Discover Holland Michigan 2022 Visitors Guide

DUTCH ATTRACTIONS

NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE + IMPORT SHOPS (SEASONAL) Î 12350 James St • (616) 396.1475 • dutchvillage.com

Take a step back into the Netherlands of over 100 years ago, where costumed dancers perform in wooden shoes and welkom visitors into their klompen folkdance. Wander along canals to old-world Dutch shops, andwatch how traditional delft pottery, wooden shoes and farmhouse-style cheese were crafted. At the kinderboerderij petting farm, animal lovers can cuddle a bunny, groom a goat and feed all the farm friends. Antique amusements are sure to create fun family memories. Climb into the sky on a 1940’s windmill Ferris wheel; twirl on the zweefmolen chair swing ride; or cheer your kids on in a pedal pumping car race. Music froman antique street organ and spinning carousel will call to children of all ages. And the giant wooden shoe slide is guaranteed to earn a photo-worthy smile! All this activity will work up an appetite. For an authentic taste of the old country, treat your taste buds to some saucijzebroodjes (homemade sausage rolls), the village’s famous pea soup or 20 varieties of Dutch cheese. Savor banket – the traditional Dutch almond pastry – or a Grolsch lager at the Thirsty Dutchman Pub. When you’ve had your fill of Dutchdelights, bringhome an imported memento or packaged sweet to keep the happiness going. $ Starting your visit in historic downtown Holland? Get a jump on your Dutch experience at the new Dutch Village gift shop on 8th street! A botanical paradise, this 36-acre park gets its name from the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. De Zwaan is over 200 years old and sits upon picturesque grounds that make you feel transported to another country if not century. From April 18 – October 2, 2022, you can climb inside this piece of history to a 4th-story deck with a seasonally changing panoramic view. Expansive blooming tulip fields surround the windmill in the spring. Throughout the summer and early autumn, floral beauty endures in peaceful gardens filled with hundreds of perennials and 5,000 annuals. Come winter, the grounds remain open, and you can stroll, cycle or cross-country ski around this glorious structure. The theme for the gardens changes annually, and 2022’s is “holidays.” Also new in 2022 is the spectacular year-round grove of 10' tall wooden tulips. Come experience a slice of the Netherlands right here in West Michigan. This beautiful little island is a dazzling treasure to the residents of Holland, and one we delight in sharing with our visitors. Be sure to check the website for events that will make your visit extra special. $ WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS Î (SEASONAL • GROUNDS OPEN YEAR-ROUND) 1 Lincoln Ave • (888) 535.5792 • windmillisland.org

Abhishek Chandra

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