Here's where to get the best photos during Holland's annual Tulip Time Festival

Cassandra Lybrink, The Holland Sentinel
·2 min read

HOLLAND — For local professional photographer Juliane Saccon, moving to Holland from Brazil was an amazing opportunity.

"I had no idea that Michigan and Holland were so beautiful," she told The Sentinel in 2022. "Between the changing seasons and Tulip Time, it's amazing. I think everybody that comes to Holland dreams about taking photos in the tulip fields. It becomes something magical."

According to Saccon, the best places to snap beautiful photos during the festival are:

Windmill Island Gardens

Address: 1 Lincoln Ave. in Holland

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Last admission at 5 p.m.)

Admission: $12 for adults and $6 for ages 3 to 15

Windmill Island features over 125,000 tulips planted in large fields and smaller beds. Between the blooming flowers and the authentic De Zwaan Windmill as a backdrop, the attraction is a favorite for professional and nonprofessional photographers alike.

The carnival midway in downtown Holland — plus Eighth Street, Centennial Park and the Tulip Lanes — is a perfect opportunity for spontaneous photos.
The carnival midway in downtown Holland — plus Eighth Street, Centennial Park and the Tulip Lanes — is a perfect opportunity for spontaneous photos.

Eighth Street

No hours or admission to worry about here. In specific, Saccon recommends Eighth Street's main blocks, the Tulip Lanes throughout downtown, Centennial Park and the carnival midway at the Civic Center.

"The city has energy all over the streets," she said. "There are many places to photograph — the carnival, the beautiful flowers and trees. (It's) great to walk and explore all the charming spots that our city offers."

Nelis' Dutch Village, an amusement park in Holland Township, boasts more than 30,000 tulips, authentic shops and demonstrations and water features.
Nelis' Dutch Village, an amusement park in Holland Township, boasts more than 30,000 tulips, authentic shops and demonstrations and water features.

Nelis' Dutch Village

Address: 12350 James St. in Holland Township

Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Admission: $17

During the festival, Nelis' Dutch Village boasts 30,000 tulips in 100 varieties, plus authentic shops and demonstrations, Dutch Dances and water features. Photos with children are often staged here. Children two and under enter free.

Window on the Waterfront is a 30-acre park with thousands of tulips and plenty of space to spread out.
Window on the Waterfront is a 30-acre park with thousands of tulips and plenty of space to spread out.

Window on the Waterfront

Address: 61 E. Sixth St. in Holland

No admission or hours needed here, either. This 30-acre park also features stunning tulip displays, with plenty of space to spread out.

Veldheer offers 6 million tulips in 850 varieties. Admission price is based on the year's bloom and color.
Veldheer offers 6 million tulips in 850 varieties. Admission price is based on the year's bloom and color.

Veldheer Tulip Gardens

Address: 12755 Quincy St. in Holland Township

Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (Gardens close at 6 p.m.)

Admission: $15

If quantity is your goal, Veldheer Tulip Gardens is a great choice. This secluded spot in Holland Township has 6 milliontulips of 850 varieties. Admission price is based on the year's bloom and color.

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"I think we're very lucky to be surrounded by nature and so much beauty during this time," Saccon said. "I truly love photography, and to be here, in this place, surrounded by this, it's a gift. I just love to capture this moment."

Tulip Time begins Saturday, May 6.

— Contact editor Cassandra Lybrink at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Where to get the best photos during Holland's annual Tulip Time Festival