Holland, MI - Summer 2013

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Holland, MI is about 2.5 hrs away form Ann Arbor. It is a popular tourist destination in May because of the Tulip Festival. The weather was good and we wanted to go to some beach and so, we picked Holland. We started late from Ann Arbor and reached Holland by late afternoon. Our first stop was Windmill Island.
Last working authentic Dutch windmill in the US
The windmill is over 250 years old and is the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States. We reached in time for a demonstration. It was interesting to learn the history and see the workings of the windmill. We were also able to see the surrounding scenery from the 4th floor and the island looked quite beautiful even in summer.
V amongst flowers in Windmill Island
Our next stop was the Dutch village. By that time unfortunately, it was closed. It closes by 5 PM on regular days. So, we went to the Holland harbor to relax on the beach. There is a beautiful lighthouse at this beach know as the Big Red. We played for a while on the beach. The water was very cold even though this was August.
The Big Red lighthouse, Holland harbor, MI
We wanted to catch the sunset. But, it got a bit cloudy and the sun rays peeking between the clouds made for some interesting photography.
Suset over Lake Michigan, Holland Harbor, MI
Suset over Lake Michigan, Holland Harbor, MI
This was a very short trip, not even a full day. We both felt that Holland is a beautiful town and that it definitely deserves a second visit. We left from the beach around sunset, determined to visit again during the Tulip Time Festival 2014.

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