Holland, Michigan, is a destination known for its vibrant culture, historic charm, and natural splendor. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, this West Michigan city offers a wealth of outdoor recreation that appeals to residents and visitors year-round. Whether it’s a beach day in summer, a trail hike in autumn, or a snowy stroll in winter, Holland invites outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to explore and unwind.
From scenic parks and sandy beaches to bustling marinas and bike trails, the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are as abundant as they are diverse. For anyone searching for active and scenic things to do in Holland, MI, this guide offers a look at the top ways to make the most of the city’s outdoor offerings.
Holland State Park
Arguably one of Holland’s most iconic destinations, Holland State Park features a wide stretch of sandy beach, panoramic views of Lake Michigan, and easy access to water-based activities. Visitors flock to the park during the warmer months for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball.
The park is also home to the famous Big Red Lighthouse, a beloved photo spot and local landmark. Whether walking along the boardwalk, launching a kayak from the boat ramp, or enjoying a summer sunset, Holland State Park delivers a quintessential lakeside experience.
The park’s popularity and accessibility make it a central hub for both leisure and adventure seekers. It’s one of the most beloved outdoor spots in the region and consistently ranks as a top choice for things to do in Holland, MI.
The park is also home to the famous Big Red Lighthouse, a beloved photo spot and local landmark. Whether walking along the boardwalk, launching a kayak from the boat ramp, or enjoying a summer sunset, Holland State Park delivers a quintessential lakeside experience.
The park’s popularity and accessibility make it a central hub for both leisure and adventure seekers. It’s one of the most beloved outdoor spots in the region and consistently ranks as a top choice for things to do in Holland, MI.
Outdoor Trails and Biking Paths
Holland is home to an extensive network of multi-use trails that wind through forests, along lakeshores, and into residential neighborhoods. The Holland Metro Trails system offers over 150 miles of pathways ideal for walking, running, and cycling.
Popular routes include the Lakeshore Connector Path, which links Holland to nearby Grand Haven, and the Macatawa Greenway Trail, which traverses wooded areas and wetlands. These trails cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for exercise or exploration in a peaceful setting.
For mountain bikers and hikers, the Riley Trails and Upper Macatawa Natural Area offer rugged trails and forested landscapes that provide a more immersive outdoor experience.
Popular routes include the Lakeshore Connector Path, which links Holland to nearby Grand Haven, and the Macatawa Greenway Trail, which traverses wooded areas and wetlands. These trails cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for exercise or exploration in a peaceful setting.
For mountain bikers and hikers, the Riley Trails and Upper Macatawa Natural Area offer rugged trails and forested landscapes that provide a more immersive outdoor experience.
Boating and Water Sports
With Lake Macatawa serving as a gateway to Lake Michigan, Holland is an ideal location for boating, sailing, jet skiing, and fishing. Public boat launches and marinas provide convenient access for watercraft of all sizes.
Local outfitters offer rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats, making it easy for anyone to enjoy time on the water. Sailing clubs and charters offer guided experiences, while anglers can fish for perch, salmon, or walleye throughout the season.
The water-based recreation in Holland contributes to its reputation as a top destination for outdoor living and adds to the many active things to do in Holland, MI.
Local outfitters offer rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats, making it easy for anyone to enjoy time on the water. Sailing clubs and charters offer guided experiences, while anglers can fish for perch, salmon, or walleye throughout the season.
The water-based recreation in Holland contributes to its reputation as a top destination for outdoor living and adds to the many active things to do in Holland, MI.
Windmill Island Gardens
Combining horticultural beauty with cultural heritage, Windmill Island Gardens is a must-see attraction that offers a unique outdoor experience. This 36-acre park features a working 250-year-old Dutch windmill, “De Zwaan,” surrounded by colorful gardens, canals, and dikes.
Visitors can stroll through tulip beds in spring, admire native and imported plants in summer, or enjoy peaceful pathways throughout the growing season. The site also features replica Dutch buildings, a carousel, and frequent cultural demonstrations, making it as educational as it is scenic.
It’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city and offers a perfect balance of nature and history.
Visitors can stroll through tulip beds in spring, admire native and imported plants in summer, or enjoy peaceful pathways throughout the growing season. The site also features replica Dutch buildings, a carousel, and frequent cultural demonstrations, making it as educational as it is scenic.
It’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city and offers a perfect balance of nature and history.
Winter Activities and Year-Round Recreation
Holland’s outdoor scene doesn’t stop when the temperatures drop. In winter, the city transforms into a snow-covered playground with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding at local parks and trails.
The heated sidewalks of downtown Holland make winter shopping and dining comfortable even during snowfall. Holiday lights, winter festivals, and community ice skating events ensure there’s always something to do, no matter the season.
The city’s commitment to year-round outdoor recreation makes it an ideal location for those who appreciate an active and engaged lifestyle.
The heated sidewalks of downtown Holland make winter shopping and dining comfortable even during snowfall. Holiday lights, winter festivals, and community ice skating events ensure there’s always something to do, no matter the season.
The city’s commitment to year-round outdoor recreation makes it an ideal location for those who appreciate an active and engaged lifestyle.
Parks and Playgrounds
Beyond the lakeshore, Holland features dozens of public parks and open spaces. Local parks like Paw Paw Park, Centennial Park, and Helder Park offer athletic fields, walking loops, fishing docks, dog-friendly zones, and shaded picnic areas.
Families with young children enjoy the variety of playgrounds, splash pads, and sports facilities throughout the city, many of which are connected to neighborhoods or trail systems. These spaces support Holland’s strong community values and provide safe, inviting areas for recreation and connection.
Families with young children enjoy the variety of playgrounds, splash pads, and sports facilities throughout the city, many of which are connected to neighborhoods or trail systems. These spaces support Holland’s strong community values and provide safe, inviting areas for recreation and connection.
Outdoor Living and Community Life
Holland’s emphasis on outdoor spaces enhances its overall appeal as a place to live. With abundant parks, waterfront access, community gardens, and outdoor festivals, the city cultivates a lifestyle where nature and neighborliness go hand in hand.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning to settle down, the active lifestyle and scenic environment make Holland stand out as one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Michigan.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning to settle down, the active lifestyle and scenic environment make Holland stand out as one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Michigan.
Discover Outdoor Living in Holland
The abundance of outdoor activities is just one of the many reasons why individuals and families are drawn to this lakeshore community. From the beaches of Lake Michigan to the gardens, trails, and parks that dot the landscape, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy nature and stay active in every season.
For those seeking a home where adventure, beauty, and community thrive, Holland delivers. To explore real estate opportunities or learn more about the outdoor lifestyle Holland has to offer, reach out to Michigan Homes & Cottages today.
For those seeking a home where adventure, beauty, and community thrive, Holland delivers. To explore real estate opportunities or learn more about the outdoor lifestyle Holland has to offer, reach out to Michigan Homes & Cottages today.
