Visit Windmill Islands Gardens in Holland MI
If you’re looking for a colorful, fairy-tale wonder of a trip to transport you into a time capsule land of beautiful flowers, head to Windmill Island Gardens. It’s one of the most whimsical, Dutch-inspired places to visit offered only in Michigan.
From guided tours and fun carousels to beautiful wedding venues, Windmill Island Gardens has all that you need for a great new Michigan adventure.
Located in Holland, Michigan, a favorite Michigan travel desination with a Dutch heritage, Windmill Island gardnes is a must-see spot for visitors. In addition a working Dutch windmill, surrounded by endless fields of tulips and other flowers, you’ll find a carousel, a scenic bridge, a playground and more.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Windmill Island Garden in the Michigan travel guide and start planning your getway now.
What are the Windmill Island Gardens?
The Windmill Island Gardens in Michigan is a treasured, Dutch-inspired park.
Many people travel here during the spring and summer months to view the breathtaking tulip gardens, tour guides of the mills, and so much more. It is also known for being home to the only real and oldest Dutch Windmill in the U.S. called De Zwaan.
The Windmill Island Gardens historical site in Michigan make a great day trip with friends and family of all ages to get to experience the unique Dutch heritage and culture.
Are the Windmill Island Gardens Open to the Public?
The Windmill Island Gardens is open seasonally from April to October seven days a week. There is an admission fee of $12 for adults and $6 for kids from ages 3 to 15. The Park opens at 9:30 am and closes at 6 pm.
If you are a Holland resident, you get in for free with proof of your Holland, MI license. (Offer does not include Tulip Time).
Where Should I Park at Windmill Island Gardens?
The Windmill Island Gardens offers a free accommodating parking lot that holds about 300 cars. When busy during festival times, parking can also be found alongside holland city streets and behind downtown shops.
Things to Do at Windmill Island Gardens
De Zwaan Windmill
The famous De Zwaan Windmill is the only authentic Dutch Windmill in the United States. The De Zwaan Windmill traveled over here from the Netherlands in 1964 and is over 250 years old. Many come to the Windmill Island Gardens to visit this Windmill’s grand structure, towering over the array of gardens at 125 feet tall.
Serving as a rich piece of history connected to the Dutch heritage, this windmill is one of a kind here in America and is a sight you don’t want to miss.
Walk the Gardens
The Windmill Islands offers a variety of blooming gardens throughout the season. Of course, The Windmill Islands go above and beyond for Tulip Time, planting over 40 beds on their main campus of beautiful tulips and more, reaching up to over 100,000 blooming tulips.
But, even when Tulip Time is out of season, The Windmill Islands still upkeep and plant their gardens with annuals and perennials and do a theme each season to go along with their garden. Other gardens available seasonally include a community garden, sunflower field, native pollinator garden, tulip grove (8 feet tall carved wooden tulips by a local artist) and more.
Antique Dutch Carousel
The Antique Dutch Carousel is a must-to-do here. No matter what age you are, the hand-painted and hand-crafted Dutch carousel is both a charming piece of artwork and a fun ride, creating a memorable experience during your time here.
‘For Columns’ Street Organ
The ‘Four Columns’ Street Organ at The Windmill Islands is a wonderful added Dutch touch, real Amersterdam street organ music ringing throughout the main campus, and demonstrations to see how the antique instrument works.
Decorated with pastel colors and carved golden detail, this organ is a showstopper- and serves as a fun way to connect to Dutch history through music.
Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden is a neat little area with fun different plants for kids to observe and experience hands-on and close-up. It serves as a great way for those of younger age to view and appreciate gardens.
Little Netherlands Village Display
The Little Netherlands Village Display is a miniature Dutch village set up, all pieces hand-carved and painted by authentic Dutch craftsman. This charming display is a wonder to marvel at and sparks creative interests and ideas for all ages.
Posthouse Visitor Center
Serving as a replica of a 14th-century wayside inn, the Posthouse Visitor Center brings you back in time to get a chance to experience authentic Dutch culture. It also features a space to view the 12-minute film “The Story of DeZwaan”, a great introduction or a concluding way to end your day trip at the Windmill Island Gardens.
Dutch Gift Shop
You can’t leave anywhere without at least stopping by to browse the offered gift shop, and this special Dutch-specific gift shop will be hard to leave with your hands empty. Offering a wide variety of cool little Dutch knick-knacks, Dutch treats, and cool mementos, there is something for everyone in this Windmill Island Gardens gift shop.
Picnic Areas At Windmill Island Gardens
What’s better than a picnic surrounded by an abundant number of beautiful flowers and landscapes? Windmill Island Gardens offers great areas for picnics to serve as a resting lunch spot or snack break as you go about your day trip. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and smell the delicate flowers as you get a chance to reset and refuel.
Playground
Windmill Island Gardens supplies play areas and playgrounds for younger ages to have fun and enjoy their time outside. Check out the miniature house and giant checkers nearby the playground, cornhole, and more with accommodating benches and tables.
Tulip Festival at Windmill Island Gardens
Tulip Time is a famous festival that occurs in Holland Michigan during May. Thousands of tulips are planted all over downtown Holland and more, with many fun festival activities and sightseeing to do. Windmill Island Gardens takes part in the Tulip Time festival by planting many fields and beds of tulips in an eye-catching variety of colors, making it one of the top places to visit during Tulip Time.
Due to this popularity, hours for the gardens are extended, opening from 9 am to 7 pm. It is important to take note of how busy the gardens can get during festival time and is advised to expect the gardens and parking lot to reach capacity fast and may need restricting.
For fewer crowds and more space, visit during the weekdays or another time when the festival is not in session. Windmill Island Gardens hit peak bloom week at the end of July, with their annuals and perennials in full display and bright colors, making another great period to visit the gardens.
Venues
Not only is Windmill Island Gardens perfect for a Michigan road trip or day trip and walking through the gardens, but it also makes a great venue for events and weddings. The beautiful scenery and blooming flowers create a perfect atmosphere for a celebration or gathering and are sure to make a memorable time. Contact the Windmill Island Garden’s Event Specialist to schedule a venue tour, and to take further steps to make your Michigan wedding or event dreams come true.
Going along with the Dutch theme, be sure to check out downtown Holland for restaurants such as the Windmill Restaurant a local Holland staple, or the Wooden Shoe Restaurant for great breakfast and lunch menus. Be sure to visit the nearby Holland State Park Beach to extend your great Dutch-inspired time in Holland Michigan.
More to Do in Holland Michigan
From the Holland Farmers Market, one of the top farmers markets in Michigan to the gorgeously manicured Centennial Park in downtown Holland, there is a lot to do here. Use our Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Holland, MI to find things like Windows on the Waterfront, Dinner Cruises on Lake Macatawa and more!
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About the Author-
Ella Graber is a content writing Intern for My Michigan Beach. She grew up in the Grand Rapids area of Michigan and is currently attending Grand Valley State University, majoring in writing. Creative writing has been an interest of Ella’s ever since middle school, and she continues to be inspired by reading and writing. She is excited to share her love of the great state of Michigan. Outside of writing, Ella can be found enjoying the outdoors on runs and walks, exploring new coffee shops, and visiting the beautiful Michigan beaches with friends.