“A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone. It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn’t have to. It is different. And there’s room in the garden for every flower.” — Marianne Williamson
Tulip Time means spring
Tulip Time is another one of those popular West Michigan events I always skipped over.
Gardeners and flower lovers flock to Holland, Michigan, in early May to see millions of tulips in bloom throughout the city. The 2024 Tulip Time, themed Bikes & Blooms, runs May 4-12. This marks the festival’s 95th anniversary.
As the name indicates, Tulip Time is a festival focused on tulips, and it’s usually still chilly. Sure there are Dutch dancers, parades, a carnival, and other community events. But I never really saw the draw.
My opinion has changed in recent years. After visiting Holland in the winter of 2021, we decided to go back for Tulip Time in 2022. We walked around downtown, but Windmill Island Gardens was too busy. This public park is an oasis in the city and home to the De Zwaan Windmill, a beloved historic landmark that celebrates Holland’s Dutch history.
The De Zwaan’s claim to fame: It is the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. And it took a collaborative effort to get it to Holland in 1964.
I missed my chance to tour the De Zwaan “The Swan,” so I put it on my calendar as an artist date in May 2023. The flowering fields of tulips were sweet and seeing the inside of the De Zwaan was a real treat.
On assignment in Holland
“Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.” — Unknown
My first introduction to Tulip Time was 12 years ago, when I worked at a booth to help raise awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore. I was in the home stretch of an internship to complete my master’s degree. It was a cold, rainy weekend, and my boyfriend had to bring a jacket down to me. Yes, he was a keeper.
Fast-forward to 2021. I was assigned a story on Holland, Michigan, for Country Magazine. Click here for the full spread.
We usually visit Holland in the off-season, when it’s not as crowded. I had to do my reporting for the story in December, so we headed down there to find the iconic De Zwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens and hit our usual spots in the city.
The park’s attractions were closed, but it was still fun to walk around. Windmill Island Gardens almost hides in plain sight, just a few blocks from the heart of downtown. We have driven past it countless times and missed the turn trying to find it.
Spring is in the air
“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want to — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” — Mark Twain
Tulip Time brings more than 500,000 visitors to Holland each May. This colorful, delicate flower has power, even though it does not bloom for very long.
Perhaps it’s Michigan’s long winter. Or that tulips symbolize love. Or the fact Tulip Time showcases unique and rare varieties planted in well-designed rows and gardens. The public is even invited to dig up the bulbs after the festival is over.
Tulip Time also celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage and culture, making it a unique event on the shores of Lake Michigan. The annual festival kicks off the tourist season, attracting gardeners, families, and people with spring fever. You can watch the tulips bloom in real time via the city’s Tulip Tracker live webcam.
Tulip Time traditions
“So, in the tulip, we have a flower of beauty and grace of charm, refinement and distinction. It is a powerful flower and it knows it.” — Tadashi Shoji
Tulip Time is unique for a few reasons. Events and activities take place in and around downtown. Some are ticketed events. Others are free to see.
- Free tulip displays: Tulips can be seen for free in public parks and along downtown streets. Some of the best locations are Centennial Park, Holland’s shopping district, Window on the Waterfront, a 30-acre park with 100,000+ tulips, and Tulip Lanes.
- Paid tulip attractions: Windmill Island Gardens, Nelis’ Dutch Village, and Veldheers Tulip Farm feature tulip displays and other attractions.
Holland’s festival is the longest-running tulip festival in the United States. A culturally diverse community, Holland is also home to Hope College and several global companies (Herman Miller, Haworth International, Gentex).
Another unique fact: Holland has the largest municipal snowmelt system in North America, with roughly 5 miles and 10.5 acres of heated streets and sidewalks.
