A 25-minute drive from Grand Rapids and 10 minutes from the Holland lakeshore, Zeeland is a small town with a rich history. The area was first settled in 1847 by Jannes Vande Luyster and 500 or settlers from the Netherlands in search of religious freedom. Their arrival was part of a wave of Dutch immigration to West Michigan, where Dutch influence can continue to be seen in architecture, churches and many of the area’s residents.
Today, Zeeland is home to just under 6,000 people who love the city’s friendly, community-minded feel. Visitors are invited to “Feel the Zeel” in a delightful downtown area filled with local shops and restaurants as well as public spaces that host year-round community events. Free parking is plentiful downtown and throughout the area.
Arts & Culture
Back to Top of ListDekker Huis Museum
Operated by the Zeeland Historical Society, the Dekker Huis Museum showcases area history. The museum is housed in the historic 1876 Dekker family home, which today features gallery spaces, a recreated 1920s bank and grocery store, a barn and an interurban station. The museum has a collection of more than 20,000 artifacts. Guided tours are available. 37 E Main Ave.
Howard Miller Street Clock
A gift to the city from Howard Miller Clock Company, founded here in 1926, this three-faced clock sculpture towers above the entrance to Splash Pad Park. The city was once a hub for clockmaking, shipping clocks all over the country and the world. 100 E Main Ave.
New Groningen Schoolhouse
Built in 1881, this historic two-room schoolhouse is open to the public for scheduled tours and may be rented for private events. The New Groningen Schoolhouse is located at 10537 Paw Paw Dr.
Veneklasen Brick Driving Tour
Download this pdf for a self-guided driving tour showcasing historical Veneklasen Brick architecture. Jan Hendrik Veneklasen and his son, Berend, founded the Zeeland Brick Company here in 1848, specializing in patterned brickwork in different colors. The tour includes 20+ stops.
Zeeland Historical Walking Tour
Download this pdf to take a 1.5-mile self-guided tour of 40 iconic homes, buildings and public spaces.
Family Fun
Back to Top of ListCritter Barn
Meet rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, turkey and pigs at Critter Barn, which is dedicated to teaching about farming and agriculture. Tour the property, take classes, attend special events and get inspired by the miracles of nature found at the farm. 2950 80th Ave.
Drenthe Community Grove
Drenthe Community Grove is a 20-acre parcel of land with playground equipment, a ball field, beach volleyball court, basketball courts, pickleball court, two tennis courts and shaded picnic areas. There is also a 0.7-mile paved walkway, fishing pond and picnic shelter. 615 68th Ave.
Elm Street Park
Located in the heart of downtown, Elm Street Park features benches and tables ideal for relaxing or gathering with friends, along with outdoor games for all ages. It’s part of the Zeeland Social District, so you can purchase beverages from participating downtown businesses and enjoy them in the park. 21 S Elm St.
Helder Park
Helder Park is a 159-acre community space with soccer fields, play structures, an off-leash dog area and nature trails. It is home to Jim Kaat Ball Park, a premier youth baseball complex named after the Zeeland native and former major league pitcher. 3751 104th Ave.
Hoogland Park
Completely renovated in 2025, Hoogland Park features separate play areas for 2-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds, a swing area, shelter, restrooms, lighting and parking for seven vehicles. 250 S Peck St.
Howard Miller Public Library
Named after the founder of a clock company founded in Zeeland in 1926, Howard Miller Library boasts a collection of 65,000+ physical items and more than 43,000 digital resources. The library also hosts year-round programs and events for all ages, offers local history and genealogy resources, and has computers for public use. Open Monday-Saturday. 14 S Church St.
Huizenga Park
Covering nearly 15 acres, Huizenga Park offers a skate park, large playground, fishing pond, four picnic shelters, three football fields, a sand volleyball court, two softball fields, pickleball courts, a fully accessible restroom, walking trails and lots of paved parking. 350 Royal Park Dr.
Lawrence Street Park
Lawrence Street Park hosts Soundz of Summer, a free outdoor concert series held Tuesday evenings in July, each year. It also has a play area, tennis courts, baseball field, restrooms and a pavilion that can be rented for private events. 100 West Lawrence Ave.
Michigan Street Tot Lot
Specifically designed for young children, Michigan Street Tot Lot has a fenced-in play area with a variety of equipment, plus a picnic shelter with tables. 376 Michigan St.
SportsQuest Family Center
Anyone can play pickleball at SportsQuest Family Center, which also features member-based baseball/softball fields, batting cages, tennis courts and basketball courts. These facilities can also be rented. 3325 100th Ave.
