Holland

Holland is a city in Ottawa and Allegan counties in western Michigan, located near Lake Michigan on the shore of Lake Macatawa. The downtown offers shops, restaurants and cultural venues connected by heated sidewalks.

Calvinist separatists from the Netherlands founded the settlement in 1847 under the leadership of Dr. Albertus van Raalte, who shaped its religious and civic development. The community grew rapidly and evolved into a regional center with Dutch identity.

The name comes from the Netherlands and recalls the origins of the first settlers who brought their architecture and customs. Visitors today still find Dutch-inspired facades and windmills that stand as landmarks in the townscape.

The downtown is easy to explore on foot, as many attractions are close together and sidewalks remain clear during winter. In spring during the tulip festival and on summer weekends expect more visitors.

A system of more than 85 miles (137 kilometers) of heated pipes beneath the sidewalks uses warm water from a power plant to melt snow and ice. This network is considered one of the largest of its kind in North America and keeps pedestrian areas safely walkable year-round.

Location: Ottawa County

Location: Allegan County

Inception: 1847

Elevation above the sea: 202 m

Website: https://holland.org

GPS coordinates: 42.78750,-86.10889

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:40