It’s appropriate that this attraction emulating the Netherlands, known as Windmill Island Gardens, is located in Holland, Michigan. Spend time strolling through the 36-acre (15-hectare) municipal attraction and you’ll believe that you’re somewhere else.
The focal point of the gardens is a full-scale 18th-century windmill that was brought from the Netherlands and is the only working authentic Dutch one in America. DeZwaan (the Swan) Windmill stands picturesquely by a small canal with a decorative bridge connecting it to the other part of the gardens. Forget momentarily where you are when you see staff in traditional Dutch clothes walking by the windmill.
The 125-foot (38-meter) tall DeZwaan was brought to Michigan in 1964 and has a striking presence, particularly when surrounded by over 100,000 tulips when they’re in bloom. Take a tour of the windmill and purchase flour or cornmeal that’s ground by the structure’s milling stones.
Keep your camera handy for the row of shops with their Dutch architecture. Drop in to the Post House, an exact replica of a 14th-century wayside inn that has an interesting display on the windmill.
An ornate and intricate carousel with hand-painted wooden horses is a favorite for children, while adults like to ride it too. Accompany your child through the children’s garden and enjoy the family playground.
The gardens are a popular venue for weddings and for the greenhouses that supply an on-going assortment of plants. Listen to traditional music from an original Amsterdam street organ and visit the stores for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Find Windmill Island Gardens, a member of the American Public Gardens Association and the American Horticultural Society, on Lincoln Avenue in the city’s west end. Children 3 to 15 years old are given reduced admission and leashed pets are allowed in most areas of the grounds.
The gardens are wheelchair accessible and open every day from April to October.
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