Holland (pop. 34,378) is a city in western Michigan that was named for the homeland of its Dutch settlers. Many residents are of Dutch descent. During its weeklong Tulip Time Festival, held every May, the city takes on the appearance of a village in the Netherlands, also called Holland. Thousands of tulips bloom along the streets. Many of the people dress in traditional Dutch costumes for the festival’s parades and ceremonial street washing.
Holland lies at the head of Lake Macatawa, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) east of the point where the lake empties into Lake Michigan. Holland’s industries produce boats, food products, home and office furniture, and Dutch wooden shoes. Hope College is located in Holland.
Windmill Island is a city park that features an authentic, operating Dutch windmill. The windmill was shipped in pieces from the Netherlands and reconstructed in the city in 1965.
A group of Dutch settlers who had fled from their homeland because of economic hardship and religious persecution founded Holland in 1847. Much of the city was destroyed by fire in 1871. During the early 1900’s, Holland served as an important lake port, which shipped fruits and vegetables. The city has a council-manager form of government.
