Picture of Holland lighthouse

Say Hello to Holland/Zeeland

Unique History with Contemporary Innovation

HOLLAND: Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, Holland has long been a tourist destination, but it is also home to residents seeking a unique lifestyle, making it the ultimate beach town.

Pulsing with economic vitality, the Holland area is one of the nation’s most desirable locations to start a business, raise a family, or even retire. As a major contributor to the remarkable prosperity of the entire West Michigan economy, the Holland area continues to attract new businesses. In fact, Holland was named one of Forbes’ 200 “Best Places for Business and Careers”. On top of all of that, Holland was named one of “The 19 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America” by Impulcity.

ZEELAND: Zeeland Township is a beautiful Township which shows pride in its historic background and its strong religious heritage. The strong work ethic is still evident in the quality work force in the area, and pride is apparent in the upkeep of homes and businesses. Zeeland’s location provides wide recreational opportunities with easy access to nearby lakes, streams, cross country skiing, biking and hiking. It is only 6.7 miles away from Holland and their beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

midtown holland

Holland’s vibrant downtown is flanked by a mix of historic neighborhoods leading out to a variety of contemporary subdivisions and rural communities.

Zeeland has more people of Dutch ancestry living in it than nearly any neighborhood in America. Rated by Neighborhood, Zeeland is among the top 10% of retiree-friendly neighborhood in Michigan, combining peace, quiet, safety from crime, and offering diverse housing options. Some places may look the same, but they only reveal their true character after living in them for a while because they contain a unqiue mix of occupational or cultural groups.

Dowtown

Midtown

Westside

Holland Heights

Maplewood

Southend

Holland’s surrounding communities offer a variety of living styles to suit the tastes of its diverse population. To learn about Holland’s suburbs, click on the following communities for more information.

Beechwood
Located in northern Holland, Beechwood is situated on the northern shore of Lake Macatawa.

Saugatuck

Saugatuck is a beautiful community that is diverse in land use. Whether it’s the number of art galleries, the beautiful marinas, Oval Beach, or the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, it’s easy for residents and tourists to find the perfect place to be active or relax.

Zeeland

Zeeland is a small city situated halfway between Grand Rapids and Holland. Zeeland offers a beautiful Dutch inspired downtown area with an array of restaurants and shops.

holland dutch woman

Grand Valley State University offers many performances, lectures, and concerts that are open to the public in Allendale and Grand Rapids.

The Holland Area Arts Council coordinates special community activities and collaborative events with other community organizations, serving more than 5,000 individuals annually through high quality art exhibitions, education, and advocacy.

Zeeland has many different restaurants. There are many different events throughout the year like Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade and select retailer’s participant in Black Friday sales.  Other fun events are also held at the museum. Don’t forget about the parks that are open throughout the whole year that can open to the public for different occasions!

The Holland Historical Trust focuses on the power of the past to shape the future. Its educational facilities and collections are representative of a diverse heritage and are accessible to all through the Museum, Capon House, and Settler’s House.

The Knickerbocker Theatre, built in 1911, is in Downtown Holland. This historic theatre is open to the public and presents a variety of films and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year.

Nelis’ Dutch Village is a step back into the Netherlands of over 100 years ago, complete with authentic Dutch architecture, flowering gardens, canals, and windmills. The history and culture of the Dutch come to life as associates, dressed in native costumes including wooden shoes, demonstrate the crafts and life in those olden days.

Spend a day exploring downtown Holland while viewing more than 15 unique statues.

The Tulip Time Festival is a celebration of Dutch heritage and culture, a multi-generational event that has a little bit of something for everyone including; three amazing parades, multiple Dutch Dance performances, concerts, theatre, Dutch attractions, Dutch food, children’s events, trolley tours, and more.

The Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival a non-profit organization that hosts a free, city-wide annual festival celebrating Latino culture through music, art, and film.

Veldheer is Holland’s only tulip farm perennial garden. More than five million tulips are planted for guests to enjoy.

A beautiful oasis within the city of Holland, Windmill Island features a 240 year old working Dutch windmill “De Zwaan” (meaning graceful bird). The windmill towers over 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes, canals, and picnic areas.

The iRock Jazz Festival is new in Holland for 2016. The 2 day event, happening on September 9 and 10, will feature several acts and is hosted by Live Music Matters.

With so much good happening in West Michigan, it’s easy to make your mark. If you want to make a real impact in the community you live in, we are the place to be. As a region, we rank above the national average in hours spent volunteering, and rank second in the nation in philanthropic giving.

The City of Holland lists up-to-date volunteer opportunities on its website.

Visit Greater Ottawa County United Way’s website to view volunteer opportunities.

