• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10

Although Europe has long been considered a popular cultural destination for Americans, it’s not a realistic option for all travelers. The high cost, the poor exchange rate, and the long airplane ride, coupled with a general uncertainty about accessibility, causes many folks to bypass the continent altogether. But the good news is you don’t have to venture across the big pond to experience old world culture; in fact, it’s alive and well right here in the U.S., in places like Holland, Michigan.

The Streets of Holland
Although the Dutch influence is evident throughout downtown Holland, the best place to get a good primer on Dutch heritage is at the Holland Museum (http://www.hollandmuseum.org/). Located on 10th Street, this excellent museum features a ramped side entrance and barrier-free access throughout the building.

Inside this former post office, you’ll find exhibits about the local history, gifts from the Netherlands, and even a display from the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. And don’t miss the Dutch gallery, featuring 55 Dutch paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries and more than 150 cultural objects from fine furniture and Delftware to silver and original Dutch costumes.

Windmill Island
For a real taste of Holland, head over to Windmill Island (http://www.windmillisland.org/), a 30-acre park that boasts a miniature Dutch village, a variety of shops, and of course a windmill. Access is good throughout the park, with level access to all the shops and buildings, and wheelchair access across the flat bridge to the windmill.

The highlight of Windmill Island—the 240-year-old De Zwann windmill—is America’s only authentic Dutch windmill. It was carefully disassembled and shipped from Zaandam in 1965. There is level access to the bottom floor of the windmill, but the upper levels can only be accessed by stairs. Still it’s very interesting and a photo album of the upstairs is available. As an added bonus, Dutch dancers outfitted in folk costumes and wooden shoes perform at the windmill throughout the day.

Wooden Shoes, Delftware and Tulips
Another Holland must-see is the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delftware Factory (http://www.veldheer.com/), located just four miles north of downtown. There is level access to the factory store, where you can watch artists carve wooden shoes and paint Delftware. There is an excellent selection of Delftware available for purchase, but if you don’t see exactly what you want, they’ll make it and ship it to you.

Of course the highlight of a spring visit to Holland is a stroll through the colorful Veldheer Tulip Gardens, located next door to DeKlomp’s. The grass covered garden area is level, and most wheelchair-users won’t have any problems rolling around on dry days.

And don’t miss the annual Tulip Time Festival (http://www.tuliptime.com/) in the spring. During festival time, the city is awash with color, as tulips, costumed dancers, parades, and craft shows fill the streets. Admission is free to most events, and access is excellent throughout downtown. It’s a great way to really experience the Dutch culture of Holland.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.