Experience the Colorful Charm of West Michigan at the 95th Annual Holland Tulip Festival

In Michigan, we’re still bundling up against winter weather. Because of that, we’re eagerly looking forward to the warm embrace of spring. If you’re looking for good ideas for Spring Getawaysin Michigan then consider immersing yourself in Holland’s annual Tulip Time Festival! A performance by ABBA will kick off this enchanting celebration on May 4th, and the festivities will continue through May 12th.

Below, you’ll get a sneak preview of what’s to come during the 95th annual tulip time in Holland, Michigan. We’ve also included plenty of links to official tulip time resources to help you as you plan your Spring getaway in Holland’s beautiful fields of tulips!

Holland Michigan Tulip Festival 2024: FAQs

Before delving into the magic of Tulip Time, let’s cover some FAQs

When is the Tulip Festival in Michigan?

The Michigan Tulip Festival runs from May 4-12, 2024.

Where is the best place to stay?

You can book directly through us. Simply jump down to the list of Michigan vacation rentals at the end of the article, and find the best fit for you! You can book online through our website.

Is parking available?

Although parking is limited downtown in the epicenter of the festival, you can often rent spaces in church parking lots. Consider visiting Downtown Holland’s parking page for a detailed (and printable!) map of public parking lots.

Where are the best places to eat and drink?

Great question! Our Michigan travel blog includes an updated list of ten amazing restaurants in Holland. It also features a list of the best Holland breweries in 2024.

Do you have wine aficionados in your group? If so, then consider browsing our list of 7 Southwest Michigan Wineries.

You’ll find a selection of vineyards, wineries, and even a cider house in or near Holland. Tanglewood Winery is located on Holland’s North side, and Hudsonville Winery is just a 15-minute drive from Holland. However, the remaining vineyards are a bit further south. The benefit of driving to visit Michigan’s famous fruit belt is the opportunity to view even more charming towns along the coast of Lake Michigan.

Where are the shows, and when can I purchase tickets?

According to the official Tulip Time website, the majority of festival events occur within a 4-mile radius from downtown Holland.

Although no purchase is required to stroll along Window on the Waterfront or Centennial Park, you’ll need tickets for select events.

Please visit the Tulip Time Shows and Events Page for a daily schedule. In order to check prices, simply click on the image for details about cost, location, etc. Of course, viewing the Klompen dutch dancers is free, and it costs nothing to watch the unique and mesmerizing parades!

Is this a dog-friendly festival?

Dogs are welcome in downtown Holland! However, the festival prohibits pets at ticketed events.

Holland Tulip Festival 2024: Overview of Events & Attractions

Below, you’ll find an overview of the best places to spot tulips in full bloom,  as well as historical Dutch-themed attractions and recommendations for authentic Dutch cuisine. Get ready to step into a world where tradition blooms as brightly as the flowers!

Where to Find the Tulips in Holland, Mi: A Promise of Spring’s Stunning Canvas

As we trudged through the heights of winter, the promise of Spring seemed like a distant dream. Yet, getting lost in the envisioned beauty of more than five million tulips is sure to warm your spirits. Imagine the city parks, public attractions, and meandering along downtown Holland on streets adorned with vibrant Tulip blossoms.

These sites await you at the Veldheer Tulip Garden with over 800 tulip varieties. You’ll also find gorgeous tulips at Window on the Waterfront,and Centennial Park, but the blooms wind along six miles of downtown curbside plantings in and near downtown Holland.

You can find a complete list of hot spots for Holland’s tulips here.

Learn Something New: Catch a Glimpse of Holland’s Dutch Heritage Through Various Events & Exhibits

The Holland Michigan Tulip Festival offers far more than flowers. In fact, its rich Dutch heritage echoes through various traditional dance shows, parades,  klompen (Dutch shoes) exhibits, historic walking tours, and more. You’ll find a comprehensive list of events here.

1. Nelis’ Dutch Village

You’ll want to make sure to visit Nelis’ Dutch Village – in fact, this is a great kid-friendly Tulip Time activity. Holland.org describes it best: “Step back into the Netherlands of over 100 years ago, on a day when a festival came to town. Within this happy village, your family has many entertainment choices including Dutch Dancing, wooden shoe carving, rides, games, friendly farm animals, photo ops, food, drink and shopping. From kids to grandparents, the memories are endless.” This family-friendly theme park offers indoor and outdoor attractions and rides, unique gift shops, learning opportunities, and more.

