If you desire a European escape—a place with cobblestone sidewalks lined with local shops, galleries, eateries, and brewpubs—but don’t want to pay for the airfare to get there.
You might be surprised to find that an enchanting town that embodies Dutch architecture is less than three hours from Chicago.
In Holland, Michigan, it’s easy to forget that you’re still in the States.
When you arrive in Holland, you’ll experience the essence of the Netherlands—from the stunning Keukenhof Tulip Gardens to the historic Schiedam Jenever Mills and the charming Dutch villages. Most importantly, you can explore a replication of the expansive Keukenhof tulip gardens—right in the Midwest.
A European escape less than 160 miles from Chicago
Holland is located on the shore of Lake Macatawa in Michigan. Nestled along the shoreline, this multifaceted town is famous for many attractions: springtime tulips, summer festivals, fall orchards, and winter celebrations.
This massive flower festival is returning to Holland this May
From May 1st to May 10th, 2026, the highly anticipated Tulip Time Festival will take over the town.
This annual event, which began in 1929 when the city saw its first crop of 100,000 tulips bloom, has become one of the most grandiose festivals in the area. Each spring, Holland comes alive with millions of tulips in bloom
During this exciting week, the streets will be filled with thousands of spectators enjoying majestic floats, spirited marching bands, and rhythmic Dutch dancers. Along with the tulips and festival, attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of national and local entertainment, fireworks, and much more.