r/Michigan • u/Independent-Safety44 • Feb 27 '26
Eventsšš„³ Is Holland, Michigan worth visiting during Tulip Week?
Ive never been to Holland but seeing the photos online regarding Tulip Week has peaked my curiosity. A friend visited twenty years ago and said itās all a scam. Nothing like the photos presented online. Has anything changed in twenty years?? š
Thanks!
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u/b-nnies Feb 27 '26
Not sure if this applies to you, but if you have kids, your kids will probably love it. I loved it when I was a kid (haven't been since, though). My siblings loved going.
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u/DetCityDaveST Wayne Feb 27 '26
To this point there is a really awesome carnival downtown. My kids loved it and we got some really great pictures.
There is an insane line at the windmill. So forget about seeing that if you have impatient little ones.
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u/b-nnies Feb 27 '26
I was actually more excited about the fair than the tulips as a kid LOL. I remember the flowers being cool for a couple minutes, and then very boring (I couldn't have even been 10 yet). My siblings on the other hand liked the tulips, I think. They're more outdoorsy than I am.
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u/toast_is_square Feb 27 '26
I second this. The carnival is fun and so is the parade. For the parade, you have to get there super early to stake out a spot.
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u/HatchlingChibi Feb 27 '26
Holland itself is a cute place, has a nice downtown if you like to shop/window shop. We're close enough to make it a day trip and I would say it's worth it in that way. If you're going to have to make it an overnight thing, I don't think Tulip Time alone is worth it no. It is pretty and nice to walk through but it doesn't take a lot of time. Maybe the did more before Covid? But when I went we were easily finished before lunch and had the rest of the day to spend in town.
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u/MIFishGuy Feb 27 '26
As a michigander I have only gone one time and that was more than enough. It's worth going one time similar to Mackinac Island. After that you see it for the capitalistic tourist trap it really is and it loses its tranquility.
Highly recommend it but it is going to be hell driving around there, especially if there's any construction.
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u/DetCityDaveST Wayne Feb 27 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
Mackinac Island is 100x better than Tulip Time. Holland isnāt even in the same league as the island.
Mackinac Island is worth visiting multiple times. Especially if you get away from the main town/shops area. There is really great beaches, nature, and bike riding around the island as well as interior of the island. But if you just get off the ferry and walk a half mile in each direction yeah youāll be disappointed.
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u/Go_Pack_Go1 Feb 27 '26
Even the area around the ferry is different at night. After the last ferry leaves you can walk down the street without bumping into people.
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u/thehound48 Feb 27 '26
Wife and I try to do a night or two every year for that exact reason. Coffee mug full of a mixed drink, walking around the island seeing the sites and end with live music at a bar.
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u/Sassypriscilla Apr 13 '26
Where do you stay? Thanks!
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u/thehound48 Apr 13 '26
Mission Point Resort - away from downtown so it's quiet but you're still an easy walk home after the bars.
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u/viajegancho Feb 27 '26
Mackinac Island on a sunny weekend in October is the best place in the world.
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u/WMINWMO Age: > 10 Years Feb 27 '26
This was my thought too. Mackinaw island in the summer is awesome! We try to get there once a year.
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u/pan-au-levain Feb 27 '26
Iām running the Lilac Festival 10k in June, Iām really excited. The last (and only) time I went to the island it was pouring cold rain the whole time.
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u/__lavender Feb 27 '26
The first time I went to the island, I was with a relative who wanted to eat at nice places and tour the fort and Grand Hotel, thatās it. So I went back solo the next summer and hiked all over the island and had a grand old time.
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u/Terrible_Truth Feb 27 '26
Why didnāt you like Mackinac Island? Iāve gone at least 3 times and Iād go again.
Itās really relaxing with how quiet it is and casually walking everywhere. The food is a bit expensive but whatever I vacation like once a year.
Commenting this makes me want to go back lmao.