Dutch Village: The perfect family-friendly activity to add to your Summer 2024 Bucket List!

2. Windmill Island Gardens

The most beloved, authentic attraction for visitors and locals alike is Windmill Island Gardens. During late April and early May, just in time for the Tulip Time Festival, thousands of tulips adorn the park.

Visitors eager to explore Holland’s rich Dutch heritage will find traces of it scattered throughout the town. Yet, Windmill Island Gardens stands out as a prime destination for those wishing to delve deeper into the local Dutch history and culture.

In the 1950s and 60s, a visionary group of City Fathers understood the significance of preserving this heritage while also creating a space for both community members and tourists to come together. Their efforts led to the acquisition of the DeZwaan Windmill. Interestingly, this is the last working windmill permitted to leave the Netherlands, and it now serves as the centerpiece of our park. Since it’s still operational, visitors can attend guided tours through the five floors leading to the top of the windmill.

Additionally, the park offers so many more family-friendly attractions:

• Serene walking trails enveloped in natural beauty and alive with diverse bird species native to the Macatawa River delta.
• Like the windmill, the park features an organ imported from Amsterdam.
• Kids love the antique carousel, and everyone enjoys the unique gift shop
• Authentic replicas of Dutch architectural marvels such as a wayside inn, fisherman’s houses, an orphanage, and a working mailbox,
• The ‘Little Netherlands’ exhibition, depicting life in the low countries in the 1840s around the time Holland was established,
• The ‘Tulip Grove,’ uniquely carved from ancient oak trees to prevent them from being reduced to wood chips

If you plan to enjoy this stunning and authentic park, plan your visit here.

Windmill Island Gardens in Holland features a historic windmill from the Netherlands.

Fresh Produce & Delectable Dutch Treats

Even in the cold grasp of winter, we can almost taste the upcoming food,  The Holland Farmer’s Market will be ready to welcome you for a gastronomical retreat with local produce and delectable Dutch specialties. DeBoer Bakery and Dutch Delite Bakery offer authentic Dutch baked goods.

Tulip Time Festival Parades

Spring also comes to life with the festival’s mesmerizing parades – ‘People’s Parade’, ‘Children’s Parade’, and the grand ‘Music Parade.’  You can watch a video of a previous Kinder Parade.

Where to Stay for Holland Tulip Festival 2024:
Explore Our Collection of Furnished Rentals Nearby

When the Holland Tulip festival begins, you’ll surely look forward to resting at the end of each fun-filled day. Holland offers varied accommodations, ranging from quaint bed & breakfasts to grand hotels. Each cater to every traveler’s preference and style, promising excellent respite. You can also check our Unsalted Vacations website for bookable rental homes. We offer lodging for the Holland Tulip festival in the city of Holland, as well as nearby West Olive.

Holland Vacation Rentals

• Come Sail Away is perfect for families, and it also offers gorgeous views of Lake Macatawa.
• Deja Blue one-of-a-kind Lake Michigan cottage perched in the Macatawa Hills.
• Marina View is another unique vacation rental home for families. This four-level home sleeps thirteen guests in its four spacious bedrooms.
• Like the vacation rentals above, Soak Up the Sun is a fully furnished lakefront home with gorgeous views in Macatawa Hills.
• Another great place to stay during the 2024 Holland Tulip Festival is Rest Easy.

Vacation Rentals in West Olive (Near Local Tulip Fest Action)

West Olive is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Holland’s hub of tulip time attractions. Because it’s so close, many guests may prefer lodging in one of our West Olive homes.

• Blu Sky Retreat offers five acres of peaceful privacy. In other words, you can immerse yourself in the crowds of Tulip Time and then retreat to a quiet home base to rest and recharge each night.
• Another West Olive vacation home rental option is Drift Away.
• Dune Crest, another new lakefront listing in West Olive, is nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan.
• Like Dune Crest, Sheldon Shores is a gorgeous new furnished rental offering unbeatable Lake Michigan access and views.
• Shoreline Terrace is another perfect place to stay during the Holland Tulip Time, featuring private beach access and almost two acres of wooded privacy.
• Yet another fabulous, family-friendly short term rental on Lake Michigan is Sandy Shores Lookout.
• Guests may also enjoy Tin Tin II, a lakefront home offering space for up to 16 guests!
• If you’re looking for a pet-friendly vacation rental home, then Trillium Ridge is a fabulous home base.