Vande Luyster Square
Vande Luyster Square is a picturesque greenspace with a historical monument honoring some of Zeeland’s first settlers, a wishing fountain, gazebo and park benches. It’s located within the Zeeland Social District. Located at the intersection of Church & Central Streets.
Woodland Enterprises Berry Farms
Since 1957, family-owned Woodland Enterprises Berry Farms has offered u-pick and already-picked blueberries on its 250-acre property. A variety of berries are available from early July through early August each year, and fresh-frozen blueberries are available in the off-season while supplies last.
Zeeland Splash Pad Park
With a barrier-free play area that includes water features for both toddlers and children, Zeeland Splash Pad Park is open daily from May-September. There’s also a raised observation deck, dining area, shaded seating, picnic tables and restroom at this free park. S Elm St.
Zeeland Stadium
As in many small towns, school sports are a big source of entertainment and community pride. Zeeland East High School and Zeeland West High School draw crowds for their football and track events at Zeeland Stadium. 9900 Riley St. A new tennis and soccer/lacrosse complex, featuring eight tennis courts for each high school and two synthetic ball fields, opens at 3600 100th Ave in spring 2026.
Food & Drink
Back to Top of ListDowntown Food & Drink
You can visit these eateries within the span of a few blocks on E Main Avenue:
La Crème Café
French-inspired La Crème Café specializes in handcrafted crepes, both sweet and savory, along with quiche, pastries, desserts and more. Enjoy your meal with coffee, cocktails, beer or wine. 111 E Main Ave.
The Gritzmaker Social House
Casual, family-friendly The Gritzmaker offers a broad menu focused on burgers, handhelds and classic American entrées. Full bar service, too. 120 E Main Ave.
Zeeland Bakery
A self-described “old-fashioned Dutch bakery,” Zeeland Bakery has been making homemade donuts, pastries, cookies and Dutch favorites like almond banket since 1954. 130 E Main Ave.
Public
Zeeland’s hippest restaurant Public delivers eclectic, handcrafted comfort food in a cozy contemporary space. Also serves craft beers and cocktails. 131 E Main Ave.
Frank’s
Established in 1924, Frank’s is a classic diner boasting “the best burgers around,” served in a 1950s-esque setting. 134 E Main Ave.
Frank’s East
Right next door to the original Frank’s, Frank’s East serves the same classic, casual diner menu as the main restaurant, from omelets and pigs-in-the-blanket to burgers and fries. 136 E Main Ave.
Tripelroot Brewery
Tripelroot is a brewery with 11 draft beers on tap along with seltzer, wine, cider and 100 different bourbon options. It’s also a deli serving quick lunches and happy hour snacks, and a market carrying many Michigan-made products. 146 E Main Ave.
Drip
Drip is a cozy coffee shop specializing in artisanal espresso drinks, pour-overs, lattes, smoothies, smoothies, milkshakes and more. 150 E Main Ave.
Community Restaurant
Promising “amazing food at great prices,” Community Restaurant is a family-friendly destination serving American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 421 E Main Ave.
Zeeland Social District
Adults 21+ can sip on alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed establishments while exploring the streets and public seating of downtown Zeeland from Monday through Saturday. The participating spots offer drinks in designated Social District cups, allowing patrons to enjoy a beverage while strolling Main Avenue or relaxing in Elm Street Park. You must stay within the Social District boundaries identified on this map.
Also downtown:
6eight
6eight is a quaint café and boutique offering fair-trade coffee and tea that are ethically source and locally roasted. 201 W Washington Ave.
Biggby Coffee
East Lansing, Michigan-based Biggby Coffee features a variety of coffee and tea drinks, “bragel” sandwiches, muffins and to-go selections. 275 S State St.
Captain Sundae
Longtime ice cream parlor offers cones and sundaes – including the famous Tommy Turtle Sundae – plus some hot dogs, sandwiches and bites. Captain Sundae is open daily during ice cream season. 537 W Main Ave.
City on a Hill Café
Offering a barista bar, fresh baked goods and a rotating menu of breakfast and lunch options, City on a Hill Café is a welcome gathering spot for staff of City on a Hill Ministries, Bible study groups, reunions and other community groups. 100 Pine St #180.
The Farmhouse Restaurant
Offering a mix of traditional home-style favorites and trendier fare, The Farmhouse offers a comfy rural-style aesthetic and affordable prices. 430 W Washington Ave.
StrEATs Taco Kitchen
Serving globally inspired street tacos with bold flavors and creative twists, StrEATs Taco Kitchen offers something for every taste. Also: beer, margaritas and more. 14 South Elm St.
Vitale’s Pizza of Zeeland
Vitale’s Pizza is an Italian eatery and sports bar from a legendary West Michigan restaurant family. 59 W Washington Ave.
