Top Grand Rapids Culture in 2026

People come from all over the world to see Holland’s Tulip Time Festival each May and often miss the city’s year-round peaceful beauty. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll visit Downtown Holland’s prettiest locations that are often overlooked by visitors, with some unexpected historical details! If you like local history, insider locations, and beautiful flowers, this is the walk for you! The tour starts at the city’s former fire station, known today as the Holland City Hall & Firehouse No. 2 Historical Marker, built in response to the devastating city-wide fire of 1871. As you make your way to Hope College’s historic campus and the elegantly maintained grounds of Centennial Park, you’ll hear about the multiple fires that nearly destroyed Holland. I’ll also tell you how a successful bank heist erupted into gunfire on 8th Street where, today, you’ll find thriving locally-owned shops and restaurants.