Evander Jones
You don’t need a passport or a plane ticket to stroll through rows of rainbow-colored tulips. The Midwest and Northwest have masterfully recreated authentic Dutch experiences, complete with canal walks, fresh stroopwafels, traditional wooden shoes, and more. These ten locations might just be better than Holland for an awesome spring vacation.
Skagit Valley, Washington
Washington’s Skagit Valley bursts with vibrant tulip fields in ruby reds, golden yellows, and deep purples that stretch toward distant horizons. Unlike polished tourist spots, these working farms reveal nature’s raw beauty. Some visitors walk barefoot between rows, a quiet gesture that reflects spring’s brief, breathtaking wonder.
Pella, Iowa
Rippling canals border stone bridges within Pella’s Molengracht Plaza, where brick storefronts mirror authentic Dutch village architecture. Locals ride vintage bicycles while snippets of Dutch conversations fill the air around you. Savoring fresh stroopwafels near bubbling fountains creates genuine European moments in America’s heartland.
Orange City, Iowa
A traditional town crier in a historical dress announces Orange City’s festival commencement amid immaculate tulip displays. Multi-generational families proudly wear regional attire—grandmothers in Groningen skirts beside toddlers wearing Friesland caps. This Iowa community preserves ancestral customs through meticulously maintained wooden shoes and authentic celebration rituals.
Albany, New York
Seventeenth-century stockade brickwork and whispers from Schuyler Mansion reflect Albany’s deep Dutch heritage beyond seasonal celebrations. During the annual Tulip Festival, extensive tulip displays transform Capitol grounds. Visitors can enjoy vibrant floral arrangements, honoring centuries-old Dutch influences in this historic city.
Woodburn, Oregon
Woodburn offers a one-of-a-kind experience: sunrise hot air balloon rides over endless tulip fields. As morning light glistens on dewdrops, thousands of colorful blooms form a living canvas below. Passengers float silently above and absorb spring’s fleeting beauty from a breathtaking, unforgettable perspective.
Holland, Michigan
Centennial Park once buzzed with children sketching tulips as carillon melodies floated overhead. Local historians led storytelling walks past Victorian homes. At sunset, the city’s grand pipe organ echoed through tulip-lined streets, and an authentic Dutch atmosphere unfolded. You would forget that you’re in the U.S. and not the Netherlands.
Lynden, Washington
Almond cookie aromas blend with Dutch heritage activities in authentic Lynden. Local vendors may offer traditional kroketten, which reflects enduring community traditions. Cultural connections remain strong through performances of traditional Dutch music, while events highlight historical customs that celebrate Lynden’s heritage without a tourist-driven spectacle.
Belle Plaine, Kansas
Jazz musicians sway in hammocks while performing among Belle Plaine’s stunning tulip displays. Young artists receive guidance painting floral canvases from local mentors throughout this creative celebration. Uniquely blending nature with performance art, this festival even features guitarists entertaining the Kansas community from treehouses.
Fulton, Illinois
The magnificent De Immigrant windmill actively grinds grain every weekend in Fulton and provides flour for traditional local baking. Beyond beautiful flowers, the town museum displays authentic Dutch passports beside wartime immigration letters. Visitors discover preserved documents and functioning historical equipment rarely found outside European borders.
Lehi, Utah
Roaming violinists once played classical suites timed to tulip bloom cycles in Ashton Gardens. Sunlight shimmered on petals as families picnicked by koi ponds, where fish followed children’s shadows. This hidden Utah gem offered European-style magic with Rocky Mountain views and transported visitors to a dreamlike, timeless world.