Outside downtown:
American Char Restaurant
American Char is an informal restaurant serving hickory-smoked meats and Southern-style side dishes. 6394 Adams St.
China Town Chinese Restaurant
Casual counter-serve establishment offers classic Asian entrées, including some Thai items, for pickup, delivery or onsite dining at China Town Chinese Restaurant. 9479 E Riley St #235.
Egg Roll Express
Egg Roll Express is a casual eatery serving a wide variety of familiar Chinese dishes at moderate prices. 11190 Chicago Dr.
El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant
Traditional Mexican fare – tacos, enchiladas, tortillas, churros, guacamole and more – is served at casual eatery El Paraiso. 11190 Chicago Dr.
MOO-Ville West
Serving ice cream made in Michigan with locally grown beet sugar – and NO high fructose sugar – MOO-Ville offers a variety of cones, sundaes, shakes, malts and other treats, plus a small selection of lunch handhelds. Open year-round inside an Exxon gas station. 6420 Byron Rd A.
The Parlor by House of Flavors
The Parlor offers 30+ ice cream flavors plus sundaes, milkshakes and other sweet treats. Open seasonally. 405 Centerstone Ct.
Petrino’s Pizzeria
Petrino’s is a casual pizzeria offering Chicago-style and thin-crust pies, plus pasta, subs, salads and more. Dine in or carry out. 9749 Riley St.
The Spot
The Spot is a seasonal eatery known for its ice cream treats, burgers, sandwiches and fries. Walk-up and drive-thru ordering plus outdoor seating. 9622 Port Sheldon St.
Thai Avenue
Offering dozens of traditional Thai food dishes made with fresh, premium ingredients, Thai Avenue caters to individual preferences via a scale encompassing regular, medium, spicy, Thai hot and Lao hot spiciness. 8516 Homestead Dr #101.
Vee’s Grill and Coney Island
Vee’s is a casual eatery serving up all-day breakfast, Detroit-style hot dogs, burgers, salads, sandwiches and more. 10500 Chicago Dr.
Vee’s Wings
Enjoy crispy wings – traditional and boneless – plus fries, sandwiches, tots, cheese curds, jalapeno chips and more at Vee’s Wings.10500 Chicago Dr.
Wolfie’s Sandwiches
Known for its hearty, hand-built sandwiches on fresh, house-baked bread, Wolfie’s offers a warm, trail-oriented atmosphere – every menu item comes with a small cup of trail mix to get you in the hiking spirit. 9479 Riley St #225.
Ziggi’s Coffee
Serving specialty roasted coffee, teas, smoothies and light eats, Ziggi’s is the first Michigan store for a Colorado-based brand. Drive-thru and indoor seating. 8317 Westpark Way.
Zeeland Nutrition
Family-owned eatery, Zeeland Nutrition aims to fuel your day with protein shakes smoothies, waffles and bowls, plus energizing teas, wellness drinks and more. 9479 Riley St #240.
Also in Zeeland: Burger King, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Jet’s Pizza, Jimmy John’s, Little Caesars Pizza, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Subway and Taco Bell.
Outdoor Adventure
Back to Top of ListCrestview Golf Course
Established in 1961, Crestview offers a scenic combination of doglegs, creeks, ponds and mature trees. The front nine is 2,816 yards from the longest tees and the back nine is 3,233 yards. The clubhouse offers a pro shop, snack bar and banquet facilities. 6270 96th Ave.
Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation
Park your RV, put up your tent or rent a cabin at Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation. With an inground pool, playground, activity field, rec room, fishing pond and boat rentals, Dutch Treat is fun for the whole family. There’s also a camp store and on-site laundry for your convenience. Open April 1-November 1 each year. 10300 Gordon St.
Paw Paw Foot Bridge
Located on the west side of the city, Paw Paw Foot Bridge features a winding bike path and a foot bridge that spans the Black River, plus a pavilion and picnic tables. Paw Paw Drive, north of 104th.
Upper Macatawa Natural Area
Popular with hikers, bikers, runners and birders, Upper Macatawa Natural Area spans 612 acres. A paved bike trail running through the park connects to the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail leading Kent County on the north side and to the Adams Street bike path, which runs to the lakeshore, on the south side. The park also features single-track mountain bike trails, ungroomed hiking and cross-country ski trails, scenic overlook decks, picnic tables, a picnic shelter and rustic toilets. 1300 84th Ave and 2171 76th Ave.
VanZoeren Woods
Walk through 34 acres of natural beauty featuring trees, gullies and wildflowers at VanZoeren Woods. 56th Ave & Riley St.
