Exploring Nelis’ Dutch Village in Holland, Michigan

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We recently enjoyed a few days exploring the beautiful Holland, Michigan area. Even though our children are not with us on this trek though Michigan, we had heard such positive things about Nelis’ Dutch Village, we made time to visit, and we’re so glad we did!

inside Dutch shoe at Nelis' Dutch Village in Holland, MI

Nelis’ Dutch Village is a recreated Dutch village (with over 30 buildings and structures!) filled with family friendly rides and activities, plenty of authentic dining and shopping options, and daily activities and seasonal traditional events. 

The Nelis family came to America from the Netherlands in 1910 and traveled to Missouri to purchase land and began farming. The family later heard about the growing Dutch community in Holland, Michigan and purchased 80 acres there in the 1920s. They continued farming, but also started growing tulips. Tulips proved to be a popular attraction and the family expanded their tulip farm and added a gift shop. The company expanded as they imported goods from the Netherlands and the property grew with rides and family friendly attractions, added a new theme park in 1958, and has been growing ever since – officially celebrating 100 years in 2022!

Travel Tips:

  • The Village is typically open June through August and on weekends in September, with varying hours; check here for up to date information on hours and admission fees. There is a small discount for purchasing tickets ahead of time online.
  • There is plenty of free parking in front of the entrance.
  • Restrooms are located throughout the village. Information on directions here. 
  • Strollers are recommended for the toddler crew and there are stroller and wheelchair rentals available at Guest Services.
  • There are a few activities that involve water, so consider bringing a change of clothes for the toddler crew who will surely want to get soaked during warmer days.
  • There are several dining options throughout the village, including an ice cream shop, cheese shop, fudge shop, lunch cafe, and pub for adult beverages.
  • There are several gift shops throughout the village, including The Dutch Market, a Dutch themed shop (Delftware, wooden shoes, and German beer steins), and a large gift shop with a variety of souvenirs and housewares.
  • Be sure to check the daily schedule for programs like chocolate and cheese tasting, specialty food making, demonstrations, and dancing; and check the list of monthly themed events. 
  • Plan on a good half day to explore all rides, exhibits, and activities. See a village map here.

Younger Kids Will Enjoy:

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  1. Sampling a variety of cheeses and chocolates, or making fresh stroopwafel or other Dutch specialities each day.
  2. Pretending to be the teacher in the Schoolhouse.
  3. Riding an antique horse on the restored 1924 Carousel.
  4. Playing on The Climbing Castle, Giant Wooden Shoe Slide, and wooden train.
  5. Seeing goats in the “Goat-tel“, and alpacas, goats, bunnies, and chickens in the Petting Farm.
  6. Taking a ride around the tracks on Tractor Time.

Older Kids Will Enjoy:

  1. Pulling the rope to race to the top of the Tulip Tower (must be 48” of taller to ride).
  2. Feeling the breeze on their face while riding the Dutch Chair Swing Ride.
  3. Checking out the view of the village from high above on the Windmill Ride.
  4. Learning a Dutch dance and perform it synchronized to the sounds of the Golden Angel Street Organ.
  5. Getting weighted in the Waaggebouw to determine your innocence or guilt (a process conducted during the witchcraft era in a part of the Netherlands). 
  6. Firing water balloons at opponents in the Pirate Balloon Battle.

dance hall at Nelis' Dutch Village in Holland, MI

Everyone will love the chocolate and cheese samples, the Delftware making explanations (there are 11 steps), Stroopwafel cooking making classes, wooden shoe carving demonstrations, and Dutch dancing performances – there’s something going on in the village just about every minute of the day!

Disclaimer: We were given a media pass to explore the Dutch Village; all opinions expressed are my own.

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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