We are going to cover 5 historic landmarks that are native right here in the town of Holland. The landmarks we will be covering are the Kollen Park Immigrants Statue, Centennial Park, Lake Macatawa, Windmill Island, and Hope College! Scroll below to learn more of these incredible landmarks.
The Kollen Park Immigrants Statue resides in the west side of Kollen Park. It was donated in 1997 by the Dutch province of Drenthe to commemorate Holland’s Sesquicentennial representing immigrants arriving on the shores of the new land. It was created by Ben Bert Kievert a dutch artist showcasing immigrants settling in West Michigan in 1848. It still sits in Kollen Park today as a significant representation of Dutch history. It highlights one of the first settlers migrating to the Holland area. It represents hope in a time of uncertainty as they face and settled amongst the unknown. The significance of the statue being placed near the water highlights how they lived near the water. It is highly relevant as it had a rededication ceremony in September of 2024.
Centennial Park plays a vital role in the history of Holland. It originally stood as the town market square. It established itself as a park in 1876 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American Independence. It was donated by Tenuis Van Houten in 1902. The coral shaped rock structure lies 20 feet tall and 12 feet in diameter. It was created and designed by Johannes Van Lente. It is a popular park today, known for its infamous exhibits featuring the Wizard of Oz or the veteran’s memorial. It is a historic landmark in Holland and is visited frequently during tulip time. Many of the original landscape features still stand including some of the trees and flower beds.
Lake Macatawa or more formerly known as “Black Lake” is one of the most known lakes in the Ottawa county area. It played a key role in the city’s settlement. This photo demonstrates Hollis Baker Jr on his sailboat on Lake Macatawa. He was born in 1916 in Allegan County to Hollis and Ruth Baker. He was a member of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. This well known body of water is significant to the Holland area as there the Macatawa Bank, Macatawa Park, and Macatawa Yacht Club are named after it. It is now used for recreation where various houses reside and is an important stop for tourism as it is directly connected to Lake Michigan.
Windmill Island is another historical landmark of Holland. It is most known for it’s beloved Tulip Time. Tulip Time begins in the month of May where tourists can venture to see fields full of homegrown tulips and learn about the beauty and history of Holland. It is a time for the community to come together to celebrate with the tulip time parade and join in on the fun with the fair. Windmill Island also holds the five story DeZwaan Windmill which came from the Netherlands in 1964. Tourists are able to walk around Windmill island, visit and tour the windmill, trek through the Amstel Drawbridge, and see the various flower beds and gardens dispersed throughout the island. Windmill Island also features a gift shop where you can taste test cheese and peruse the aisles looking at the Holland themed merch and trinkets. It is a popular spot to visit among Holland locals and tourists.
Hope College is part of the heart of Holland. It is a private liberal arts college that has made a huge impact on Holland. It is ranked number 84 nationally among liberal arts colleges. It was originally a dutch pioneer school for settlers who arrived in Holland. It is widely known with the Holland Community with the town being integrated with the school showing school spirit throughout. It sits right in the middle of downtown Holland. When fall rolls around you will often find a welcome back sign in front of the knickerbocker theater or sometimes there will be discounts in various shops and boutiques during welcome week. Visitors and tourists come and stop by to see the history of Hope College and indulge in it’s beautiful campus.