12350 James St. Holland, MI 49424

Nelis’ Dutch Village is the best place to go in Holland, Michigan to experience the Dutch culture. This beautiful theme park makes you feel as if you are in the Netherlands as it were 150 years ago.  Their focus is on honoring and teaching about traditional foods and crafts such as wooden shoes, candles and hand painted Delftware. One of the biggest highlights is the clog dancing.  This is an awesome experience for the whole family to learn and perform the traditional clog wooden shoe dances. A truly fun filled experience for the entire family to play, learn and create lifelong memories together. 

Park Admission

The price to get into Nelis’s Dutch Village is $15 for Adults and Children (3-15) $14.  They also have a Season Pass $34 for adults and $29 for children. Children 2 and under are free. Here’s a tip if you buy your tickets online you can save $1 per person so that is worth checking out. 

Once you are in the park you should plan about 3 to 4 hours to see all the attractions.  However you will probably want more time to eat and shop.

You are allowed to bring your leased dog into the park but they are not allowed in the cafe food shops or the barn.  

Attractions 

Dutch Village has some classic rides for the kids that are all included with your admission.  These rides are a great way to let the kids have some fun and burn off that energy.  A popular ride is the 

Zweefmolen – Dutch Chair Swing Ride 

This ride is a traditional carousel swing ride with suspended seats.  Your kids will love this and will probably want to ride it multiple times.

Draaimolen – Carousel

You can’t have traditional rides without a classic carved horse carousel.  This is a beautifully restored 1924 Herschell spilllman.  With the craftsmanship of yesteryears the entire family will enjoy classic.

Petal Pumper Cars

These self operated pump cars once were set up at Kiddieland theme park in the Chicago area. There they were called the Lava Run Hand Cars and a favorite of the kids back then.  Dutch Village saved these classic pump cars and now called The Petal Pumper Cars they can continue to bring joy to the kids as they go around the track.

KinderBaan – Plasma Cars

Another way to let your kids wiggle out some energy is on the Dutch Village KinderBaan highway.  This track lets kids harness the natural power of inertia, centrifugal fource and friction as they propel themselves around.

Harry’s Windmill Ride

This one of a kind ride takes one park Ferris wheel and one part Dutch Windmill join them together. Making you feel as if you were riding on the fins of a windmill.  At 45ft in the air you get incredible views of Dutch Village.

Petting Farm

Goats, Pigs, Cows, Bunnies, Sheep Llamas, Alpacas and Chickens are the animals you will see at the Dutch Village Petting Farm called Kinderboerderij.  Here you can take a goat or sheep for a walk, pet a fluffy bunny or help with feeding these lovable animals. 

Playing Around

So many opportunities to play and have fun at Dutch Village.  Whether it is at the Pirate Balloon Battle where you are in a massive water balloon fight between a Dutch trading ship and a pirate vessel. A Giant Wooden Shoe Slide that has been there since 1967. Or an exciting Windmill Water Pumping Race where you propel your yellow rubber duck down the back.  Kids 5 tp 12 can also have fun on The Climbing Castle that has slides, poles, ladders and other climbing structures.  

Dining and Shopping

After all that playing and memory creation, you are ready for a quick snack or lunch you can head over to the Hungry Dutchman Cafe. Here you can try an authentic Dutch dish. You can also go to De Koekkjeshoek and get a taste of the old country.  With a selection of fine Dutch foods, chocolates, candies and cookies. But before you go don’t forget to get a pair of wooden shoes before you go at Wooden Shoe (Klompen) Shop.

You must check out these amazing candles made at Holland House Candles! You can buy them online if you can’t make it to Nelis’ Dutch Village. https://hollandhousecandles.com/

Learning Opportunities 

Dancing

Dutch Village is a great place to have family fun but also learn together. One of my favorite things is the Dutch Dancers. Here they perform traditional dutch folk dances in front of the 1880 Amsterdam Golden Angel Street Organ.  You are even invited to learn some easy folk dances. But watch out for those wooden shoes!

Wooden Shoe Carving

Hand Carved wooden shoes are an art.  Here you can watch as a tradesman demonstrates this art using antique hand tools and automated machines.  You will also learn about the history of wooden shoes in Holland.

Stroopwafel Cookie Making

The Dutch are well known for their sweet treats. Here the kids can participate in making their own Dutch Stroopwafel cookie.  This waffle-like cookie with a gooey caramel filling is the Dutch version of a chocolate chip cookie. 

Old Dutch Cheese Making

From cow’s milk to finished cheese wheel here you can see the entire process using old world equipment.

Delftware Making Demonstration 

Here you will learn the 11 steps to turning clay into the beautiful hand-made dutch delftware pottery. You will also learn about the history of the factory marks and how to identify a high quality antique from a cheap knock off souvenir. 

Nelis’ Dutch Village now has a shop in Downtown Holland right on 8th street. Be sure to check that out here is a little video.

Looking for other things to do in the area come check out Windmill Island Garden! You will love the 250 year old working Dutch windmill called DeZwaan! to learn more click here https://visitwestmi.com/windmill-island-gardens/