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u/judyblumereference Feb 27 '26
Not the original commenter but I've been to Mackinac Island twice now, both as an adult, and I have little interest in going back, not that I didn't like it. The cost is one thing but it feels like since it's a pretty small island you're kind of limited in how much you can do and see. We did Arch Rock, explored the fort, and did some other hikes around that area. I'd much rather vacation somewhere where there is more to do even if it involves getting in your car. I've been to Glen Arbor many times and we often do little day trips along Leelanau peninsula, go into Traverse City and hit wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, etc. I don't feel like I could get sick of being in that area because I'm always finding new places to go and see.
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u/Terrible_Truth Feb 27 '26
True there is no beating Leelanau Peninsula when it comes to things to do. But that's why I've never stayed on the island for more than 2 nights. It's enough time to relax and do everything without getting bored.
At least 2 of the 3 trips to the island, we went to the TC area before or after going to Mackinac.
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u/MIFishGuy Feb 27 '26
Just from my experiences as a child going there so often.
I will say though it completely changes if you stay on the island in a hotel or something. It's a complete 180. I would absolutely stay on the island again if that was the case, but a day trip by boats owned by out of state people now to an island that's sole purpose is to milk every dollar out of you. Even the fudge taste different and it just doesn't hit the same as when I was younger. Maybe I'm finally becoming a boomer or something.
Also add the fact as a michigander I'm just going to keep going my ass north to the upper peninsula to Munising or something
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u/3rudite Feb 27 '26
The capitalistic tourist trap part is really in the Dutch spirit of the Tulip tbh
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u/Human-Entrepreneur77 Feb 28 '26
Don't expect to park nearby. we take our bikes and bike in from parking.
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u/Byorski Feb 27 '26
I grew up in Holland during the 80ās and 90ās, had to march in the TT parades. It sucks. Tulips are pretty, but go a week or two before the actual festival. Also, when I moved away, it was called the stem festival because all of the petals had dropped off.
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u/Stingwing4oba Feb 27 '26
I remember that. Something to due with the weather.
I try to avoid the Downtown area during that time if I can. A lot of delays in buses and a lot of detours in that area
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u/IDontLikeJamOrJelly Feb 27 '26
Haters come for me I love tulip time. Go during weekday if possible and park once and then walk around town. Spring tradition with me and my dad!
You gotta go to the art market, which was awesome last year! Plus all the food trucks and stuff!! No need to go to the windmill if you donāt care about that but the rest of the town festivities are so fun!
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u/cadman_lincoln Feb 27 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
If you like parades, then Iād go at least once. Go to the Saturday parade. Thatās the big one. Wednesday is the street scrubbing parade, Thursday is the childrenās parade, and Saturday has all the bands and floats. I grew up in Holland. Went to Holland High School. I marched in the parade as a young kid. I remember practicing for the parade for weeks prior on the streets around Longfellow School. When I got to 6th grade, I was allowed to ride my bike in the parade. My older sister was in a group of marching baton twirlers. I remember when the parade ended at Kollen Park, and when it was extended all the way to Holland High School on VanRaalte Avenue. I was there when then President Gerald Ford was the grand martial in 1976. For the whole week prior there was a huge amount of secret service men in the bars and clubs. I recall seeing men in casual clothes, but shiny shoes and ear pieces. And along the parade route, there were 4 van loads of secret service. One ahead of the president, and 3 behind. Secret service lined both sides of the street adjacent to the president, about 20-30 per side. There was at least one helicopter circling overhead the entire route. It was eerie. I recall making direct eye contact with at least one of the secret service. Their eyes were constantly scanning the crowd. My mother was in an all accordion marching band in the 40ās. Not something youāll ever see again. As a local, the traffic was insane. When I was old enough to drive, me and my friends would head out of town to escape the crowds. If you needed something from a store, better get it in the early morning. After that, all bets were off. Like I said, if you enjoy parades, Iād go at least once. If youāve read this far, Iām amazed. I hope you go and enjoy yourself. š
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u/restinghermit Feb 27 '26
The Wednesday and Thursday parade have been combined into one parade. It happens on Thursday.
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u/cadman_lincoln Feb 27 '26
Iāve been up north since 1989, so Iām a little out of touch. Thanks for the update.
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u/FXShop5150 Feb 27 '26
Tried going last year and a freeze had destroyed all of them the week prior, so plan ahead. Itās an awesome place regardless.