Holland, Michigan’s Tulip Festival: Official 2024 Resources

For complete festival details, including parade specifics and safety guidelines, make sure to refer to the official Tulip Time website. We also recommend following the Tulip Time Festival’s updates on Facebook and Instagram.

The sublime tulips and the joyous tulip time celebrations are certainly something to look forward to in anticipation! Spring of 2024 and the vibrant Michigan Tulip Festival are just around the corner, so now is the time to find a place to stay in or near Holland.

Your Michigan Spring Getaway will offer vibrant, joyful celebrations at the tulip fest, while BVW Unsalted Vacations is here to offer the comfort and convenience of your own private vacation rental. All properties are locally managed. We provide a starter kit of paper products, toiletries, hospitality-grade linens and much more.

Want to chat with a live representative? Click the blue chat icon on the lower right corner of the screen for assistance, or text the team at 616-383-5253. You can also reach our Escape Artists via email at hello@unsaltedvacations.com.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter for regular updates on available vacation rentals in Michigan!

While it may not seem like it, the Lake Michigan spring will be here in a matter of weeks. Anyone who has spent time on “The North Coast” during the winter months can tell you why we’re so excited about longer days and warmer weather. But as beautiful as the snow-covered landscape can be, spring signifies a highly-anticipated departure from cold air and bitter wind chills. Needless to say, our joy will intensify as the ice melts! And as we inch closer to winter’s end, there’s no better time to start thinking about things to do in West Michigan this spring than now!

5 Things to Add to Your West Michigan Spring Bucket List

With so many unique things to do in West Michigan after the snow and ice are gone, it’s no wonder spring is a fantastic time of year. Our slice of the Lake Michigan shore has a lot to offer for everyone, from city dwellers looking for a break from the noise to families hoping to shake off winter. Below, we’ll share a few things you can add to your West Michigan Spring bucket list.

Go Biking Along Lake Michigan

With over 100 miles of bike-friendly pathways around Grand Haven, the easily-accessible West Michigan tourist hub is a hidden gem for cyclists. The Lakeshore Connector Path is a 20-mile paved corridor connecting two beloved West Michigan beach towns, Holland and Grand Haven. The biggest draw to this bike path is you can go from Grand Haven State Park to Holland State Park in one route. Other noteworthy bike paths include the Grand River Explorers Trail, Lakeside Trail, and Tri-Cities Connector Path.

Explore the Beaches

You might think Michigan spring is too cold to hang out at the beach. Still, there’s something to be said for having fewer people taking up space on the shoreline. Empty beaches take on a new persona that any photographer, artist, or sightseeing enthusiast can appreciate. Check out our Best Beaches in West Michigan blog for a few ideas!

Work on Your Golf Game — Indoors

Many people may not realize it, but West Michigan is an excellent place for a golf vacation. Although some courses will be open as soon after the snow melts, some players will want to avoid soggy fairways. Thankfully, LiveGolf at Muskegon Country Club gives golfers the unique opportunity to brush up on their drives, chip shots, and putts in a controlled environment. Visit their website to see if you want to take a swing at it!

Visit the Holland Aquatic Center

Look no further than the Holland Aquatic Center if you and your crew can’t wait for summer to get in the water. This world-class water facility offers various features, such as a 50-meter competition pool. Your group will also love the warm-water lap pool, gigantic indoor water slide, and a welcoming “Splash Zone.” There’s something for everyone!

Set Your Clocks to Tulip Time

One of West Michigan’s most outstanding spring events is the Tulip Time Festival 2024in Holland. In addition to the iconic tulips found throughout the city, guests and visitors alike can enjoy a series of concerts, parades, and family-friendly activities. And the best part is Tulip Time Festival is a week-long celebration, making planning more manageable!

Unsalted West Michigan Spring Vacation Rentals

Now you have an overview of some fun things to do during the West Michigan spring season. So it’s time to find a place to stay and start planning your itinerary! Choose from an astounding variety of options from Unsalted Vacation Rentals.

Better yet, visit our Spring Staycation page! You’ll find discounted rates at select properties through April 30, 2024. Book now and take advantage of the year’s lowest rates on these properties!

BVW Unsalted Vacations Property Management manages all of our properties. We provide a starter kit of paper products, toiletries, hospitality-grade linens and much more.

Want to chat with a live representative? Click the blue chat icon on the lower right corner of the screen for assistance. You can also text the team at 616-383-5253 or email hello@unsaltedvacations.com.

Enjoy your unsalted vacation – free of stress, free of salt!

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