Feeding America West Michigan exists to ensure good food is available to the hungry in the community. By saving good surplus food from going to landfills, they can distribute that reclaimed food to pantries, shelters, and other local anti-hunger organizations in West Michigan counties.

The Johnson Center for Philanthropy offers a non-profit directory

The Center for Women in Transition exists to respond to, reduce, and prevent domestic and sexual violence against women. This is achieved through education, collaboration, and advocacy, with crisis and supportive services to victims and survivors.

Goodwill Industries of West Michigan provides work opportunities, skill development, and family strengthening resources in several West Michigan communities.

Catholic Charities West Michigan‘s programs and services focus on four distinct areas: community outreach, behavioral health, foster care and adoption, and family support.

American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies. Local ARC volunteers provide critical (and often unseen) services in West Michigan every day. Volunteer applications are always welcome.

Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired serves adults and youth with low vision clinics, rehabilitation services, and support groups throughout 13 West Michigan counties.

The Holland community offers a wealth of diversity resources and initiatives.

The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony is dedicated to promoting unity, justice, equal opportunity, ethnic awareness, cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Grand Valley State University’s Diversity Resource Offices serve faculty, staff, students, and the community through its Inclusion and Equity Office, Disability Support Services, LGBT Resource Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Padnos International Center, and Women’s Center.

The Hispanic Center of West Michigan serves as a resource for the Hispanic and broader community.

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber is dedicated to working with all members of the community to increase the economic advancement of Hispanic owned businesses and to assist in the professional growth of Hispanic business leaders in West Michigan.

The Lakeshore Diversity Alliance works to dismantle barriers to ensure people of all ethnic backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community.

The mission of LAUP is to empower Latinos to build a better community for all through supportive services.

The National Diversity Education Program is a multi-year joint project of the Japanese American National Museum and the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy.

The West Michigan Chamber Coalition publishes a guide to women and minority owned businesses in the area.

Out on the Lakeshore is a community center for LGBTQ youth and adults in the Holland area. The space, run by Holland Pride, has programming, social gatherings, and educational sessions.

Tribal Service Area Map

Latina Network of West Michigan

Sisters Who Lead

holland state park

Being located on the shores of Lake Michigan has its advantages – there is never a shortage of fun ways to experience Holland and Zeeland.

Zeeland Township’s location provides wide recreational opportunities with easy access to nearby lakes, streams, cross country skiing, biking and hiking.

The Grand Valley State Lakers compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports, having won numerous national championship titles and Directors Cups since 2002. Helder Park is a large popular sports park with numerous sport fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds.

Hemlock Crossing offers 239 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River. Over six miles of trails for hiking and cross country skiing meander through an upland forest, old pine plantations, and along the river.

From its spa, to its 50-meter lap pool, and the kids area with slides and water toys – Holland Community Aquatic Center has everything you need for adventure and fun, any season of the year.

Holland Skateboard Park is a city park designed and built by local skateboarders, and is open to the public.

Holland State Park offers access to beaches, camping, fishing, and much more.

Zeeland has seven city parks as well residents have the opportunity to reserve spacing for special occasions at the Lawrence Park Bowl, Lawrence Park Bowl, and Lawrence Park Pavilion.

Stretching along Lake Michigan’s shoreline for over 1/3 mile, Kirk Park boasts 68 acres of sandy beach, high bluffs and wooded dunes. Nature trails with wooden stairways wind through the wooded dunes offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan. A paved path leads to a deck overlooking the beach and Lake Michigan. This is a popular park for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and cross country skiing.

Michigan Shipwreck Research Association preserves and promotes Michigan’s submerged maritime history. The organization’s work includes research and documentation of submerged cultural resources and the creation of educational programs and materials.

Laketown Beach features a tall stairway, providing incredible vistas and access to Lake Michigan.

With its apex 157 feet above Lake Michigan, the Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk culminates with breathtaking views of Lake Macatawa, marinas, Lake Michigan, and Big Red.

Zeeland has a community recreation filled with numerous activities throughout the whole year for youth and adults. Some activities for the youth include dance, gymnastics, baseball and vehicle engineering, while some of the adult activities include fitness, art, and disc golf.

Ottawa County Dog Park is located on the Ottawa County Fair Grounds property, and has sections for large and small dogs.

Pigeon Creek Park is a great place for hiking and camping with over 10 miles of hiking or winter-time skiing and snow-shoeing trails.

A day-use park along a secluded strip of Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers 1,000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of shore line. In addition, the park has fresh water coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall.

Tunnel Park has an extensive beach plus picnic areas, two picnic shelters, four sand volleyball courts, a children’s playground complete with a dune climb, and a dune stairway with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

Restaurant Search

Our partners at the Convention and Visitors Bureaus have a complete listing of area restaurants and a handy search tool.