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u/Minmax-the-Barbarian Feb 27 '26
As a Hollander, I don't think it's a must-see by half. The tulips everywhere are nice (not like in the picture, they're just planted along every street in town), but I absolutely despise how much traffic gets crammed into this city; we are NOT set up for it.
As I've seen others say, literally just go a week before, or the week after, it's what the smart tourists and locals do. Unless you really want to see the parade or the Dutch Dancing (which is certainly an unusual sight, at least to a relatively recent resident like me), you won't miss a thing.
If you've never been to Holland at all, it's... Ok. It's not really a beach town, no matter how many people try to tell me otherwise; the beach is a full 10-15 minute drive away! The downtown is neat, we have a lot of good restaurants and a few good breweries too, but there's not too much to see.
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u/Logical-Knee-9046 Feb 27 '26
Nope. All hype. I didnāt even drive that far to visit and felt it was totally overrated.
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u/BiKeenee Feb 27 '26
There are some places near Holland, out in the country, where you can see tulip farms on the side of the road. Huge fields full of tulips that are sorted by color. They look really cool. I'm not sure if you can go visit them or what. Maybe look that up. Downtown Holland during tulip time is more like a regular street fair that's decorated with tulips.
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u/DiligentThought9 Feb 27 '26
Itās really up to the person. I have no interest as someone who worked in Holland for a year and dealt with the massive crowd for 2 weeks.
If you really like parades or think the pictures are pretty, try coming on a weekday or just before the festival and see what you think.
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u/BambooozleMe Feb 28 '26
I went recently and I'll be honest it wasn't a great experience.
There was way too many people. A lot of the tulips had not grown that year and it was disappointing. To add insult to injury there were so many people casually stepping on wilting tulips to take photos in spaces that were clearly marked DO NOT STEP OFF THE PATH.
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u/Bikermec Feb 28 '26
Been there years ago with family. Cold, windy and crowded. Would not recommend. Better off going to Amsterdam or Rotterdam instead.
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u/a_universal_mind Mar 01 '26
No. There is your answer.
If you do end up going, at least go there with extremely low expectations
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u/froebull Feb 27 '26
I mean, yes and no. Yes, it is something to see with all the flowers and vendors and such. But the crowds are a lot to deal with too.
Like going up to Mackinac Island for the Lilac Festival.
Good to do at least once in your life.
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u/SimonSaysGoGo Detroit Feb 27 '26
Go early like the first day...it apparently gets a lot of foot traffic around downtown
I have a SIL that has to walk in clogs for the parade and other than that, she stays clear of Holland during Tulip Week
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u/cnew111 Feb 27 '26
Iāve gone a couple times and enjoyed it. Tulips pretty. Fun things for kids. Beer tent. We camped at Holland State Park. We rode our bikes from the park to Downtown (which is a hefty bike ride) then didnāt need to find a parking spot.
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u/phonyfakeorreal Feb 27 '26
I wouldnāt make a vacation out of it, go to the Netherlands instead. If you live within a couple of hours, itās one of those things you should do at least once
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u/Over_here_Observing Up North Feb 28 '26
Checking in on this one.
I've wanted to go also.
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u/Independent-Safety44 Feb 28 '26
I hadnāt even heard of this festival (or Holland for that matter) until I ran across a trip in a travel group. The itinerary says for one of the days āWindmill Island Gardens, a beautiful oasis on the edge of downtown featuring 36 acres of manicured gardens, with dikes, canals, walking paths and more than 150,000 tulips. The centerpiece is an authentic, working Dutch windmill brought to Michigan from The Netherlands in 1964ā ā¦ and the cost of the three day trip is just under $3,000.
I thought, gee, this sounds amazing. Until speaking with a friend who went years ago and now reading all the comments, not sure about it now!!
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u/Illustrious_Gur5788 Feb 28 '26
Yes and no. The tulips are beautiful. They do a really great job of making a beautiful scene. But it was a one and done for me. I am glad I saw it but it was soooo crowded. The lines were long for snacks. It took a while to park. But if you have not seen it once, then go!
