollandfarmersmarket.com

Petals and Pillows

The modern boutique Tulyp Hotel offers a stylish and convenient way to stay right in the heart of downtown Holland. hilton.com

Bites and Brews

Sample a wide variety of craft beers and spirits where they were brewed—along with creative sandwich and snack options—at the New Holland Brewing Company Restaurant and Pub, which also offers a monthly themed cocktail class. newhollandbrew.com

If you’d like a little Holland history with your brick-oven pizza and specialty cocktails, Hops at 84 East is the place. While this craft beer bar features 60 taps from all over the state and country, it also has incorporated repurposed bits of town history in its interior design. hops84east.com

Sweet Tooth

Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with a visit to the old-fashioned Holland Peanut Store, a treasure trove of nuts, chocolates, and ice cream Paddle Pops that has been a family-run staple of downtown for more than a century. hollandpeanutstore.com

Lake Time

You can’t miss (literally) the town’s iconic “Big Red” Lighthouse. While it has no public access currently, it makes for some fantastic photos.

As the weather warms up, start thinking about some sand and sun. Holland State Park Beach and Tunnel Park Beach offer access to the Lake Michigan shore. bigredlighthouse.com; holland.org

Photos: Holland Area Visitors Bureau; Tulip Time (Parade)