Things to do in Holland
Beaches
Your first glimpse of Lake Michigan is something you'll never forget. This tremendous freshwater ocean stretches as far as the eye can see and is an endless water wonderland for all types of water sports. Beautiful to behold in any season, her endless shore is bounded by white sandy beaches and towering sand dunes. Play in the waves or the sand or just watch the sun set at Tunnel Park, Holland State Park or the Dunes State Park. Call 800-506-1299 for more information.
Ben Franklin
At River Avenue, between 8th & 9th Streets you will find a statue of Ben Franklin, the patriot, inventor and statesman. Benjamin Franklin relaxes on a bench as he studies a copy of the Constitution. The Artist is Mark Lundeen and this statue is one of twenty-one cast. Donated in 1991 by the Lumir Corporation. Located in downtown Holland.
Brower Interpretive Center and Nature Store
Open 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday, and 10:00 am -5:00 pm on Saturday. It is closed Sunday, Monday, and holidays. Call 616-355-1057 for more information.
600 Graafschap Road, Holland, MI
Cappon House Museum & Settler's House
The story of Holland continues in the Victorian home of Isaac Cappon, Holland's first mayor. The home is still complete with furnishings, personal belongings, and echoes of the daily life of the Isaac Cappon family. Located at 9th Street in Holland. Settler's House - Located just five doors east of the Cappon House on 9th Street, this 1867 example of Holland's early working class housing is an interesting contrast to the Cappon House Museum. Open June - October Wednesday - Saturday 1 - 4pm; November - May Friday & Saturday 1 - 4pm. Special Extended Tulip Time hours and extended Christmas hours. Call 616-392-9084 for more information.
228 West 9th Street, Holland, MI
Contemplation
Located behind the Hope College Admissions Office on College Avenue between 9th and 10th Street you will find this statue. It was inspired by the artist's sister and the life-size bronze figure depicts a young woman, seated on a bench and engaged in reflection as she holds a book in her lap. The Artist is Billie Houtman Clark who was raised in Holland and attended Hope College before studying at the University of Texas. Donated in 2000 in honor of Dr. Eugene & Mary (Houtman) van Tamelen.
DeGraaf Nature Center
Take a walk on the wild side at DeGraaf Nature Center. You don't need to drive out of town to get in touch with nature. If you have 20 minutes or 2 hours, you will enjoy exploring the woodland, shrub, marsh and pond trails of this 18-acre preserve located within the city limits of Holland, Michigan The Brower Interpretive Center is brimming with information and hands-on displays. Many special events are scheduled throughout the year. Visit DeGraaf Nature Center anytime of the year. Trails are open every day, dawn to dusk.
DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory
The only blue and white delftware factory in the United States. Talk with the artists as they mold, hand-paint and glaze delftware in the old world tradition. Watch wooden shoe carving on machines that were imported from the Netherlands. Open April 1 - December 24 Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am - 5pm; December 26 - March 31 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. Tulip Time hours are 8am - dusk. Call 616-399-1900 for more information.
12755 Quincy Avenue, Holland, MI
DePree Art Center & Gallery
The DePree Art Center and Gallery houses the Hope College Arts Department including classrooms, studio space and a gallery hosting special exhibits throughout the year. Entrance to the Gallery is free. Open during the summer months Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm; during the school year Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1 - 5pm.
160 East 12th Street, Holland, MI
Dutch Village
Enjoy a bit of old Holland and take a step back in time to the Netherlands of the 1800's as you explore over 10 acres of authentic Dutch architecture, canals, and spectacular gardens! At the entrance to the park, the 25-bell carillon from Royal Eijsbouts will greet you. Your visit to Dutch Village will include Klompen dancers performing in front of the famous "Gouden Engel" (Golden Angel) Amsterdam Street Organ and kids of all ages enjoy rides on a "draaimolen" (carousel) and a "zweefmolen" (swing ride). The crafts and activities are sure to please, as an exhibition takes place every 15 minutes! The charming Dutch architecture, windmills, and flowering gardens make wonderful backdrops for memorable photographs.
Dutch Village Theme Park
Open April 20 - October 12. Open daily 9am - 5pm. During winter, the Village is closed but many of the shops remain open. Admission is charged - Adult: $7, Children (ages 3-11): $5. Call 616-396-1475 for more information.
12350 James Street, Holland, MI
Grandpa's Workbench
Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. The larger than life statue shows a grandfather at his workbench building stilts with 2 grandchildren. This location was chosen because of the Prince family's commitment to the contribution older adults make to the quality of community life. The Artist is Gary Alsum and this statue is one of twelve cast. Donated in 1998 in memory of Edgar D. Prince by his 16 grandchildren.
480 State Street, Holland, MI
Holland Area Arts Council
A vibrant arts center located in the heart of downtown Holland, the Holland Area Arts Council plays a leadership role in enriching the cultural life of the lakeshore area. Exhibition space can be found in three galleries and provides the opportunity to showcase the best of local and regional artists through more than twelve exhibits per year. The Holland Area Arts Council also offers more than 150 classes each year in visual and performing arts. Open Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm; Saturday 10am - 4pm. No Admission Fee.
150 East 8th Street, Holland, MI
Holland Area Chamber of Commerce
Representing a cross-section of more than 1,400 retailers, manufacturers and service providers, the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice of area businesses. Please visit our website to plan your next trip to Holland.
