Downtown Holland

Location: Holland, MI
What You’ll Find: Tulips, flowering trees, and historic downtown charm
Timing: Early May for peak tulips, but blooms start showing up late April

Why Go: Downtown Holland in spring is an instant mood boost.

One day it’s gray, the next it’s tulips and flowering trees everywhere you look. Totally walkable and easy to explore with shops, cafes, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in.

Head a couple blocks from the shopping district to Window on the Waterfront where the lawn is packed with tulips and there’s a fun nature play area for the kids.

Or wander over to Centennial Park for pretty walking paths, a gazebo, and a living fountain surrounded by blooms. Before you roll out of town, cruise the Tulip Lanes (neighborhood streets lined with thousands of tulips planted right along the curb) for one more hit of color.

Windmill Island Gardens

Location: Holland, MI
What You’ll Find: A 250-year-old Dutch windmill, rows of tulips, and charming canal bridges
Timing: Early May for peak tulips, but blooms start showing up late April

Why Go: This place feels straight out of a postcard.

There’s a real working Dutch windmill surrounded by tulip fields, plus a cute little Dutch village setup with canal views and spinning windmill blades. It’s a must if you’re already in town for Tulip Time. Super easy to walk and explore, with wide paths and tons of photo spots.

Aman Park

Location: 1859 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI
What You’ll Find: Wild white trillium, Virginia bluebells, quiet forest trails, and Sand Creek running through the ravine
Timing: Early to mid-May, usually peaking right around Mother’s Day

Why Go: The forest floor here puts on a full-on wildflower show in the spring. Trillium and bluebells carpet the ground under the trees, and the red trail loop is a solid pick for getting the best views along the creek. It’s peaceful, shady, and feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Location: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI
What You’ll Find: Flowering cherry trees in the Japanese Garden, a cherry tree promenade, magnolias, spring bulbs, and more
Timing: Late April to early May, but the cherry trees usually peak right around the third week of April

Why Go: The cherry blossoms here are next-level. Head straight to the Japanese Garden or the front promenade by the fountain for the best bloom views. The petals start falling like soft pink confetti after just a week or so, so timing is everything.

Bonus: sculptures and art tucked throughout the park make the whole visit extra special.

Grand Ideas Garden

Location: 775 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
What You’ll Find: Flowering trees, viburnum, spring shrubs, gazebos, and walking paths
Timing: Late April into May

Why Go: This small volunteer-powered garden is a low-key gem. The walking paths wind through curated garden spaces offer pops of spring bloomers. Look for big viburnum bushes covered with lacy white blooms, flowering trees, and little gazebos. It’s peaceful, pretty, and not usually crowded. Great for quiet photo walks and picnics.

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Robinette’s Apple Haus & Orchard

Location: 3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
What You’ll Find: Apple blossoms, orchard rows, spring wagon rides, cider mill, and bakery
Timing: Usually early to mid-May, but bloom time can swing depending on the weather

Why Go: Robinette’s isn’t just about apples in the fall. Come spring, the orchard rows are full of soft white blossoms and the farm kicks off their Blossom Wagon Rides, a relaxing way to roll through the blooming orchard without breaking a sweat. Bonus: the cider mill and bakery are open year-round, so you can grab donuts, cider, or lunch while you’re there. Keep an eye on their website or social media for wagon ride dates (they’re weather dependent and fill up fast when the bloom is on.)

Prairie Wolf Park

Location: 5849 76th St SE, Caledonia, MI
What You’ll Find: Old apple orchard turned park, blossom tunnels, red barn with a barn quilt square
Timing: Early to mid-April, but again, timing shifts with the weather

Why Go: This is another one of those blink-and-you-miss-it bloom windows, but if you hit it right, the old orchard trees make these dreamy blossom-lined tunnels.

The red barn with the apple tree quilt square adds a sweet pop of color for photos. Easy trails and wide-open spaces make it great for a laid-back afternoon. This park is a popular walking spot.