65 Years of Family Fun!
Celebrate 65 years of history at Nelis’ Dutch Village this season! What began in 1958 as a seasonal attraction, a simple store “Dutch Market” selling souvenirs, has now grown into a thriving year-round attraction that features activities, rides, and demonstrations that delight visitors of all ages. Enjoy displays of the Nelis family history including milestones of the past century and the early years of the Nelis Tulip Farm. The little ones will love their newest attraction, “Take a Tractor to Nelis Tulip Farm.” Featuring 10 pint-sized electric tractors, children can discover the experience of driving around a special kid-friendly track!
They will also enjoy the “Zweefmolen,” an exciting Dutch chair swing, as well as the 1924 fully restored carousel. Take them to the kid-powered Petal Pumper Cars. Don’t miss the “Pirate Balloon Battle,” where they can immerse themselves in several rounds of water balloon launching. The whole family can go for a spin on “Harry’s Windmill Ride,” a 45-foot-high Ferris wheel made into a Dutch windmill, as well as visit “de Kinderboerderij,” the village petting farm to meet friendly animals including pigs, cows, chickens, sheep, goats, bunnies, and an alpaca and llama.
While visiting Nelis’ Dutch Village this summer, make sure to snap plenty of photos to send to friends and family. There are water-filled canals, plenty of Dutch architecture, exciting rides and play areas, as well as beautiful displays of flowers. See Dutch dancers in full costume and visit the wooden shoe factory to watch wooden shoe carving in action.
Explore the Frisian Farmhouse and Barn Watch and see artisans create Delft pottery and farmhouse-style cheeses. Study the many Dutch costumes from earlier eras in the Kolean Museum and watch Dutch dancers skillfully move across the floor in their delightful wooden shoes to authentic Dutch folk songs. Afterwards, all ages are invited to participate in the dancing and perhaps take home a pair of wooden shops from the gift shop.
Don’t depart without trying some of the delicious Dutch specialties in the Hungry Dutchman Café or Thirsty Dutchman Pub or exploring the gift shop for treasures including delft pottery souvenirs, Dutch cookies and candies, cheeses, and handmade fudge.
Discover Dutch history and culture, while having a great time making memories with the family! Nelis’ Dutch Village is a great place for company parties, birthdays, and other special events. For more information, such as hours, special events and admission prices, visit dutchvillage.com or call (616) 396-1475.