Holland Museum
The best way to get acquainted with Holland is to take a crash course in its fascinating history and this Museum will help you with that!!! The enduring Dutch connection and the arrival of others who now call Holland home and who have contributed much to its history. Traveling exhibitions are often featured at the museum. Open daily year-round, except Tuesdays and major holidays. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 5pm; Thursday 10am - 8pm; Sunday 2 - 5pm. Tulip Time hours are weekdays 10am - 7pm; Sundays 12 - 5pm. Tours may be prearranged by phone. Call 616-392-9084 for more information.
31 West 10th Street, Holland, MI
Holland State Park
One of Michigan's most popular state parks, Holland State Park offers an expansive, sandy beach along Lake Michigan, with beautiful views of "Big Red", sailboats and sunsets. Facilities include two large campgrounds, picnic areas, shelter, playground, beach house, concession and boat launch. The Park gates and registration office are open from 8 am-10 pm. Visitors must leave the park by 10 pm.
Hope College
Hope College is a distinguished and distinctive four-year, liberal arts, undergraduate college, affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. Its religious heritage is expressed through a Christian community of students and teachers concerned with a faith that changes lives and transforms society. The curriculum offers a variety of courses in 56 majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The college has long been known for outstanding pre-professional training. Call 616-395-7000 for more information.
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre
West Michigan's finest summer entertainment! Musicals, plays, a cabaret and two children's plays on alternating nights from mid-June - August. Call 616-395-7890 for more information.
141 East 12th Street, Holland, MI
Immigrants Statue
Lake Macatawa is an appropriate setting for a depiction of early settlers arriving on the shores of a new land. The statue is 6 feet tall, 15 feet wide and weighs 2,000 pounds. The Artist is Bert Kiewiet, well known in the Netherlands who took his first airline flight for the unveiling of the statue. Donated in 1997 by the Dutch province of Drenthe, to commemorate the Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of the founding of Holland.
Joy of Music
Found at the corner of 8th Street and Central Avenue you will find this group of five statues includes three musicians and two singing children in the beautiful Alpenrose Park setting. The Artist is George Lundeen and is one of fifteen cast. Donated in 1991 by the Lumir Corporation.
Pledge of Allegiance
Found on the corner of 8th Street and College Avenue you will find this delightful collection of children honoring the flag. The Artist is Glenda Goodacre and this stature is one of fifteen cast. This installation occurred within a month of the installation of Good-acre's more famous work, the Women's Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC. Donated in 1993 by Lumir Corporation.
Secret Garden
Located at the corner of 10th Street and Central Avenue you will find a charming and exquisite life-size sculpture of two young girls sitting on a marble bench. The older girl is reading the book, The Secret Garden, to the younger girl. One page has readable text; the other is a picture of a garden and gate. This statue is appropriately placed in front of the former Women's Literary Club of Holland, which historically has encouraged women in literature. The Artist is Mark Lundeen and this is one of thirty-six cast.
The Valentine
Located at the corner of 6th Street and Columbia Avenue you will find the Valentine Statue. This statue portrays an older couple enjoying their companionship and a Valentine's Day card. The Artist is George Lundeen and this statue is one of twenty-one cast. Donated in 1992 by Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Prince. Found at Freedom Grounds in Holland.
Tunnel Park
This popular lakeshore park is a great place for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking. In addition to the unique tunnel through a dune, this park has extensive picnic areas, two picnic shelters, four sand volleyball courts, a children's playground complete with a dune climb and a dune stairway with scenic views of Lake Michigan. Open April 1 - October 31 - 7am - 10pm; November 1 - March 31 - 7am - 8pm.
Van Raalte Statue
Located in Centennial Park just off Central Avenue and Graves Place. This statue of the Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, founder of Holland and Hope College and was given in honor of the city's Sesquicentennial in 1997. The statue was commissioned by Hope College in early 1996. The sculpture is strategically located in Centennial Park facing in the direction of Hope College and historic Pillar Church, the first church built by Van Raalte.
Veldheer Tulip Gardens
Holland's only tulip farm is ablaze with acres of tulips in May. Enjoy many varieties of lilies through spring and summer and visit the beautiful perennial gardens through mid-October. Tulip bulbs for fall plantings become available in August. Gardens will open approximately the first of April (depending on the blooming season) Open in Summer Monday - Saturday 8am - 6pm; Sunday 9am - 5pm. Tulip Time hours are 8am - dusk. Call 616-399-1900 for more information.
12755 Quincy, Holland, MI
Windmill Island
A palette of color awaits you as you wind along the entrance to Holland's treasured island. DeZwaan windmill welcomes throngs of tourists who want a closer look at the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. This 240-year-old treasure was dismantled in the Netherlands and restored to its original beauty on Windmill Island. From atop DeZwaan you can look out over 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes and canals to the Fresian horses grazing in the pasture. Costumed guides, Amsterdam street organ, hand-painted Dutch carousel, and gift shops will complete your visit. Open daily April, May, July & August Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm; Sunday 11:30am - 6pm. Open June & September October only Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 11:30am - 5pm. Tulip Time hours are Monday - Saturday 8am - 7pm; Sunday 10am - 6pm.
7th Street at Lincoln Avenue, Holland, MI
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