Tour Information
During the 2024 Tulip Time Festival (May 4-12), guests are invited to visit the beautiful Van Raalte Farm at 1076 East 16th Street in Holland and to view the tulips beneath "The Maples"! The outdoor property is open daily from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm for visitors to walk the trails.
Holland Parks and Recreation is also offering guided tours of the historic Van Raalte farmhouse and barns during the 2024 Tulip Time Festival. Tour the home, appointed in period furnishings, while learning all about the Van Raaltes, Holland's founding family, from a guide. Tours of the farmhouse and barns are free, but tickets are required and space is limited.
Visitors should park in the designated Van Raalte Farm parking lot on 16th Street to tour the property and the farmhouse. Please contact the City Parks Department at 616-928-2450 with questions. (Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.) Please note that this tour is not handicap accessible due to the historic nature of the farmhouse and barn and that uphill walking is required.
About Van Raalte Farm
Reverend Albertus Van Raalte, founding father of the City of Holland, purchased the land that is now Van Raalte Farm from the federal government over 175 years ago for $2.32 per acre. Shortly after the Civil War, Ben Van Raalte built the barns on the property and in 1872, he built the farmhouse for his bride Julia Gilmore.
Reverend Albertus Van Raalte’s granddaughter, Julia Van Raalte, married Orlando S. Reimold and inherited the 160 acre farm. The land remained in the family until it was purchased by the City of Holland in 1983 for $350,000 from the Reimold family.
At one time, the property was heavily farmed and had grain fields, an orchard, a peony garden, and dairy cows. The site was referred to by the family as “The Maples” due to the large majestic trees planted by Ben Van Raalte that now form a dense canopy around the house.