Wild for Tulip Time
“A little flower that blooms in May, a lovely sunset at the end of a day, someone helping a stranger along the way. That’s heaven to me.” — Sam Cooke
Festival highlights
- Tulip Immersion Garden: World-renowned Dutch horticulturist, Ibo Gülsen, creates a week-long immersion experience at Beechwood Church. Visitors can explore 65,000 tulips of all varieties and colors at eye level. $15 per person.
- Dutch dancing: Watch Dutch dancers or get in on the action. Free demonstrations and dance lessons offered daily at Centennial Park.
- Carnival: Midway rides and games open nightly at the Civic Center Lot. No unaccompanied minors. Wristband/tickets required to ride.
- Volksparade and fireworks: Gather with locals and visitors for this Tulip Time grand finale. Parade runs 2-4 p.m. May 11 along Eighth Street from Columbia to Van Raalte and 24th. The fireworks start at dusk and can be viewed at Kollen Park. Free to attend. Food and entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m.
Other activities include historic walking tours, Tall Ship dockside tours, Art in Bloem Fine Art exhibit, Tulip Time Quilt Show, concerts and more. Check out the events page for a complete list of activities.
Holland area attractions
Holland’s location on Lake Michigan makes it a popular vacation destination during the warmer months. You can spend a week exploring the area or stop off on your way “up north.” The city is clean, safe, and family friendly.
Similar to other coastal communities, Holland has sand dunes and public beach access. Make sure to visit:
- Holland State Park
- Big Red Lighthouse
- Natural areas with hiking trails
- Hemlock Crossing nature center and trails
- Van Raalte Farm Park
- Mt. Pisgah Dune Climb and Boardwalk
- Tunnel Park on the shores of Lake Michigan
- Bike trails that connect to other communities, including Grand Haven
Windmill Island Gardens
“I will not be another flower, picked for my beauty and left to die. I will be wild, difficult to find, and impossible to forget.” — Erin Van Vuren
Hidden in the heart of the city, Windmill Island Gardens is a city-owned park that houses a piece of history.
The De Zwaan towers in the distance as you drive into the park, which is surrounded by wetlands and the Macatawa River. This five-story windmill is open for self-guided tours during the summer.
I went on a day last May when everyone seemed to have spring fever. It was sunny and 70, and the tulip fields were just past peak.
The park’s attractions include 150,000+ tulips planted in formal gardens and growing fields. Get lost among the 36-acres of flower gardens, walking paths, dikes, canals, and picnic areas.
Features include a gazebo, replica bridge, and Dutch village with authentic Dutch souvenirs. It’s fun to listen to the antique street organ, a gift from the City of Amsterdam. The kids will enjoy a ride on the hand-painted Dutch carousel and playground and children’s gardens.
Other Dutch highlights
- The Post House is an exact replica of a 14th century wayside inn
- Historic Little Netherlands display showing life in the low countries in the 1840’s when Holland was founded
- Permanent ‘Tulip Grove’ carved from old-growth oak trees
- A gift shop featuring Dutch food, cheese tasting, Delft Blue pottery and more
- A ‘Welkom’ movie explaining how Holland was settled and the Island came into being
- ‘De Gezellige Tuin’ Community Garden, ‘Zonnebloem Veld’ Sunflower Field, and Native Pollinator Garden
- Walking trails and open spaces with wildlife including many bird species that call the Macatawa River delta home
Windmill Island Gardens is an all-ages destination where you can delight in Dutch culture or relax among tulips. The gardens are replanted with annuals that bloom in late July and August. Even if you can’t visit during Tulip Time, it is worth a trip during summer or fall. The park’s attractions close Oct. 6.
Although the De Zwaan is the main attraction, Windmill Island Gardens is a peaceful place for a walk or bird watching even when everything is closed. The property remains open to locals and walkers year-round. Plus, they light up the windmill and property for Magic at the Mill in December. You’ll want to return during the holidays.
A piece of history
“Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.” — French Proverb
I have an affinity for the De Zwaan – still turning and grinding wheat into flour – but maybe it’s because I enjoy history.
