Windmill Island Gardens
Holland, MI
De Zwaan, a working 18th-century Dutch windmill moved from the Netherlands in 1964, stands among gardens with a carousel. Tulip Time in early May brings millions of tulips to Holland.
Windmill Island Gardens is a park of about 15 hectares (36 acres) with gardens, dikes and canals in Holland, Michigan. Its centrepiece is De Zwaan ("The Swan"), a five-storey windmill. By the widely repeated account it was built in 1761 in Krommenie in the Netherlands; more recent research, cited by Wikipedia, dates it later and names Dordrecht. After the Second World War the Dutch government banned the sale of windmills abroad, but an exception was made for De Zwaan. It arrived in Michigan in October 1964 and opened in April 1965. According to the tourist office it is the only authentic Dutch windmill still operating in the United States. It continues to grind wheat into flour.
The park also has a street organ given by Amsterdam, a hand-painted antique carousel and "Little Netherlands", a model of Dutch life in the 1840s. About 150,000 tulips bloom in spring.
The park is open seasonally, from about mid-April to early October according to the tourist office. Please check hours and admission for 2027 in advance.
- Nearest town
- Holland, MI
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.7970, -86.1027
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Oak Grove Resort CampgroundMotorhome stopover5 mi from Windmill Island GardensMotorhomes
- Baldwin Oaks CampgroundMotorhome stopover13 mi from Windmill Island GardensTentsMotorhomes
- TriPonds Family Camp ResortCampsite17 mi from Windmill Island GardensTentsCaravansDogs allowed
- Campit Outdoor ResortMotorhome stopover18 mi from Windmill Island GardensTentsMotorhomes
- Dumont Lake CampgroundMotorhome stopover18 mi from Windmill Island GardensTentsMotorhomes
- Giles CampgroundMotorhome stopover24 mi from Windmill Island GardensTentsMotorhomes
All campsites in Michigan · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Windmill Island Gardens?
Windmill Island Gardens is in Holland, MI, at GPS 42.7970, -86.1027. It is about 11 mi from Saugatuck.
Can you camp near Windmill Island Gardens?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Dutch Treat Camping & Reservation, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Windmill Island Gardens?
Windmill Island Gardens is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Michigan’s sunset coast: Saugatuck to Ludington.
What is there to see near Windmill Island Gardens?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Baldhead (11 mi), Grand Haven South Pierhead Lights (20 mi), Silver Lake Sand Dunes (64 mi) and University of Notre Dame (76 mi).
When is the best time to visit Windmill Island Gardens?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)