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Print Friendly MapTo be in Holland, Michigan, is to experience authentic Dutch culture in the American Midwest, from dikes and canals, to tulip fields and even a windmill. The city sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline and surrounds Lake Macatawa in southern Ottawa County.
Another Dutch tradition mirrored in Holland, Michigan is its bike friendliness. There are miles and miles of off-road multiuse facilities crisscrossing the city and reaching out into the wider region. The network seamlessly connects neighborhoods to each other as well as to parks and commercial areas. Some of the most scenic rides you can take run along the lake shore and link to charming harbor towns and villages. Everywhere you turn, there’s a postcard perfect scene. Visit in May to see the tulips at their peak during the annual Tulip Festival.
There is parking, restrooms and water available and most of the parks in the Holland Metro area. The parks are the best places to access the trails.
We happened to be in Saugatuck and my wife pulled out a clipping from CHICAGO magazine about the Beeline, Said it was 6 miles and went to Holland, After some googling, I found the start and we rode for about an hour, ran out of time, never getting to Holland, and went back to Saugatuck,
It's not well marked at all. I'm sure it's a good track for locals to cycle back and forth, but not very exciting for an outsider. I'll blame the magazine for overly high expectations.
On the way back, I did notice a nice bike repair station, A few pretty views here and there.
Love the trail system in Holland. Although we stayed at Holland State Park we were able to easily ride our tandem anywhere we wanted to go. One waitress told us that they teach drivers to be careful of cyclists in driver’s Ed. It was easy to navigate downtown and to Windmill Island. The trails are really just wide sidewalks but there were lots of people riding.
Connecting paths make up a trail system in and around the Holland Area. Found that Holland is very biker friendly. You can get from one place to another by using these paths, or even ride on the sides of the roads. Some roads have a nice wide berm to accommodate bicycles. When coming to an intersection or stop, most motorists are friendly and will wave you through. The trail system passes through residential as well as businesses. You can bike from Holland State park approx 8 miles into Downtown Holland where you can shop and visit eateries. Holland has numerous bike racks and no one seems to bother your stuff.
A must visit destination is Holland State Park, where you will find the Holland Lighthouse, also known as Big Red. The bike path goes through the State Park.
Enjoy beautiful sunsets over Lake Michigan at the Lighthouse and Holland State Park, which has several bike racks. Beat the traffic jam by biking it!
Start your day by watching the sunrise over Lake Macatawa, located along the trail system.
I've lived in Holland for over 30 years (just joined RTC today), and I can tell you that the Holland trail system is NOT all it's cracked up to be. It is a multi-use pathway, not a rail-trail, and has many driveways, road crossings, and other places to pay very close attention to. Lots (LOTS) of walkers, joggers, baby strollers, and similar obstacles abound. While some of it is scenic and enjoyable, much of it is just through town, etc. and nothing special as far as sights to see in most spots. If you're planning a trip to the area just for this, I'd suggest a different idea - go further east and hit Fred Meijer or White Pine, etc. The roads in Ottawa and Allegan counties are fine to ride on in most spots if you don't want to use the trail system.
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