Wild Flower Farm’s Guide for Tulip Time in Holland, MI
Every spring our dear city of Holland welcomes countless people to visit our city that is FILLED with tulips! Streets are lined with tulips, parks are filled with tulips - it truly is amazing to behold.
For those who live here, we LOVE getting to watch the tulips grow and bloom in the spring, and some of us love the crowds, and others of us … don’t.
If you are planning to visit Holland (or Saugatuck or other surrounding areas) around Tulip Time, here is what we suggest so that you can soak up the beauty of fun of the festival, but also don’t get overwhelmed by it all.
Best spots to see tulips:
-Windmill Island ($$) - It is a spectacular sight throughout all of the seasons, but in the spring, it is ready for Tulip Time in all of its glory. With the authentic Dutch windmill and shops, it will make you feel like you are truly in the Netherlands!
-Window on the Waterfront (kid-friendly, free) - This is our favorite park to go to to see the tulips and take pictures. It doesn’t tend to get as busy, it’s free, and it also has a fantastic playground for the kids to run around and play. Pack a picnic and set up for a pleasant morning or afternoon here.
-Centennial Park (free) - This is our park in the center of town, displaying all of the tulips. It is another great spot to set up a picnic and enjoy the flowers. Our favorite time to go is later in the afternoon, grab some food, and then be ready to watch the Dutch Dancing that happens around the square of the park (check the Tulip Time website for times).
The ONLY place to pick tulips:
Right here at Wild Flower Farm!
It’s true. Our city is FILLED with tulips, but the ONLY place you are allowed to pick them is right here at Wild Flower Farm.
Head over to our Tulip UPick page for details and make sure to follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on days and times.
Best spots for kids in Holland/Saugatuck:
-Dutch Village ($$) - Dutch Village sometimes gets scoffed at because it is such a tourist spot, but honestly, my kids and I love it! There are fun and easy rides for all to enjoy (I would say ideal ages are 2-10 yrs old), there are animals to pet and feed, fun snacks (everyone loves getting to make their own stroopwafel). It is a lovely spot to spend a few hours, have fun, and get a bit more of a taste of Dutch culture!
-Van Raalte Farm - This is a great place to go get outside, hike around some lovely trails, and then during the week of Tulip Time, they have Dutch Life on Display ($$), which will give you a bit of more of a taste of Dutch culture. But even if you skip the display, Van Raalte is a nice spot to be outside and enjoy some trails.
-A few other of our favorite, FREE parks to get outside with the kids and enjoy:
Outdoor Discovery Center (amazing playscape and hiking trails),
Kollen Park (right downtown Holland, with nice waterfront views),
Moran Park (near downtown), and
Walters Woods (has a small playground and then easy and fun to trails to hike around with a creek to splash in too).
If you are staying in Saugatuck, we love the playground that is right downtown - Village Square (grab a coffee from Uncommon and watch the kids play).
Or Schultz Park in Douglas is another favorite spot!
-If you are hoping to pop out to the beach to see Lake Michigan, Holland State Park is fine, but tends to be busy. Tunnel Park is our favorite spot in Holland, with a playground and fun dunes to climb over (you will pay for parking). But our favorite beach spot is in Saugatuck - Oval Beach. You don’t have to pay for parking yet until after Memorial Day, but it’s a great spot, tends to be quiet, and you get amazing views.
Best food/drink in Holland/Saugatuck:
This is a hard one to narrow down, but I’ll do my best!
-Hops on 8th (Holland) - Hops has a wide array of food on the menu, but it is all delicious. We love it with our kids because we can all find something we love. The cocktails are nothing special, but the beer selection is great. It is one of our family go-to’s.
-Seventy-Six (Holland) - This is less kid-friendly, but delicious food and cocktails! It truly doesn’t miss.
-The Southerner (Saugatuck) - Cozy comfort food, but elevated. The Southerner always hits. Their cocktails are amazing, and the food is always good. Kids are welcome here, and ours always love it!
-The Butler (Saugatuck) - The Butler is a great spot if you want to sit outside, have a nice view of the channel, and a family-friendly spot. It’s our summer-time go-to for our family. The food and drinks are always good - nothing extravagant to write home about, but I’ve never had a bad meal.
-Pennyroyal (Saugatuck) - Less kid-friendly and our go-to date night spot. With a pared down menu, everything hits. Food and drink. I truly cannot say enough good things about Pennyroyal. Check them out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and if the weather is good, enjoy sitting outside in the garden! It is a little haven!
-Salt of the Earth (Fennville) - This is totally an honorable mention, but especially if you are staying in Saugatuck, SotE is a spot to check out. Incredible food and cocktails, cozy and welcoming atmosphere. This is another one of our favorites!
There are SO many more spots, but these are our go-to’s as locals!
If there are more recommendations that you need, shoot me an email! I love to help people enjoy our sweet city, especially when so many visitors come for the amazing Tulip Time.
And if you are visiting, I hope to see you out here for the ONLY Tulip UPick in Holland, MI, here at Wild Flower Farm!