Holland visitors Bureau resized

Holland Breweries

New Holland Brewing Company
Our Brewing Company
Big Lake Brewing
Hops @ 84 East
Macatawa Ale Company
Pike 51 Brewing Company

holland k-12

Holland is home to a mix of charter, public and private schools for K – 12 options.

The Zeeland area has 6 public elementary schools (K-5th grade), 2 public middle schools, and 2 public high schools, 2 public preschools, and 1 private school.  Zeeland had implemented Learner Goals for grades preK-12th grade. They frame the expectations of what the students will accomplish after graduation.

Public Schools

Holland Public Schools
Holland Public Schools believes in an uncompromising commitment to student achievement and an unending quest to maximize student success. In partnership with our parents and community, we provide opportunities and high quality education to ALL students, which will allow them to reach their full potential and prepare them for the future.

Black River Public School is a non-profit public charter school authorized by Grand Valley University.  Located in the historic Holland Furnace building near downtown Holland, Black River serves about 850 students in grades K-12.  Black River’s liberal arts college preparatory program features small class sizes and an environment emphasizing participation, responsiveness and experiential, individualized learning.  Supporting the school’s mission of preparing each student for college and for life, the elementary grades follow the Montessori model of education, and the integrated middle and high school curriculum represents a commitment to serious academic challenge.  For several years running, Black River has been ranked the #1 or #2 high school in Michigan by the nationally known High School Challenge published by the Washington Post.

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
We are a recognized educational leader with a diverse customer base. We provide our customers with solutions to their unique needs and challenges.  Our definition of education includes those endeavors that seek to develop the individual, the family, and the community.  Our culture is built on trust and our staff embraces the values crucial to our success.

Ottawa Area Schools

West Ottawa Public Schools
West Ottawa sets the bar for excellence in education, performing arts and sciences, athletics and community pride.  From our award-winning academics and arts to the International Baccalaureate program, from our Spanish Immersion to our dual enrollment and schools of choice participation, we pull out all the stops to make our schools West Michigan’s best.

Zeeland Public Schools
Zeeland Public Schools, with family and community, prepares students for a lifetime of learning.

Innovative education that cultivates global leaders and thinkers, and makes a positive impact. We are committed to each child’s academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth to ensure success of the whole child.
iCademy Global is a tuition free, K-12, virtual school headquartered in West Michigan. At iCademy Global we share a common goal with parents—to ensure that students become productive, successful, and confident adults. We help students develop pathways to that success by building on their individual strengths and interests in an online setting that is both safe and connected to a larger community.

Private Schools

Holland Christian Schools
Holland Christian strives daily to bring every student to a greater sense of awe and gratitude for the amazing world that God has called us to serve and care for with a better understanding of themselves as uniquely made by God.  Our desire is to have every student be well equipped to make an impact on their “world” both in the present and for the future.  We feel blessed to be able to partner with parents as together we “equip the minds and nurture the hearts” of their children.

Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 30 vibrant learning communities serving more than 6,600 elementary and high school students throughout West Michigan. Their 25 elementary and five high schools inspire young people to grow in faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. They partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential.

Charter Academies

Eagle Crest Charter Academy
Eagle Crest is proud to be a back-to-basics school where we focus on a challenging curriculum, moral development and parent involvement. The four core subjects of language arts, math, science and social studies receive the strongest emphasis.

Vanderbilt Academy

With a vision to better educate more children, Vanderbilt Charter Academy is dedicated to challenging each child to achieve.

holland childcare

When considering child care in Holland MI, the best way to see what preschools and daycare centers are really like is to schedule a tour and meet with the Director and staff. Before you visit Holland child care centers, be sure to make a list of the questions you would like to ask. Here a just a few suggestions of items to cover: learning approach, size of class, hours and schedules (including vacation), admissions process, meals, parent participation requirements, program information, fees and tuition. An important factor when visiting Holland child care facilities is to ensure that your child will be receiving an organized and challenging curriculum, a warm, safe and clean environment, and teachers who are experienced and ideally have long tenure. When you visit a child care in Holland MI don’t forget to take your child with you and observe how he/she reacts in this new environment.

ChildCare Smiles:
This website that makes it easy to find child care in Holland MI. You can simply enter your home or work address and find preschools and daycare centers that are within 5 miles, 10 miles or even 15 miles.

Tutor Time:
Tutor Time is dedicated to fostering educational development, building self-esteem and sparking imagination in a safe and loving environment.

Whether enrolled full- or part-time, your child will benefit from our proprietary Tutor Time LifeSmart™ curriculum, based around the idea that every child is smart in his or her own way. Our experienced teachers focus on meeting your child’s developmental and educational needs by helping him or her advance through each program at his or her own pace.

