In 1847, Dutch Calvinist separatists led by Dr. Albertus van Raalte settled in the area now known as Holland, Michigan after moving from their home country, the Netherlands. Van Raalte found the area intriguing because of its proximity to the Black River that streamed into Lake Michigan. The Ottawa people inhabited the land at the time for hundreds of years. Difficult conditions awaited the 700-800 immigrants. Major hurdles included smallpox, inadequate food supply, makeshift housing, heavy forests, and swamps.
By 1852, the city had begun to thrive and was home to several stores, blacksmiths, a tailor, and tinner shops. Holland residents welcomed the railroad in 1871, offering efficient and faster transportation to nearby cities. Fire devastated Holland in October of the same year, affecting nearly 80% of residents. It burned for days in the southwest of town and happened on the same day as the disastrous Great Chicago Fire.
In 1872, Holland's first mayor, Isaac Cappon, in collaboration with principals of the Cappon and Bertch Leather Company rebuilt the tannery. This signified a rebirth of the community after the fire. The city has since marked great achievements, like visits from Prince Bernhard and Queen Juliana in 1952. It also celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1997. Today, it is home to about 17,000 people.
The Settlers and Cappon houses are a must-see when you visit Holland. They tell the story of the city's earliest settlers, including Isaac Cappon and his 16 children. The first mayor's house is beautifully restored and still has many personal belongings of the family. Just five doors down is the Settlers House, a cottage that contrasts the Cappon House's Italianate Victorian style. The Holland Bowl Mill is another attraction that is one of the last of its kind in the country. Visitors to Holland, Michigan can also explore nearby attractions like the DeGraaf Nature Center and the Holland Aquatic Center.
Campgrounds Near Holland, Michigan
Oak Grove Campground is among the best RV campgrounds near Holland. The Motor Homes Magazine describes it as one of the most romantic parks in America. This top-notch campground boasts a beautiful location within walking distance of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa beaches. It also allows pets and has amenities like a pool, hot tub, showers, Wi-Fi, and cell reception.
Another equally spectacular campground is Dutch Treat Camping and Recreation, which opened in 1969. The park is family owned and boasts of its good maintenance and cleanliness. The 90-site campground is good for RV campers and is equipped with a rec hall, camp store, laundromat, pool, and pond. Campers also get an activity field, a playground, and boat rentals. Aside from that, the campground is a few minutes away from Holland State Park, increasing its convenience.
Grand Haven RV Resort and Campground has you covered if your passion is water sports. It is a beach resort with a boardwalk, a pier, over 100 miles of bike trails, lighthouses, and a glorious sandy beach on Lake Michigan. The campground also hosts the yearly Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, which attracts nearly 350,000 visitors.
State Parks Near Holland, Michigan
One look at Holland State Park, and you understand why it is among Michigan's most-visited state parks. It is ideal for RV campers because of its two beautiful and expansive campgrounds: the beachside campground and the wooded Lake Macatawa campground. You can also take a stroll along the beachfront or view Big Red Lighthouse to the south. Should you choose to camp at Holland State Park, your site will have access to a small playground, modern restrooms, a boat launch, and fishing.
Muskegon State Park features breathtaking shorelines, boat launches, forested dunes, and Snug Harbor. Popular activities include picnicking, sunbathing, and swimming. Campers who are into hiking can enjoy the 5-mile hiking trail. Even a novice adventurer will enjoy the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park inside Muskegon State Park. Recreational activities at the sports park include archery, zip-line runs, cross-country ski trails, a sledding hill, an ice skating trail in the woods, and an Olympian-designed luge track.
Three miles south of beautiful South Haven is Van Buren State Park. The park comprises 400 acres in northern Van Buren County. It is also convenient because it is near local restaurants and shops. The park has 200 campsites. Amenities you will enjoy as a camper in the park include two modern restrooms, a picnic shelter, and picnic grills and tables. Swimmers can enjoy the shore of Lake Michigan, which is also good for sunbathing.
National Sites Near Holland, Michigan
Pullman National Monument is a treasure located on the outskirts of Chicago. It preserves the special history of the planned community established by George Pullman. You can learn more about Pullman and his role in developing and improving America's rail industry at the visitor center. The monument also offers access to hiking trails, museums, shops, and restaurants.
Another intriguing national site to visit is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is located 450 feet above Lake Michigan. It contrasts green forest with bright white sands and brilliant blue water, creating a breathtaking view. Refreshing waves and sandy beaches welcome sunbathers and swimmers. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset at the end of the day. Paddling in the river is another popular activity at the site.
If you want a long and peaceful walk, then the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is for you. The trail is on the edge of the last glacier that left behind distinct geological features like ridges, rivers, hills, and lakes. The guides also provide a history of the glacier that existed 10,000 years ago. Over half of the 1,200-mile-long trail is completed and travels through forests, state parks, towns, boulders, canyons, and farms.
Natural Forests Near Holland, Michigan
Huron-Manistee National Forest is bordered by agricultural lands in the south and dense forests in the north. It has approximately 1 million acres and lies between the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Walk inside the forest, and you will find diverse habitats of marshes, bogs, fens, coastal marshlands, oak savannahs, dunes, and dry sand prairie remnants. Hikers enjoy more than 330 miles of hiking trails, while explorers can find interesting and new trails. Fishing, stargazing, and geocaching are other activities to enjoy in the park.
The shorelines of Hiawatha National Forest touch Lake Michigan, Huron, and Superior. The island, lighthouses, lakeshores, and abundant snow in the forest create a suitable environment for play and respite. You can also decide to leave your camp and visit nearby cabins like the Lakefront Cabin and the Lakefront Lodge. Camping sites inside the forest include Au Train Lake Campground, Bay Fire Campground, and the Bass Lake Campsite. Nearby activities like swimming, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and horse camping will keep you entertained.
After exploring Hiawatha National Forest, you can drive a few miles to Ottawa National Forest, which covers nearly 1 million acres. RV campers can enjoy 2,100 miles of off-road trails and over 18 waterfalls. There is a vast selection of trails to select from, including the Cooks Run Trail, the Potawatomi/George Fall Trail, and the Pine Bluff Trail. The forest is full of autumn colors each fall, and the winters bring opportunities for a variety of activities, including snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
