There are plenty of things to do in Holland Township, New Jersey. The town has a population of 5,291 people as of the 2010 census, up 167 people from the 2000 Census and 232 from the 1990 Census. There are many historical sites to visit, including Nelis’ Dutch Village. You can also check out the Cappon House Museum or the Knickerbocker Theater.
Nelis’ Dutch Village
If you’re looking for a fun day out with the whole family, consider Nelis’ Dutch Village in Holland Township. This amusement park is home to a variety of rides, a petting zoo, and other fun activities. It also offers a variety of food vendors and an indoor and outdoor playground. It could do with some improvement in the restrooms, though.
Fire damaged the barn at Nelis’ Dutch Village on Thursday morning. Fire crews responded and were able to contain the fire. The owners are taking inventory and are not sure how many animals perished in the blaze. But they say they’ll be back as soon as possible to see the animals.
The Nelis’ Dutch Village is an open-air amusement park with Dutch-themed rides. Open mid-spring through the fall, Nelis’ Dutch Village also features a petting zoo and a shop filled with delft ceramics and Dutch food. Visitors can also enjoy the windmill island gardens, which is home to the authentic Dutch windmill DeZwaan. The park also features a carousel and a buffalo herd. And during the holidays, visitors can enjoy Dutch WinterFest.
For a more leisurely day trip, consider taking a cruise down the river. There are numerous historical points of interest in the area, including the Holland Museum. This landmark in downtown Holland is home to many impressive collections. The museum’s galleries feature art from all over the world.
Cappon House Museum
The Cappon House Museum in Holland Township features a restored 1874 home that once served as the residence of the town’s first mayor. The house features period furnishings and historical exhibits. The museum is free and open to the public. In addition to historical exhibits, visitors can also take a guided tour of the historic site.
The Cappon House Museum is a beautiful Victorian house designed by Dutch immigrant architect Jan R. Kleyn. It was once the home of Isaac Cappon, Holland Township’s first mayor. It was owned by the Cappon family for over a century. It was completely restored between 2000 and 2004. Visitors can see the house’s original wallpaper and other original elements, which have been reproduced. A guided tour of the house is offered every hour.
Holland’s history includes many historic buildings. The Bradford Paper Company began in Chicago, Illinois, but soon expanded to Holland, Michigan. This large brick manufacturing structure is a reminder of Holland’s growth in the late 19th century. Other former tenants included woodworking and furniture manufacturers. Today, the building is used for educational purposes, which adds to the town’s rich history of education.
Knickerbocker Theater
The Knickerbocker Theater in Holland Township has been a local landmark for over a century. It was designed by Reginald Geare and has an impressive capacity of 1,700 people. It is now operated by Hope College and hosts numerous cultural events. This theater has an interesting history and is still very popular today.
In 1912, it was called the Knickerbocker Theatre, but soon after it changed names to the Holland Theatre, it became a movie house. The theatre was built for Tieman Slagh, who wanted to bring vaudeville to Holland. It was named after the popular early 20th century playhouses in New York City. Unfortunately, Slagh was tragically killed on the night before the theatre opened. He was working on the marquee and fell from a ladder. Fortunately, a new owner was able to take over the theater. The theatre opened as a vaudeville house, and movie shows started soon after.
Holland Township is home to a vibrant downtown district and a vibrant restaurant scene. Eighth Street, the town center’s main thoroughfare, attracts locals, college students, and tourists alike. The area has two microbreweries and multiple restaurants. The Knickerbocker Theatre in Holland Township is located at the east end of Eighth Street. There is also the Coppercraft Distillery and several other entertainment venues.
Upper Macatawa Natural Trail
The Macatawa Greenway Trail is part of the Macatawa Greenway Trail 1.0 that extends from Zeeland Township to Lake Michigan. The trail passes through a series of parks in Ottawa County, including Ottawa Beach Parks and Upper Macatawa Natural Area. The trail also connects to the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail and Adams Street bike path. The entire trail system is nearly three miles long and includes three large ravine bridges.
The Upper Macatawa Natural Trail system connects the Poppen Woods to Hawthorn Pond, and connects with the Macatawa River and 96th Avenue. The trail features scenic overlooks and a single-track mountain bike trail. The trail connects with the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail, providing an ideal place to enjoy nature.
Another great destination for walking is the Ottawa County Park. The 300-acre park is perfect for a family hike. The park has mountain biking trails and is pet-friendly. Parking is available at the park’s north end in Riley Street.
Big Lake Brewery
If you’re looking for a fun place to spend an afternoon, Holland Township’s Big Lake Brewery is the place to visit. The company has a taproom in downtown Holland, and its beers are brewed in small batches. The selection of beer is rotating, and the tap room offers pub food and live music. Visitors can also check out trivia night and other events.
Big Lake Brewery is one of the fastest growing breweries in Michigan. The brewery has expanded its production capacity and recently bought a taproom in downtown Holland. The taproom has seating for 200 people, and the menu features local and scratch-made food.
Besides its brewery, visitors can also enjoy the Arts & Drafts Festival, which features a traditional art fair, a yearly 5K, and the Arts & Wheels Car Show. The event also has a children’s activity area, live music, and more. The music lineup for this festival includes Kari Holmes from noon to three p.m.; Westside Soul Surfers and 28DAYS will perform from 4-7 p.m.
The Windmill Restaurant is another great place to enjoy food and beer. Once known as Hoffman’s, this historic building is now home to the town’s most popular restaurant. It is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Beaches
If you are looking for a great beach in Michigan, you will love the beaches in Holland Township. The city has five public beaches. My personal favorite is Laketown Beach, located south of Lake Macatawa. It has a steep set of steps but offers a great view. Other public beaches in Holland include Tunnel Park, which requires paid parking from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Kirk Park, which also has a beautiful beach. Other smaller, less popular beaches include Riley Street Beach and James Street Beach.
In the 1930s, there was a zoo here, which attracted thousands of tourists to the area. The township hopes to acquire a couple of acres of land to expand the beach area. It will need to submit property appraisals to the state for approval. If approved, the township will be able to expand the beach area by about 2.5 acres. The property is currently owned by three individuals. The township’s beach property wraps around an inholding that is often trespassed by beachgoers.
While in Holland, tourists may also want to check out the historic Ottawa Pump House Museum, which is free of charge and open Memorial Day through Labor Day. The museum preserves the history of the Ottawa Beach area. The museum regularly hosts different speakers and features changing exhibits. Another fun activity for visitors to the town is to take a cruise on the Holland Princess, a 65-foot Victorian paddle-style riverboat. The cruises usually last about two hours and are offered mid-May to mid-October.
