Did April showers (and snow showers) bring May flowers? I guess we’ll find out. Among the events scheduled this month in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties, you can head to Holland’s annual Tulip Time celebration, cruise the vehicles at an Allegan car show, or check out the recreational options at the Muskegon County Wastewater Management Plant. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.
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This photo titled "Tickled" is by Mary Hilldore Photography.
It’s Tulip Time in Holland
Greater Holland
May 1-9
Some events ticketed; advance reservations preferred
Celebrate spring with a trip to Tulip Time. The greater Holland area boasts more than 6 million tulips in city beds, tulip lanes, parks, Windmill Island Gardens, Nelis’ Dutch Village, Veldheer Gardens, and private plantings. The festival looks a little different this year due to COVID-19, so there will be no parades or Dutch Dancing, but there will be plenty of activities, including a “do it at your own pace” scavenger hunt, a carnival, visits to a tall ship, virtual artisan market, and much more. Visit
tuliptime.com for complete details.
Allegan Eagles Auxiliary Car Show
Allegan County Courthouse parking lot
113 Chestnut St., Allegan, MI 49010
May 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free to attend, $10 registration fee per vehicle
Join in the fun at the inaugural Allegan Eagles Auxiliary Car Show. Awards will be given for vehicles in these categories: pre-1960, 1960-1999, 2000-present, muscle cars, motorcycles, trucks, and imports. Bring the family and friends for food, fun, raffles, and music, as well as some great vehicles. More details at
alleganeagles2315.com
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The Pocket Park Splash Pad in Coopersville is a popular spot.
Eats in the Street Food Truck Rally
Downtown Coopersville
May 8, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free to attend; food prices vary
Looking for a different way to spend your Saturday? Head to downtown Coopersville for some tasty food truck treats, and while you’re there, take a horse-drawn trolley ride of the area. Add to the fun by grabbing a seat around the splash pad. You can watch the kids splash and play while you enjoy your food.
More details at
stayhappening.com
Twilight Hike for Kids and Families
Pigeon Creek Park
12524 Stanton St., West Olive, MI 49460
May 21, 8:30-10 p.m.
$5 per person, ages 5 and older
Grab the kids and a flashlight and explore Pigeon Creek Park as day turns to night. Search for owls and whippoorwills, listen to frog calls, and set up light traps to watch the nocturnal activities of moths and beetles. Afterward, relax around a campfire to share more about your evening’s adventures. More details at
miottawa.org/ocpevents
Out of the Barn Pop-Up
Out Of The Barn
9637 48th Ave., Allendale, MI 49401
May 28-31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free to attend
Shop ’til you drop in the fresh air during Memorial Day weekend. More than 50 local artists and crafters, and a few direct marketers, will be showcasing their wares in socially distanced tents. More details at
stayhappening.com.
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The Old School House is a stop on the Saugatuck/Douglas historic walking tour.
Historic Walking Tours
Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Saugatuck/Douglas
Anytime you please
Free
Spring is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy the Lakeshore. And a great way to do that is to take a self-guided walking tour and learn a little history as you go. You never know what you might discover. Find out more at these websites:
Grand Haven -
visitgrandhaven.com
Holland -
holland.org/holland-walking-tour
Muskegon -
frommichiganwithloveblog.com
Saugatuck/Douglas -
sdhistoricalsociety.org
Recreational Opportunities Galore
Muskegon County Wastewater Management System
698 N. Maple Island Road, Muskegon, MI 49442
Free, permit from Wastewater Office required
The 11,000-acre Muskegon County Wastewater Management Plant offers great recreational opportunities to the public, including a non-motorized nature trail and some of the best birding in Michigan, especially for spotting rare birds. The acreage includes treatment cells, storage lagoons, farms, as well as forest and grassland. In fact, the two 850-acre storage lagoons are big enough that each could be counted among the top 100 biggest lakes in Michigan. And the Muskegon Astronomical Society has an observatory on-site offering events that are open to the public. You must obtain a permit if you want to explore this fascinating area; passes can be obtained at
mcresourcerecoverycenter.com.
Need suggestions for specific destinations or activities, check out these tourism resources for details:
Holland Area Visitors Bureau
Grand Haven CVB
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation
Saugatuck CVB
Allegan County Parks & Recreation