Visit a Dutch Village Near the Shores of Lake Michigan

Just around the corner from your hotel is a relaxed bakery and eatery you can enjoy morning breakfast and coffee at. Try their homemade bagels that are baked fresh daily.
The restaurant is closed on Sundays, but there are other coffeehouses and eateries to choose from in Holland's downtown area if this cafe is closed.

Journey over to the Windmill Island Gardens to spend your morning visiting the only authentic Dutch windmill in the United States. Named De Zwaan (The Swan), the windmill is over 250 years old. Surrounding the windmill lies a bed of rainbow-like color, which boasts more than 100,000 blooming tulips in the springtime. The gardens also have costumed historic guides, children's gardens, playgrounds, and Dutch-inspired architecture featured throughout the site.

Head over to Nelis' Dutch Village, a theme park and reproduction of a 1800s Dutch village. You can participate in traditional Dutch shoe-making at a wooden shoe factory, or try your hand at cheese-making. For kids, the village offers a petting zoo and Dutch-themed carousel rides. There is so much to do in the village, which makes a visit the perfect summertime cultural excursion, everyone in the family can enjoy. You can eat lunch inside at the café or pub, and stop to get fudge or Stroopwafel cookies afterward.
Visit the official website to learn more and buy tickets online.

Head out directly west to make a roadside stop at Tunnel Park, a 22-acre preserve that features a scenic tunnel through sand dunes leading to a swimming beach. As you head from the park toward the shore, you walk through a tunnel that greets you with a heaven-like vista of Lake Michigan. Bask in the sunshine on the shores and soak in the calmness of the waters for a bit.

Continue north to Grand Haven, a coastal town lying north of Holland on the shores of Lake Michigan. Park your car in this downtown lot before heading out for dinner and evening activities.

After dinner, stroll onto the city's Grand River Boardwalk, a 1.5-mile-long paved path ideal for soaking in the lighthouse and lake views. On your walk, you will encounter restaurants, marinas, charter fishing boats, and end at the striking red lighthouse. There are benches and grassy patches if you want to take a break to idle and take in the views.

Drive north to Grand Haven and stop at The Toasted Pickle located on the town's charming streets for dinner. Enjoy gourmet sandwiches, salads, or soups at this unique and quirky shop. Try the hot honey waffle fries, a popular side that contains sweet potato waffle fries topped with goat cheese smothered in hot honey sauce. You'll leave understanding why the line was so long when you first entered — yes, it's actually worth the hype. Getting there early will be ideal to beat the dinner rush.

Take as much time as you'd like to travel through Grand Haven's boardwalk before heading back over to grab your car and drive back for the night.

All you needed was two days to road trip through gardens, shores, and beautiful Dutch villages in Michigan. Two days that will convert into unforgettable memories and greater appreciation for all the hidden gems to be found next around Detroit city. Now you can choose a lodging to stay in Grand Rapids or go back to Detroit.