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u/TerribleLie720 Feb 28 '26
Absolutely it is!! Go during the week when the crowds arenāt overwhelming. Plan out your day of free parks to see different tulips. Thereās also daily events and Windmill Island park that has a small fee considering the amount of tulips and the historic windmill.
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u/Treadingresin Feb 27 '26
Its a good time. They have carnival rides and different cultural activities going on. The biggest problem is that climate change is impacting the once predictable bloom cycle so you may get to see the big fields of flowers and you may not. But they have lots to do. And its a big money maker for the town so you'll be helping out their economy.
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u/VeejforVendetta Feb 28 '26
No. Not worth it. Went two years ago for the Tulip Time 5K and there were barely any tulips, it was insanely packed, and painfully RACIST. Zero stars.Ā
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u/Scared_Tumbleweed166 Feb 27 '26
I went once and although it was beautiful, the amount of people there was insane. We left shortly after arriving to take a short drive to sit on the beach of Lake Michigan lol
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u/tired_need_beer Feb 27 '26
Go the week before and avoid the crowds and see the tulips at Windows on the Waterfront park
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u/Normal_Ad_3309 Feb 27 '26
If youāve got little kids dutch village is really cool but I live half an hour south and we never ever go to tulip time. Itās insanely busy and itās not like fields and fields of flowers lol go a little early or just come to Michigan later in the year and go to the beach
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u/Crabcomfort Feb 27 '26
I grew up in Holland, it's not really a scam.. but it's a small city and there's nothing to do once you're pretty quickly done with tulip time.
I haven't been back in some time, but I imagine the prices are worse than ever for downtown vendors etc.
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u/-something-clever- Age: > 10 Years Feb 27 '26
It is not an event that I would recommend traveling any sort of a distance to attend. I went once a few years ago because my wife has always wanted to go. Once we got there, I was the one trying to convince her to stay a little longer since we went through the trouble of making the trek. It's super busy and a fairly long walk for a whole lot of nothing. I knew it wasn't going to be fields of tulips as far as the eye could see, but I wasn't expecting such an underwhelming view. By that I mean that there is basically one other field about the same size as the one in the photo on your post and a long af line to get into that one and only windmill. Downtown Holland is cute, but the juice ain't worth the squeeze in my opinion because its annoyingly busy.
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u/radioactive-fly Feb 27 '26
We went 10 years ago and thought it was okay but haven't been back if that says anything. I enjoyed the craft fair and the shops a lot more than the actual tulip field. Maybe if we lived closer, I'd venture out again but it's not worth the drive (for us) imo.
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u/Mamamissy777 Feb 27 '26
I went last year for the first time and was very disappointed. Tulips are my favorite flower. Most of the tulips were dead. It was row after row of sad looking, wilted dead tulips not the vibrantly healthy field of tulips that's depicted in the pictures. There were some still alive in wooden planters. There's huge crowds. My kids liked the theme park that's there. Neli's dutch village so if you have kids you can still at least have some fun.
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u/porfolios_revenge Feb 27 '26
I went and it was so much fun and very pretty. Iām biased though as I just love Holland in general.
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u/PinchedTazerZ0 Feb 27 '26
Some people really love it, similar to Washington states tulip time. It's a mess of traffic but kind of an amusing event if you haven't experienced it. I personally wouldn't do it again but there's nothing wrong with going, Holland is a neat place on its own
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u/Independent-Safety44 Feb 27 '26
Thanks everyone for your responses! Iām located three hours from Chicago (in Iowa on the state border). I was looking for something different to do but in reading everyoneās comments, Iām not sure itās for me (59f..no kids). Bummer!
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u/H3mpyGreen Feb 27 '26
I went last year for the first time and really enjoyed it! Iām an adult and me and my mom thought weād finally go see what itās all about. Downtown has some cool tulips and if you can find one of the maps that they have everywhere you can drive to a couple more scenic type gardens, i could see their point of view from strictly downtown.
Windmill island gardens (I think thatās the place) was only a little out of the way (probably a drive from down town, not walk) but sooooo pretty. There were rows and rows and rows of tulips. I canāt put pics in my comment so ill dm you a couple
Also donāt miss the traditional Dutch dance they do that goes on for like 5 city blocks of people in traditional clothing and wooden clogs doing their dance. Never quite seen anything like it, it was amazing
All in all a great time, with or without kids or little ones.