Holland officials worked out a deal with the Netherlands to bring the windmill to Holland in 1964. Many windmills were damaged during World War II. They needed permission from the Dutch government because windmills are considered national monuments.
The De Zwaan opened to the public in 1965, after they disassembled and reassembled it at Windmill Island Gardens. De Zwaan crossed the Atlantic aboard the Prins Willem van Oranje. After it arrived at the Muskegon harbor, officials transported the windmill by truck to Windmill Island.
The De Zwaan serves as a popular backdrop for photos, especially during Tulip Time. But it’s cool to see up close and personal. You can climb the stairs to the Gallery Deck for a 360 degree view of the tulip fields or admire the inner workings of the milling process inside this historic structure.
De Zwaan damaged during war
Reading up on the windmill, there is some conflicting information out there about its history. The De Zwaan’s miller and historian, Alisa Crawford, researched the windmill and traced its origins to the city of Dordrecht in South Holland. It was originally erected as a zaagmolen (sawmill) in 1833.
- Holland officials purchased the mill for $2,800
- Mill came from Vinkel, North Brabant, that had been built in 1884 and owned by the Van Schayk family
- Hybrid mill built from the structure and components from two to three other mills
- De Zwaan was heavily damaged during World War II
- Last windmill to leave the Netherlands
- Dutch millwright Jan D. Medendorp supervised its relocation and restoration
- It took approximately six months to reconstruct the windmill
- The blades are 80 feet long and six feet wide
- “De Zwaan” means graceful bird
- The windmill reaches 125 feet from the ground to the top of the blades
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018
While there, you can talk to docents dressed up in Dutch attire or take a video tour if you cannot climb the stairs in the windmill. Check out the action via a live webcam.
The property has limited parking, and it can fill up quickly on the weekends. Your best bet is to visit on a weekday. But it is worth the traffic and crowds to see the De Zwaan.
Tulip Time artist date
“Be a tulip in a field of weeds.” — Unknown
After visiting Tulip Time twice in recent years, I still haven’t put my finger on what makes Tulip Time so popular. I think it’s the mix of culture, wholesome family fun, and the anticipation of spring. Tulips are a reminder that we survived another winter!
Tulip Time appeals to all ages and interests. It’s fun if you are looking for a weekend getaway, family time, or want to go with your gardening friends. Downtown Holland offers shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Plus, you have artist date options! You can walk around at your leisure, attend a ticketed event, and snap those selfies. Holland Museum, Kruizenga Art Museum, Holland Area Arts Council, De Klomp Delft Factory, and Holland Bowl Mill would make great artist dates!
I took my camera to Windmill Island Gardens and enjoyed walking around. You could also bring a sketch pad or journal or find a spot to try plein-air painting. Better yet – simply stop, put the phone away, and admire the tulips.
Windmill Island Gardens is similar to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in that it is safe, spread out, with plenty to see and do. Read my blog about visiting Meijer Gardens.
Adult play date
“I love tulips better than any other spring flower; they are the embodiment of alert cheerfulness and tidy grace… Their faint, delicate scent is refinement itself; and is there anything in the world more charming than the sprightly way they hold up their little faces to the sun?” — Elizabeth von Arnim
If you are hung up on doing things alone, read this blog: 5 Reasons to Embrace Alone Time & Take Yourself on an Artist Date. Who cares what people think. The author celebrates herself and visits an art museum alone on her birthday.
Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, describes the artist date as assigned play: “A once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you.”
Go ahead, take your inner child on a play date. It may just change your life. I am sure it will boost your mood.
Perhaps it was because I visited on a beautiful May day, but I returned home uplifted and happy. Brighter, warmer days are ahead! Cheers to that.
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” — Lady Bird Johnson
Marla R. Miller is an award-winning journalist, travel writer, and content marketing writer who lives in West Michigan. Please “like” or follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Let me help grow your business. Check out my Writing Services or Read My Work.
