For people in Holland, Michigan, Tulip Time is a serious festival endeavor that takes months of preparation. Between coordinating dutch dancers for the parade, multiple high school band performances, landscaping the downtown area for the bloom of 65,000 bright tulips, and the Tulip Time carnival, there’s a lot to do in a very short time. Whether it’s your first time visiting Holland during the Tulip Time Festival or you’ve attended so many times that you just want something new to do, we’re happy to assist. Farm Stand is born-and-made in Michigan, so we’re excited to share some of the best-kept secrets about where to go during Tulip Time.
The Tulip Time Festival in Holland, MI
Where Did the Tulip Time Festival Come From?
The love of tulips originates from the Netherlands, a country well known for their growth of thousands of tulips from mid-March until the end of May. Many people who were from the Netherlands escaped to flee religious persecution and settled in West Michigan due to the fertile soil and the economic opportunities because of factory work.
However, the Tulip Time Festival only started because of Lida Rogers’ suggestion at a Women’s Literacy Club in 1927 for Holland to adopt the tulip as the city’s official flower due to their connection to the Netherlands. In 1928, the funds were approved to plant 100,000 tulip bulbs that flowered the next year. Visitors were excited about the gorgeous blooms, and seeing the opportunity for tourism and sharing the history of Holland, the festival became an annual event.
Roots of the original Dutch Families who settled here can be seen in the wooden shoe decor sprinkled around Holland, signage with the Dutch translations, and of course, the Tulip Time Festival. So, if you see the sign(s) that say “Welkom,” we are aware that it’s not the proper English spelling; it’s your chance to learn a bit of Dutch!
Where To Go During Tulip Time: The Basics
Windmill Island Gardens
Walking through the uniform rows of tulips assorted by color is every type-A person’s dream. There are also multiple learning opportunities for those interested in Dutch culture, history, and heritage. This location holds the last working windmill that was allowed to leave the Netherlands from 1964. The historic windmill is surrounded by acres of lush green garden that visitors can explore, an antique carousel, and garden paintings. For more information about what you can see at the Windmill Island Gardens, click here.
Explore Downtown Holland
With at least 12 blocks of local businesses, downtown Holland is perfect for an afternoon adventure. From the Holland Peanut Store that’s been serving delicious sweets since 1902 to the many delicious restaurants and delis that line the main street, there’s something that will pique everyone’s interests.
Some of our favorite places to visit include Crane’s for locally made cider and donuts, Reader’s World for some light reading material, City Deli for a delicious lunch, Centennial Park for a leisurely walk, and Crust 54 for (what we believe is) the best pizza in town. Just outside of the Downtown area, you’ll find DeBoer’s Bakerijj (Southside), an authentic Dutch bakery with an assortment of pastries and amazing breakfast sandwiches, and Kollen Park.
Where To Go During Tulip Time: Tips from a Local
The small town of Holland, MI has much more to offer than just the Tulip Time Festival. As a lakeshore town, you may drive the almost 15 minutes to reach Holland State Park, where you can lay on the beach, swim in Lake Michigan (weather permitting), and walk the pier near Big Red, Holland’s notorious lighthouse.
Also near downtown Holland is the Coppercraft Distillery and Tasting Room, where you can enjoy an assortment of cocktails with friends and purchase Farm Stand Cider, our locally made hard cider that prioritizes freshness. If you’re looking for a hiking experience, we’d also recommend going to the Saugatuck Dunes State Park which has multiple hiking trails that lead to jaw-dropping views of Lake Michigan’s beaches.
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