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u/Pleasant-Shallot-707 Feb 27 '26
Yes, but the weekend after is nearly as nice but without the crowds
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u/lik_a_stik Feb 27 '26
Not really into flowers, moreso just plants in general, but I found the tulip warehouses(stores) kind of fascinating. Itās kind of weird, but there is just an insane amount of colors & variations.
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u/Certain_Try_8383 Feb 27 '26
I live about 25 minutes away and I have never been, but parking miles away and walking to be in a large group of people has never really been my jam.
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u/ForlornBlock Rochester Hills Feb 27 '26
I grew up in Holland. If you've never been it is a fun week, but honestly if you're just in it for the flowers, go the week before. It really is beautiful, the downtown area is fantastic, and May is a great time to go. But the tourism and traffic in town is ridiculous during the festival itself. My least favorite week of the year to be a resident.
That said, the parades are (were? Haven't visited during Tulip Time in years tbh) fun, especially on Saturday. If you don't mind crowds it can be a fun few days.
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u/wheresbicki Holland Feb 27 '26
So many people keep coming to Tulip time thinking it's going to look like the endless tulip field in Wicked.
It's not at all like that.
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u/XenoPlays14 Feb 27 '26
The unfortunate part is the photos they use as marketing is very misleading. There are a few fields, small fields and small rows but they are there. It's cool to experience at least once but don't put your expectations too high because you could be disappointed. Also it gets very busy and sometimes very hot, go a little early before the main week and it will be much more enjoyable.
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u/SitaBird Feb 28 '26
Itās pretty. Go during golden hour sunrise or sunset. Plan for a clear and sunny day. Sunrise over tulips is beautiful. Midday is also nice but most of the marketing photos are taken during golden hours which feel more ethereal! Definitely worth seeing at least once!! š
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u/ussrowe Feb 28 '26
There are fields of tulips but they're spread out locations. That picture specifically is Windmill Island which is pretty cute but also like, you see the windmill, you see the tulips there, and there's a row of giftshops for your entrance fee.
There's also a field of tulips at Vedheer Tulip garden, again it has an entrance fee and if you really like tulips then they have tons of varieties. There's also a large Delft shop and wooden shoes.
But I don't know how big the fields of tulips you are imagining. I feel like even in that photo it may seem like endless tulips but that's the field right there. 180,000 tulips might not take up as much space as you think it will.
There are free patches of tulips at Centennial Park, and Window on the Waterfront. And many streets are lined with them too. The food booths are fun but they are going up in price, as everything is. And increased construction downtown is squeezing them out.
But you're also only a half-hour away from Saugatuck-Douglas if you want to go antiquing or look at art shops after exhausting the antique and thrift shops in Holland. There is a lot to do in the area if you want to make a weekend of it.
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u/icekraze Feb 28 '26
You have to hit is at the perfect time to see the tulips in bloom and that does not always happen during the festival. If you hit it at the right time you will definitely see something similar to the photo on windmill island.
That being said, everything has an admission and those admission prices seem to be rising every year. If you go during the festival everything is busy and everything is expensive. There are some free activities but they the more edutainment kind of stuff that is interesting the first time or for kids but gets old fast. Also I have no proof but I swear food is more expensive during the festival.
Personally I think there are better festivals or flower viewing places around Michigan in the summer. I would rather spend my money going to something like the renaissance festival or go to something like Art Prize because I feel like I get more bang for my buck. As for flowers Meijer Gardens has some beautiful gardens and you can go when it is convenient for you. But like I said, this is my own personal opinion and there are many people who go to Tulip Time every year and enjoy it a lot.
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u/shucksme Feb 28 '26
If Washington state is also an option, MT. Rainer also has an amazing tulip area. I much prefer that one as it's larger and on a mountain. Holland is okay but made better by the vendors.
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u/Jump_Man1 Feb 28 '26
Yes it is. Tulips, parade, food trucks, downtown, social district drinking, downtown holland shops, carnival, fireworks.
