[PJSaturn]

I was considering going to Holland, MI for the Tulip Festival this year. Are the crowds and traffic really bad? I'm wondering whether I should just go off-season in hopes of seeing the tulips in bloom, but forgoing all the other jazz. Any suggestions?

[tedweiser]

There are a LOT of people who come to the Tulip Festival, but that should not deter you. It's more of a hindrance to those of us who live and work here than it is to visitors. You can't really visit in the off-season if you want to see the tulips in bloom, as they aren't in bloom very long.

I would definitely recommend coming during the festival, as there are lots of fun activities, and the crowds aren't intimidating at all. Nothing like DisneyWorld on a busy day, for example. If you want to see the tulips, come during Tulip Time.

If you just want to enjoy the town without crowds (or tulips), come during the summer, and you can then enjoy Lake Michigan and the beach as well. During the late summer, each Thursday night sees downtown taken over with street performers, which is a lot of fun, and brings out the whole town. So an August weekend (with Thursday night) might be a good time to visit also.

[PJSaturn]

Originally Posted by tedweiser

There are a LOT of people who come to the Tulip Festival, but that should not deter you. It's more of a hindrance to those of us who live and work here than it is to visitors. You can't really visit in the off-season if you want to see the tulips in bloom, as they aren't in bloom very long.

I would definitely recommend coming during the festival, as there are lots of fun activities, and the crowds aren't intimidating at all. Nothing like DisneyWorld on a busy day, for example. If you want to see the tulips, come during Tulip Time.

If you just want to enjoy the town without crowds (or tulips), come during the summer, and you can then enjoy Lake Michigan and the beach as well. During the late summer, each Thursday night sees downtown taken over with street performers, which is a lot of fun, and brings out the whole town. So an August weekend (with Thursday night) might be a good time to visit also.

Thanks for the great advice! I've actually been to Holland a few times in summer, and it was lovely. It's been quite a few years, though, and I've still never seen the tulips! Perhaps this year.

I know what you mean about the crowds and traffic being more of a hindrance to the natives. In Valparaiso, I usually leave town during the annual Popcorn Festival. Eighty thousand people converge on our little town, and it's utter chaos trying to get anywhere that day! (At least the main event is only a 1-day thing.) I live within walking distance of the downtown square, so I sometimes can't even get out of my driveway on Festival day!

Thanks again, Ted, and maybe I'll see you Michiganders in May!

[mich2fla]

Sometimes those tulips bloom before or after the festival. There are tulips everywhere, not just in one area. We lived there for 5 years during the 1990's and usually we come back every year on the last Saturday for the parade and check out Cinco de Mayo festival outside of the Civic theatre.

[PJSaturn]

Originally Posted by mich2fla

Sometimes those tulips bloom before or after the festival. There are tulips everywhere, not just in one area. We lived there for 5 years during the 1990's and usually we come back every year on the last Saturday for the parade and check out Cinco de Mayo festival outside of the Civic theatre.

Good idea! THANKS!

[allbusiness]

Best advice: Come on the weekend before all the parades, which will be May 1 & 2 this year. Tulips "should" be in full bloom, and all you'll miss will be the parades and other temporary setups. All the other stuff is year round (Holland Museum, Dutch Village & Wooden shoe factory,etc.) If you love parades, then brave the crowds. It's worth it!