After finishing two hectic semesters, students are eagerly looking forward to a well-deserved summer vacation that stretches from the end of April to the end of August. As the flowers bloom in May, it is a perfect time to escape to a destination not too far from Ann Arbor but filled with natural wonders. There are several nice places to visit in Michigan. Let’s find out more!
Holland
What flowers come to your mind in May? Personally, the beautiful and colorful tulips come to my mind. In May, you can see many tulips in Ann Arbor but you can be surrounded by millions of tulips if you visit Holland, Michigan. Holland stands out as a must-visit during the annual Tulip Time Festival, scheduled from May 4 to May 12, 2024. When I visited Holland during the last weekend of the festival in 2023, many tulips started to wither (they were still remarkably beautiful though). To enjoy more fresh tulips with fewer crowds, I recommend visiting during the festival's first weekday. There are several popular spots where you can capture the best tulip photos.
1) Windmill Island Garden : Windmill Island Gardens houses the de Zwaan windmill, the final mill allowed to be brought from the Netherlands. It remains operational, grinding locally-grown grain into flour for sale to visitors and local businesses. A major attraction is the tour of this historic working windmill. Besides, visitors can enjoy music from an antique Dutch street organ, a gift from Amsterdam to Holland after World War II. Kids can have fun riding an antique carousel from the Netherlands. The Island features several replica Dutch buildings and shops, along with beautiful gardens showcasing tulips in spring and various annuals and perennials in summer.
2) Nelis’ Dutch Village: If you want to find out more about Dutch heritage, Nelis’ Dutch Village can be your next place to visit in Holland. The village offers a variety of enjoyable activities, including shoecarving, cheesemaking, and traditional Dutch dancing. For added fun, you can take rides on the Carousel, Zweefmolen (Dutch Chair Swing Ride), and Ferris wheel. Of course, there will be many kids with their guardians standing in lines but don’t worry! These rides are for all ages! Admission fee is $17 for adults but you can save $2 online! So, plan your visit and immerse yourself in the rich Dutch culture and entertainment at Nelis’ Dutch Village!
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a captivating and historic destination located in Lake Huron, between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Renowned for its charming Victorian architecture, the island offers a unique experience as it is entirely free of motor vehicles. Instead, visitors and locals alike travel by horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, or on foot. If you want to step back in time and take a break from the modern world, Mackinac Island is a perfect place to visit. Visit Mackinac Island and enjoy its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant community. I recommend visiting this beautiful island as a one-day trip because if you try to book a hotel, you will find out that the hotel fee is really expensive.
Tulip Time Festival: https://www.tuliptime.com/
Windmill Garden Island: https://www.cityofholland.com/471/Windmill-Island-Gardens
Neli’s Dutch Village: https://www.dutchvillage.com/
Mackinac Island: https://www.mackinacisland.org/
Written by Jinshil Choi
Summer Orientation Peer Advisor
Graduate Student
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
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