35 Cities That Feel Like a Different Country Without Leaving the U.S.

3. Holland, Michigan – A Dutch Wonderland in the Midwest

Yes, you read that right—there’s a Dutch-inspired town in Michigan, complete with windmills, tulip fields, and wooden clogs, making it feel like you’ve been transported to the countryside of the Netherlands. Founded by Dutch immigrants in the 1800s, Holland, Michigan, has fully embraced its heritage, evident in its architecture, festivals, and food. Each spring, the town bursts into color during the Tulip Time Festival, one of the largest flower festivals in the U.S., featuring over 6 million tulips in vibrant hues. This century-old tradition draws thousands of visitors, who stroll through Windmill Island Gardens, pose for photos amid endless rows of tulips, and enjoy traditional Dutch folk dancing performances in the streets. A visit to Holland isn’t complete without seeing De Zwaan Windmill, a genuine 250-year-old Dutch windmill transported from the Netherlands and still in operation today. Local bakeries serve Dutch treats like stroopwafels (thin caramel-filled waffle cookies), buttery banket (almond pastries), and Dutch apple pie, baked with extra cinnamon and a thick crumb topping that makes it distinct from its American counterpart.