Discover Holland
Dutch heritage of Michigan
Planning my Michigan weekend trip, I created my itinerary in a way, that after spending my day in the artistic pearl of Saugatuck, I continue my journey towards Holland.
Located on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, where gigantic houses decorate the shore of the lake on South shore drive.
Holland is about twenty minutes’ drive, 12 miles from Saugatuck.
Several years back I have visited Netherlands in Europe, so I can confirm that Holland Michigan, has fascinated me by perfectly preserving Dutch heritage for so many decades and centuries, since 1847.
What is there To Do?
Magical Sound
Visitors entering the Holland Windmill Island Gardens were welcomed by the cheerful melody sound coming out from the fancy green and violet huge “box”, decorated with women portraits. Apparently this is a rare authentic, antique street organ, which was built in 1928 by the famous organ maker Carl Frei in the city of Breda.
The Perfect Surrounding
A road, on both sides decorated by budding yellow tulips and smiling daffodils, led towards the world famous Dutch icon the Holland Windmill.
Actually has been shipped from Europe to USA to represent the Dutch culture.
Holland Windmill
Tour guide in traditional Dutch dress (long green cotton dress with apron, yellow wooden shoes) explained us (the visitors) that, during the second World War DeZwaan (Windmill) saved life of two young men by hiding from enemy soldiers on the very top side of the Windmill.
One of survivors is still alive, and visits the place on regular bases.
DeZwaan Flour
Today Windmill is operated by a lady who has obtained millers certificate from The Netherlands (Europe) and the product, the flour is sold on the market.
Tulip Farm
Holland is famous for it’s annual tulip festival organized in May.
I did not have the chance to see it, however I visited Tulip Farm Delft, which even has a huge Factory & Deklomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory.
Nice to take a walk on the vast land of vibrant colored Tulips and Windmills.
Shopping time
Deklomp Wooden Shoe and Delft factory is a very much welcoming souvenir shop, where I was able to fill my Dutch icon souvenir shopping appetite.
...and more
Guiding light with mesmerizing view
Holland Harbor Lighthouse
And here we are, great stop on the side of the Lake Macatawa at the fascinating Big (really) Red lighthouse, which size wise is modest, facing Holland State Park with Ottawa beach
Beach with fine-grained sand
Marvelous beach, amazing view, and the extremely fine-grained light colored sand, which invites visitors to feel it and to walk bare feet. Great location for a romantic walk or photography session, family fun, sun bathing, water sports.
Last but not least...
Sweet and short visit
Dutch Village, which i reached late in the afternoon, and had an opportunity to cover a small portion of it.
I felt a strong urge to get to the historical downtown, where i found multiple boutiques, restaurants, chocolate shop and hotels.
Holland Downtown
Filled my appetite with larger than life windmills, freshness of tulips, smiling daffodils, and lots and lots of pottery work. It was time now to unwind, and get high on food and drinks. So I headed towards Holland Downtown, which was about 13 mins drive from Dutch Village.
All the main shops, restaurants and café’s are on the 8th Street stretch of about 2 miles with some shops and restaurants in adjacent streets. Shops are filled with all sort of collectables, household items, furniture, designed brands, souvenir shops in the midst of various sculptures, and landmarks build across the road.
You will find Shushi restaurant, Irish pubs, Holland brewing Company. If you love chocolates, you must visit Kilwins chocolate store. Yummy 🙂
Driving through Holland is pretty easy and quick with not much large distances on car, hence you can stay anywhere for the night depending upon your choice of being next to the beach or downtown or farms, and of course your budget.