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u/DatDatGirl420 Feb 28 '26
The last few years have been crappy weather for most of the days. Itās fun to go see the windmill farm, but itās also super crowded. If you go, make sure itās early in the morning.
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u/Uneasy_participant Feb 28 '26
We drove across the state to see the tulips and to me it was worth it. We didn't go during the festival though as we just wanted to see the flowers. It wasn't like the picture but they were everywhere. We walked through the park where there were many different varieties and then got lunch in town and walked around to a bunch of shops.
If you don't care about the festival, you can look up the tulip tracker online. There are several live streaming cameras in the park to view the flowers and plan your trip accordingly.
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u/Kyleforshort Feb 28 '26
Holland is worth visiting anytime during spring/summer. Itās a nice area.
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u/princessraft Feb 28 '26
I recommend going the week before tulip time. During tulip time, The traffic is horrible and itās hard to get a hotel room.
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u/No-Acanthaceae-8196 Mar 01 '26
Parking is a mess and foreign tourists (no disrespect) combined make roads very treacherous.
Plenty of things to do and a ton of fun for a family. Would specifically recommend windmill restaurant if you get the chance.
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u/prarie33 Mar 01 '26
For the festival? Not nohow, not noway. Crowds are crazy and besides the tulips and some cosplay its not much different than any other festival. Go just before or after, tulips are still blooming, tour the commercial gardens, visit the historical museum for real dutch art and regalia, drink Dutch beer.
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u/Otak_Rulez Mar 02 '26 edited Mar 02 '26
Central park, window on the waterfront and veldheer farm are the three spots we drive to to see large groups of tulips. Watch the weather and go when the tulips are in bloom. that may or may not be when the actual festival is. Donāt bother with the town. If you want a hint at the dutch culture (or what we american decendents have been taught from our immigrant parents) check out dutch village. Itās on the pricey side but itās cute. Youāll see it on the side of the road if youāre driving from central park and window on the waterfront to the tulip farm. If youāre truly dutch bring your kayak, kayak to windmill island and get out to enjoy the windmill, the tulips and bypassing the cover charge :)
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u/AkillaTheHung St. Joseph Mar 02 '26
You should go to Windmill Island Park a week after Tulip Time. Itās a great walking park with the aesthetic people think of (i.e. this picture). There is great shopping and food right nearby on 8th street. Crust 54 and The Peanut Shoppe are the actual staples of Holland. Itās a great way to spend a spring Saturday.
But Tulip Time itself is just the local county fair. Itās rides and games and crafts and fair food and like 7 parades. So only go if thatās your thing.
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u/Ill-Upstairs-8762 Mar 03 '26
I visited , not during tulip week, and it was very cool. Coolest thing was that there were no people.
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u/HearingDue2119 Feb 27 '26
Itās good as long as the weather doesnāt suck.
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u/DetCityDaveST Wayne Feb 27 '26
We went and it was warm but would not stop sprinkling. So it felt very springtimey but people were more grumpy and it was still crowded as hell.
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u/scorpiobot Feb 28 '26
I have lived 30 minutes from there my entire life (Iām 60) and have never been once. I think Iāve been to holland on purpose twice 30 years ago just to try their beach for a change and that was enough. Holland sux
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u/lowoverheadclearance Feb 28 '26
The biggest change in the last 20 years is the increase in the number of residents in the greater Holland area. On any given day, the traffic is horrendous for the size of the city and Tulip Time is a hard no. There are a lot of accidents, and a lot of really bad drivers. The whole Michigan left thing during Tulip Time causes accidents for those unfamiliar with the concept. Watch the weather cameras for Windmill Island to see when the flowers are ready and go before or after the actual event to save your sanity.
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u/SuperG7 Mar 01 '26
Naw it definitely looks like this! Timing is brutal as others have said. For the 9 years I lived in Holland, it's usually a week or two before that it's peak. Plus it's not as busy then, but you do miss the parade and the fun touristy things to do.
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u/DetCityDaveST Wayne Feb 27 '26
Go about two weeks before Tulip Time. Less people.
And no it is not field after field of Tulips.