Visit the 19th Century Farmhouse of Holland's Founding Father

Now maintained as a park and recreation area, the Van Raalte Farm is deeply rooted in the heritage of Saugatuck’s neighbor, Holland. Built by Benjamin, the son of the City of Holland’s founding father, Albertus Van Raalte, in 1872, the property remained in the Van Raalte Family until the 1980s when it was purchased by the city for $350,000 from Albertus’s granddaughter.

Nicknamed “The Maples” for the majestic maple trees planted in front of the house, the Van Raalte Farm is best enjoyed by taking to its nature trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Rent snowshoes from one of Saugatuck’s winter outfitters and make a short drive up north to Holland to experience the 19th-century farmhouse and outbuildings of Holland’s founding father. The property also has great hills for sledding.

In the early spring months, DeGraaf Nature Center’s Sugar Shack will tap the maple trees in front of the house for sap that will be made into maple syrup. Visit the old barn for ice cream topped with their very own maple syrup and buy a bottle before you go.

For more information on the historic Van Raalte Farm, visit the website.

Van Raalte Farm Park
1076 E 16th Street
Holland, MI 49423
616.355.1057