Care.com:
Do you need to hire a Holland nanny, babysitter or other caregiver? View caregivers for child care, senior home care and more near you. Review availability, experience and rates to make the perfect choice for care in Holland, MI.

West Michigan is home to a diverse population and vibrant faith communities, including Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Hispanic, Islamic, Jewish, Korean, Lithuanian, Polish, Protestant, Russian, Sudanese and Vietnamese institutions.

InfoMi provides a diverse list of places to worship in Holland.

holland hospital

Holland offers an array of healthcare options, ranging from large health systems to small hospitals and clinics that are sure to fit your needs.

Hospitals

Holland Hospital’s advanced technology, comprehensive services and compassionate care make it a nationally recognized hospital for quality practices and exceptional patient care.

At Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, our team of over 180 physicians, 550 employees and 130 volunteers specialize in understanding and meeting each patient’s unique needs. We have an excellent nurse-to-patient ratio and continually invest in the latest medical technology. We provide high quality, award-winning care for our patients, our visitors and our employees. And we offer advanced inpatient, outpatient and testing services with genuine compassion and understanding.

Behavioral/Mental Health

Holland Hospital offers Behavioral Health Services that include inpatient and outpatient services dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, stress, parenting, substance abuse, eating disorders and more.

Community Mental Health of Ottawa County is a premier mental health agency in West Michigan designed to help people with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Children’s Health Care

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Ottawa County is an organization whose mission is to protect children by providing prevention and multi-disciplinary intervention in investigation, assessment, and treatment of child sexual abuse in an environment that is child sensitive, supportive and safe.

Cancer Centers

Cancer & Hematology Center of Holland delivers state-of-the-art cancer care and innovative treatments.

Holland Hospital offers cancer care that supports the oncology patient population through diagnostic, medical, surgical and supportive care treatment.

Heart Care

Holland Hospital offers an array of cardiology and vascular services ranging from complete diagnostic testing and cardiac rehab to treating cardiac conditions and heart attacks.

West Michigan Heart is a leader in cardiac care whose mission is to provide high quality cardiovascular care and leadership in education and clinical research.

Neurology Centers

Holland Hospital offers an advanced neuroscience program that has the ability to treat a variety of conditions.  Its advanced technology makes it possible for experts to achieve a superior level of precision in intracranial surgery.

holland retirement

Some of the most popular retirement living centers are listed below:

Freedom Village Holland
We offer Exceptional Independent Living, Personalized Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care and Skilled Nursing Care options for seniors. Situated near Lake Michigan, Holland is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, too. Each spring thousands come to the city to see the millions of blossoms along tulip lanes, in large garden beds, and at nearby bulb farms. Freedom Village Holland offers something for everyone and with our dedicated staff available 24 hours a day; you’ll rest easy knowing we can meet your every need.

Resthaven Care Community
To fulfill our mission to serve seniors, we create genuine community by caring for the needs of your mind, body, and soul. In a true community, members create friendships and stand beside each other through the ‘time to weep and the time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) That’s our simple goal at Resthaven. To do this, we care for your physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spritual needs. Resthaven does this by offering housing, health care, and programming tailored to the needs of you, our honored Elder. And we stand beside our residents by engaging the broader community to provide benevolent care to those who are most frail and in greatest need.

LifeHouse Health Services
Compassion from the heart is our promise in the LifeHouse models of caring, Our personalized services are designed to meet the needs of all members, their families and friends. We have an unyielding commitment to the communities we serve. It is the commitment to human and approachable care that will make us a national leader, while allowing us to retain our close relationship with the people in our local communities. Simply put, personalized service that meets the needs of our constituents is our promise. We will never deliver less.

Oak Crest Communities
Oak Crest Communities is dedicated to providing care services based on Christian principles. Christian because of what we believe and the way we serve our residents. We believe that each resident has intrinsic worth and dignity. Therefore, our mission is to develop and foster a secure and caring environment by providing programs and services that will enhance the quality of life of each resident.

Holland Home
Every day, Holland Home serves over 4000 older and aging men and women by providing a full continuum of care — independent living, assisted living, in-home help and health care, rehabilitation, memory care, skilled nursing, and hospice care (through Faith Hospice.) Additionally, Holland Home commits to residents under its continuing care agreement that it will cover living and health care costs, even if the resident no longer has the resources to afford the required care.  Holland Home’s mission to  “Serve with love and compassion; Commit to excellence; and Follow Christ’s teachings and example in all we do” still drives the care it delivers today.

Did you know?

Our website has over 1,000 linked resources. We know a lot of things about West Michigan, but can’t be experts on everything. If you notice something that is out of date or we’re missing something that’s really special about your community, please let us know via our contact page.