Tiptoe through the tulips. Who remembers who sang that song? Well, we did tiptoe a bit through the tulips, but a lot of them had already finished their blooming. Due to an early warm front (that darn climate change), they bloomed earlier than usual, but we were still able to see some gorgeous tulips and enjoyed an awesome visit to Holland, Michigan.
Holland, MI was first settled in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists, who emigrated to escape dire economic conditions in the Netherlands and their desire for religious freedom kept them together as a group. Today, Holland is a thriving city of over 35,000 (with over 113,000 in the urban area), boosting a diverse economy. It continues to pay homage to its Dutch ancestors throughout the city and most notably by the annual Tulip Time Festival, which started 94 years ago. In 1964, an authentic Dutch windmill was moved to Holland, MI and the Windmill Island Garden was created; a must see stop during Tulip Time.
Annually, the city of Holland, MI purchases 500,000 tulip bulbs from the Netherlands, which are planted throughout the city in October and November. After 13 to 15 weeks of cool weather, followed by the sun warming the ground, the tulips know its time to bloom. Depending on variety (there are over 3,000 varieties in 15 groups), a tulip bloom lasts between 5 and 14 days.
Holland, MI is along Lake Michigan and you can see Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse “Big Red” at the Holland Harbor entrance. The state park we were camping was only 1 mile from the lighthouse, so Murphy and I had a great walk for our photo. We also hiked in the woods behind the state park which had another overlook towards the lighthouse.
Our final stop this week was at a Core of Engineers (COE) park along the Mississippi River in Thomson, IL. We had three pleasant surprises. First, we visited the “Wide River Winery”, just across the river in Clinton, IA. Dave and I each tasted 4 types of wine and I would have bought all 4. Next, we stopped at a local dog park. What a surprise! Definitely voted the best dog park so far. It has a pond for swimming, acres of rolling hills to play in and a trail for hiking – all off leash. Murphy was in heaven. Lastly, we stopped for a quick bite at Bear’s the local “drive-inn.” (That is how they spelled it!) Juicy hamburgers with malts/shakes. And of course, french fries for Murphy.
This has been a great stop. The only downside was it was very windy, coming right off the water. We decided not to ride the “Great River Trail of Illinois” that runs right through the campground due to the gusty winds and it was quite chilly for us Floridians. I know, we were wimpy. We have not been on our bikes since Brunswick, GA and miss riding.
Happy Mother’s Day! Today (Sunday) we are off to Minnesota, the State where my mom was born. How apropos.
Grateful Dave arranged a stop in Holland Brenda, “Tiny” Dave, and let’s go back to the dog park Murphy
What a beautiful place to be. Timing is so important, and you just can’t accurately predict the “peak”. Great pictures!
Fun and so beautiful. Murphy is definitely majestic. He really knows how to strike a pose!
Beautiful pictures. Glad you were able to see some of the tulips in bloom. Enjoy the rest of your venture. Travel safe.
Hi Brenda, you used to babysit me 🙂 I live in Michigan now and just found out about this blog! Looks like you’re having a grand adventure…would have been great to see you! Happy travels!
Hi Renee! So good to hear from you. What have you been doing the last 50 years? 😂. Can you believe it’s been that long? Hope you are well and thanks for reaching out Brenda