If you live in Michigan—as I do—you just can’t miss “Tulip Time” in Holland. Tulips and klompen (wooden shoes) are everywhere, as you can see from this sign posted in the public library.
This year I watched the parades and Dutch dancers for the very first time—and what fun! The young people seem to really enjoy dressing up in traditional Dutch costumes and putting on a show. The Holland High School marching band performs a dance routine to “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” (what else!) and march the entire parade route in klompen. There is also delicious Dutch food to sample as well as all the usual parade treats like corn dogs and elephant ears.
The flower gardens all around town are magnificent with tulips in nearly every color of the rainbow. The city designates certain public streets as “tulip lanes” for those who want to drive around and see even more flowers. And of course the gardens at Holland’s Windmill Island are spectacular. DeZwaan is a genuine Dutch windmill built in 1761 and brought over to Holland, Michigan 50 years ago to become the city’s centerpiece.
I had a lot of fun but I was also hard at work. I’m currently researching my next novel, which just happens to feature a family of Dutch immigrants who come to Michigan in 1847 and settle the town of Holland. Who says researching historical novels isn’t fun?
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I’m an Aussie, I love tulips and just planted 50 this weekend.
Wonderful! You’ll enjoy seeing them when spring comes to your country. I only wish that tulips bloomed longer.
I agree although I find as long as it doesn’t get to hot they do bloom longer than some plants. I love how in spring the daffodils bloom first then you get to enjoy the tulips later. I would love to go to a tulip farm sometime when the tulips are flowering to see a massive display in one place. We have a few in Australia but haven’t made it there yet.
It was fun to learn about Holland, Michigan through your post, Lynn! What a charming town. I love that they’ve found to celebrate their Dutch heritage.
It really is a charming town. And the people are so friendly.
What a fabulous festival, Lynn! Those tulips are gorgeous! And I love all those 19th century costumes. If I ever get to Michigan in the spring, I’ll know where to visit. 🙂
If you ever get to Michigan, stop by and see me–(and the festival).
Loved your post. It brought back memories of tulip pàrades. I grew up in Grand Rapids from a dutch family so look forward to your next book.
Wonderful! The history of your ancestors is really fascinating. I really admire them and all that they went through just to worship freely.
So beautiful! Love tulips!
The city plants over 100,000 of them! Spectacular!
What a beautiful place to live!
Thanks for sharing your town with us, Lynn.
If I ever visit Michigan, I’ll definitely plan to visit Holland.
Hugs, Patti Jo 🙂
Yes! And be sure to look me up. I’ll give you a tour.
So very excited to hear about your next novel…using my home town! Woot! A must read for me….
Tulip Time was always a highlight of my growing up years.
The history of those early settlers is fascinating. I’m not sure I would have coped as well as they did.
Lynn, what beautiful pics and I enjoyed reading about your Tulip Festival too. The old song,”Tulips From Amsterdam”springs to mind. I had no idea there was “Holland” in Michigan, so another geography lesson for me.:)
I have some very pretty yellow tulips in my garden and I love looking at them . I also saw some magnificent ones when I was holidaying in Tasmania a couple of years ago …your photo brought back memories:)
Good to see there is another “Night Owl” out and about too. ..(Well it is 2:00AM ) “Hello Aus Jenny, I haven’t seen you around for awhile.:)
Cheers
Rosie
I love tulips, too. And I have never seen so many beautiful colors and varieties. The pictures don’t do them justice.
Hi Rosie haven’t been the best. the headpain is much higher and at times I am not up to doing to much on line. I tend to look at posts but not often comment.
Likewise Aus Jenny 🙂 Sorry to hear you’re in such pain. Prayers going up for you! x
Would love to visit Holland Michigan this time of year. Love the tulips as they are not only beautiful but very fragrant as well.
Yes, the fragrance is heavenly. It’s too bad that tulips don’t bloom very long.
I enjoyed reading your blog Lynn! Here in the Netherlands we have tulip fields all around at the moment. Such a beautiful sight when you drive by them! Great to read that somewhere in the USA, there is a place that looks just like that. And it’s funny to read that they even have a parade with traditional dutch clothing and wooden shoes 🙂
Greetings from Holland!
I’ve been to the Netherlands several times and LOVE your country. But I’ve never been there when the tulips are blooming. Maybe someday. Until then, I’ll have to enjoy this smaller version of Holland. Everyone in town has these old-fashioned costumes. There is a children’s parade with about 5,000 kids all in costume. Amazing!
Thanks for writing, Jacqmien.
Holland’s tulips are beautiful! I live just north in Grand Haven.
As someone who lives and grew up in West Michigan I’ve been to Holland numerous times, I was just there last week and the tulips still look amazing!! I can’t wait to read your upcoming book about the Dutch immigrants!!
Someday, I’d love to get up to Holland for the festival. Your photos reinforce how beautiful I imagine it to be.
How fun to read and see! I knew ofcourse that many Dutch people emigrated to North America during the 19th and 20th century, but I didn’t know Dutch traditions are still upheld so much there.
And it’s really great to hear your next novel will be about Dutch immigrants. I’m looking forward to it!