Nelis' Dutch Village

Imagine a journey through time that takes you straight back to the 19th-century Netherlands. This is exactly what Nelis' Dutch Village offers—a unique family-owned theme park located in Holland, USA. It is not just an open-air museum, but a living reconstruction of an old Dutch settlement with its own unique atmosphere.

On the park grounds, which have been managed by a family of Dutch immigrants for over a hundred years, more than 30 buildings have been constructed in the architectural styles of various Dutch provinces. Strolling along authentic canals and admiring windmills, guests can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Europe from a century and a half ago.

The park harmoniously combines education, cultural immersion, and modern entertainment. Every year, about 60,000 visitors come here to see demonstrations of old-world crafts and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. This site is considered one of Michigan's main cultural gems, highlighting the region's deep historical ties with Dutch settlers.

To plan your visit and clarify details, you can use the park's official contact information. Staff members are always ready to help with information regarding group tours or special events.

There is no time to be bored at this park for adults or children, as everyone can become part of Dutch history. One of the most vibrant experiences is watching and participating in traditional dances performed by artists in wooden clogs. You can also see craftsmen carving the famous klompen shoes, creating exquisite Delft pottery, and making authentic Dutch cheese.

For younger guests, there is De Kinderboerderij petting zoo, where they can meet friendly farm animals. Those looking for more active fun will enjoy unique attractions: a giant slide shaped like a clog, an antique 1924 carousel, and the 45-foot Harry's Windmill Ride Ferris wheel. You can even try your hand at baking the famous stroopwafel cookies or learn a few words of Dutch in the old schoolhouse.

Be sure to stop by the local shops before you leave. Here you can purchase high-quality tulip bulbs, Delftware porcelain, and various souvenirs. To fully capture the spirit of the place, have a photo session by the canals to the sounds of street organs and carillons that fill the village with the melodies of old Holland.

The easiest way to reach this slice of Europe in Michigan is by car. Nelis' Dutch Village is located at 12350 James St, just north of the city center. If you are coming from downtown, the drive takes only 5–10 minutes via James St. Free parking is provided for guests directly at the park entrance.

If you are arriving from other regions, look for highway US-31. The trip from Grand Rapids takes about 45 minutes, while the drive from Detroit lasts approximately 2.5 hours via I-96 and US-31.

Public transportation in the area is limited, so the most convenient way to get around (other than your own car) is by taxi or Uber/Lyft services. There are no train stations in the immediate vicinity, so planning a route by rail is not recommended.

The history of this wonderful place began back in 1910 in the Dutch city of Beverwijk. Frederick Nelis sent his 17-year-old son, Harry, to America in search of fertile land. After passing through Ellis Island, Harry first tried farming in Missouri and Chicago, until the family purchased 80 acres of land north of Holland in 1922.

Initially, they grew vegetables, but the family business soon evolved into a flower nursery. During the 1930s, amidst the fame of the Tulip Time Festival, the farm became so popular that the family added their first windmill and opened a souvenir shop. In 1952, the current site near US-31 was purchased to expand the retail bulb and souvenir business.

The theme park's modern appearance began to take shape in 1958, when Harry Sr.'s sons built the first authentic buildings. Today, Nelis' Dutch Village features over 30 structures and is managed by the fourth generation of the Nelis family. They carefully preserve their ancestors' heritage, having transformed a simple farm into a living monument to Dutch culture in the heart of America.

To leisurely explore all the buildings, watch the dancers' performances, and try your hand at traditional crafts, most visitors need between 3 to 5 hours. This is plenty of time for some relaxed shopping and lunch at the local cafe serving traditional dishes.

If you are planning a trip with young children who might want to enjoy the rides multiple times and spend more time at the petting zoo, it is better to set aside a full day for your visit. The park is family-oriented, so everything is designed for you to spend several hours at a relaxed pace without leaving the atmosphere of old Europe.

The park is open to visitors daily, though the operating hours vary slightly between weekdays and weekends. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary:

• Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Please note that operating hours may change depending on the season and weather conditions. It is recommended to check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

A visit to the Dutch village can be perfectly complemented by exploring other interesting places nearby. The city of Holland and its surrounding areas offer both active entertainment and quiet walks through historical sites, making your day as fulfilling as possible.