Shopping
Back to Top of ListDowntown Shopping
Shop these stores within a few blocks of each other on E Main Avenue:
Brummel’s Home Furnishings offers a variety of appliances, furniture and home furnishings, plus service and appliance parts. 110 E Main Ave.
Out of the Box is West Michigan’s largest store devoted to games, toys and puzzles. 114 E Main Ave.
Bunte’s Pharmacy is independently owned and operated to provide exceptional services along with medications and gifts. 115 E Main Ave.
Mom & Baby Again specializes in new and used children’s clothing, maternity wear, toys and accessories. 121 E Main Ave.
Adorned Home offers women’s clothing and jewelry, home décor and more. 122 E Main Ave.
Dekker’s Jewelry, serving Zeeland for 140+ years, features a wide selection of diamonds, rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches, plus engraving and repair services. 124 E Main Ave.
Lorna Lou is a locally owned boutique featuring items for your home, cottage and closet. 137 E Main Ave.
Annie Lane offers a curated, size-inclusive collection of budget-friendly bridal gowns, prom dresses and jewelry. 152 E Main Ave.
Main Street Bicycle Co. is a full-service bike shop offering models for all ages and abilities, plus service and repairs. 201 E Main Ave.
GarenHuis Yarn Studio offers a lovely selection of yarn, fiber, notions and gifts, and hosts regular classes and workshops. 209 E Main Ave.
Don’s Flowers & Gifts offers fresh flowers, bouquets and arrangements, and gifts. 217 E Main Ave.
Zeeland Ace Hardware is the destination for all your grill, hardware, home improvement, lawn and garden, and tool needs. 435 W Main Ave.
Also downtown:
Better Way Design sells a variety of products handmade by survivors of human trafficking, as well as fair-trade coffee and tea. 201 W Washington Ave #100.
De Bruyn Seed Co. is a family-owned home & garden marketplace selling grass seed, flower seed, vegetable seed, field seed, plants and lawn-care supplies. 101 E Washington Ave.
Office Outlet sells discounted home and office furniture from locally headquartered MillerKnoll, a giant of the industry. 455 W Washington Ave.
Paradise Bound Thrift Shoppe is stocked with new and gently used books, clothes, toys, games, puzzle and more. 59 W Washington Ave.
Stems Market offers fresh-cut flowers, house plants, bouquets, vases and more. 26 N State St.
Outside downtown:
Birtle’s Fabrics offers premium quilting cotton and quilting classes. 9749 Riley St #380.
Family Fare is a Michigan supermarket chain stocking a wide range of grocery, bakery, deli, meat and produce, including organic and bulk selections. In-store pharmacy. 9479 Riley St.
Garden Crossings is a greenhouse and nursery featuring a vast selection of annuals, perennials and shrubs, including Proven Winners plants. 4902 96th Ave.
Raterink Family Farm is a third-generation dairy and beef operation with a small farm store selling a variety of beef, pork, chicken, honey and other products. 2084 72nd Ave.
TC Sports Cards sells a huge selection of sports cards, Pokémon cards and other memorabilia. 9479 Riley St #225.
Van Hill Furniture & Mattress, family-owned and operated since 1957, features high-quality products for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and home offices. 10880 Chicago Dr.
Also in Zeeland: Dollar General and Goodwill Store.
Lodging
Back to Top of ListStop in Zeeland on your way to Holland for a perfect day trip from Grand Rapids. Book a Grand Rapids hotel to explore Zeeland and the lakeshore during the day and get back to GR for a night on the town. Consider a Grandville hotel – Comfort Suites , Country Inn & Suites , Hampton Inn & Suites or Staybridge Suites – for easy access to both lakeshore and Grand Rapids attractions. Grandville is less than a 20-minute drive to downtown Zeeland and a 10-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids.
Events
Back to Top of ListZeeland hosts a wide variety of family-friendly events in each season. Visit Feel the Zeel on Facebook for dates and details on these and other community celebrations:
Spring
• Zeeland’s Easter Egg Hunt
• Spring Peddlers’ Market
• Memorial Day Parade
Summer
• Music on Main
• Chalkfest
• Zeeland Zoom 5K / Little Zoomers Kids Race
• Zeelmania
• Soundz of Summer Concert Series
• Show & Shine Car Show & Cruise
• Fire/Rescue Pig Out
• Sweet Summer Night
• National Night Out
• Ice Cream Social
Fall
• Labor Day Truck Parade
• Fall Peddlers’ Market
• Pumpkinfest
• Downtown Trick or Treat
• Zeeland Turkey Trot
Winter
• Magical Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Feel the Zeel of Christmas
• Holiday Train Show
• Sinterklaas
• Wreaths of Honor Laying Ceremony
• Plaiderday Chili Crawl