Holland State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Macatawa Park Tunnel Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Holland State Park is a popular tourist destination located in the state of Michigan.
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Summary
It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and offers visitors access to both the lake and the nearby Macatawa River. The park is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and excellent fishing opportunities.
One of the main attractions at Holland State Park is the Big Red Lighthouse, which was built in 1872 and is still in operation today. The lighthouse offers stunning views of both the lake and the surrounding landscape, and is a popular spot for taking photographs.
Visitors to the park can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, hiking, and birdwatching. The park has several picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great destination for families with children.
For those interested in history, Holland State Park is also home to the Holland Harbor Light, which was first constructed in 1872 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the state of Michigan. The lighthouse is available for tours during the summer months.
The best time to visit Holland State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, visitors can also enjoy the park during the fall and winter months, when the leaves change colors and the park takes on a different, more serene atmosphere.
Overall, Holland State Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan's eastern shore. With its beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and historic lighthouses, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this popular tourist destination.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Macatawa Park
Tunnel Park
Winstrom Park
Laketown Park
Wendt Park