City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Holland, Michigan
If you can’t get to the Netherlands, Holland, Michigan, is a charming lakeside town known for its Dutch heritage, beautiful beaches and vibrant festivals. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan on the state’s West Coast, Holland offers a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities with a Dutch accent.
Whether you're visiting during the famous Tulip Time Festival — a springtime ritual with traditional Dutch dancing, art, parades and more than six million tulips — or enjoying boat cruises on Lake Macatawa and fishing and cruising on Lake Michigan, it’s a terrific destination for boaters and travelers to check out while staying at private boat lifts for rent. The streets in downtown are heated (yes, really) so you can explore the shops, galleries and boutiques year-round without worry of slipping and sliding.
Keep reading to discover a few fun things to do in Holland, Michigan.
Windmill Island Gardens
One of Holland’s most iconic attractions, Windmill Island Gardens, is home to De Zwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill in the U.S. Stroll through the beautiful gardens, admire the tulip fields (in spring) and explore the historic Dutch buildings and shops. Attractions include a hand-painted Dutch carousel, a replica Dutch street organ and charming bridges.
Holland State Park
For a perfect beach day and day trip from a private boat dock rental, head to Holland State Park, where you can enjoy soft sandy shores, clear blue waters and a stunning view of Big Red, Michigan’s most famous lighthouse. The park is also great for swimming, picnicking and hiking.
For a great workout and scenic views, climb the 239-step Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk, which is located east of Holland State Park. From the top, you’ll get breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa and the surrounding dunes.
Big Red Lighthouse
The Big Red Lighthouse, located at the entrance of Lake Macatawa, is one of the most photographed spots in Michigan. Built in 1872 and modified over the years, this bright red structure has guided sailors for more than a century. While the lighthouse itself isn’t open to the public, you can get a great view from Holland State Park or across the channel at Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk.
Nelis’ Dutch Village
Perfect for families to visit from a private boat slip rental, Nelis’ Dutch Village is a theme park that brings the Netherlands to life with Dutch architecture, authentic Dutch cheese making, traditional Klompen dancing, wooden shoe carving demonstrations, try food authentic food such as poffertjes and stroopwafels and ride a Dutch swing and a carousel. Kids can pet farm animals, play in the tulip fields and even try on traditional Dutch costumes.
Holland Museum
Learn about Holland’s rich Dutch history at the Holland Museum. The museum, located in a historic 1914 post office building, showcases artifacts, exhibits on early Dutch settlers, the city’s cultural traditions and fascinating stories about the city's founding. Explore artifacts, photographs and interactive displays highlighting Holland’s past. The museum also operates the Cappon and Settlers Houses, which offer a glimpse into 19th-century life.
Outdoor Discovery Center
Nature lovers will enjoy the Outdoor Discovery Center, a 160-acre nature preserve with walking trails, wildlife exhibits, educational programs and interactive programs. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching, seeing local wildlife and checking out diverse habitats such as wetlands, woodlands and prairies.
Tunnel Park
Another fantastic beach spot, Tunnel Park, features a unique tunnel through a sand dune that leads to a beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s a perfect place for swimming, beach volleyball, picnicking and catching a sunset. A stairway and observation deck offer breathtaking overlooks of the shoreline.
