Holland State Park Big Red Lighthouse
Iconic Big Red Lighthouse and beautiful sandy beaches on Lake Michigan, offering stunning sunsets and year-round natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Holland State Park Big Red Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Big Red Lighthouse and beautiful sandy beaches on Lake Michigan, offering stunning sunsets and year-round natural beauty.
"Holland State Park is a perfect spot to soak up Lake Michigan’s beauty! The beach area is clean, spacious, and perfect for relaxing."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The main parking lot fills up fast on weekends. Aim to arrive before 10 AM to secure a spot. 🚗
🍦 Sweet Treats Available
The park has a snack bar with 31 flavors of soft serve ice cream – blueberry is a favorite! 🍨
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 3,228 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Big Red Lighthouse
Holland State Park Pier
The iconic red lighthouse, affectionately known as 'Big Red,' is a must-see landmark offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
Holland State Park Beach
Lake Michigan Shoreline
A wide, sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan.
Sunset Views
Lake Michigan Overlook
Witness breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan, painting the sky with vibrant colors behind Big Red.
+1
Boardwalk and Pier Walk
From Beach to Lighthouse
Stroll along the boardwalk and pier for close-up views of Big Red and the expansive lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Big Red
Park Entry & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The main parking lot fills up fast on weekends. Aim to arrive before 10 AM to secure a spot. 🚗
🍦 Sweet Treats Available
The park has a snack bar with 31 flavors of soft serve ice cream – blueberry is a favorite! 🍨
🚶♀️ Walk the Pier
Take a stroll out to Big Red for fantastic views and photo ops. Watch boats come and go. 🚶
📸 Golden Hour Magic
The sunsets here are legendary. Stick around for the 'golden hour' for truly Instagram-worthy shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The main parking lot fills up fast on weekends. Aim to arrive before 10 AM to secure a spot. 🚗
🍦 Sweet Treats Available
The park has a snack bar with 31 flavors of soft serve ice cream – blueberry is a favorite! 🍨
🚶♀️ Walk the Pier
Take a stroll out to Big Red for fantastic views and photo ops. Watch boats come and go. 🚶
📸 Golden Hour Magic
The sunsets here are legendary. Stick around for the 'golden hour' for truly Instagram-worthy shots.
🥾 Consider Mt. Pisgah
For a bit of a hike and great views, climb the 239 stairs at nearby Mt. Pisgah dune. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Holland State Park for its clean, spacious beach and the iconic Big Red Lighthouse. The stunning sunset views over Lake Michigan are a major highlight, and the park's amenities, including a snack bar with ample ice cream flavors, are well-received. Some visitors note that parking and road access can be challenging on busy weekends, suggesting early arrival or alternative parking.
"My wife and I visited the beach in the state park and it was a beautiful experience. It's very clean, the sand is very fine, and the water was perfect. The amenities and shop are excellent too. You can find food, ice cream, drinks, and souvenirs. On a weekend make sure you arrive early enough to make inside it the park!"
Aziz BouChaaya
"We walked the pier and beach near the lighthouse. Not overly crowded on Tuesday afternoon but there were plenty of friendly people to converse with. A grandfather brought his boat around so his grandkids could use the beach and swimming area. A family fished on the pier. A number of people were enjoying the sun and sand. There is a great store with 31 flavors of soft serve, blueberry being a favorite, and many reasonably priced items. Also met a couple looking for campsite check-in. Looks like a great place to camp with awesome views of Lake Michigan."
Robert Jones
"Holland State Park is a perfect spot to soak up Lake Michigan’s beauty! 🏖️ The beach area is clean, spacious, and perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or just strolling along the soft sand. There are plenty of picnic tables around, making it great for a family outing or a chill hangout with friends.
One of the highlights here is the historic Big Red Lighthouse — a must-see and super photogenic! 📸
If you plan to park inside near the beach, there’s a $19 vehicle entry fee, but you can save by parking on the street just outside and walking in. The sunset views over Lake Michigan are absolutely breathtaking — worth waiting for and definitely Instagram-worthy! 🌅 Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area — it’s a perfect blend of nature, history, and stunning views!"
anita airon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Holland State Park is located at 1570 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424. It's easily accessible by car. If you're coming from downtown Holland, it's a short drive west. +1
Public transportation options to Holland State Park are limited. It's best to drive or use ride-sharing services.
On busy summer weekends, the single main road into the park can get backed up. Arrive very early, or consider parking on the street outside the park and walking in.
Yes, you can combine a visit with exploring downtown Holland, visiting Windmill Island Gardens, or heading to nearby Saugatuck for its beaches and shops.
Yes, Holland State Park is accessible year-round. Winter offers unique views of frozen Lake Michigan and ice formations around Big Red.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A Michigan State Parks pass is required. A day pass costs $19. You can purchase passes at the gate or online.
Reservations are not typically required for day visits, but the park can reach capacity on busy days. Camping reservations are recommended well in advance.
Holland State Park is generally open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily. However, hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Michigan State Parks website.
Yes, if the main parking lot is full, you can park on the street outside the park entrance and walk in.
Michigan residents can purchase an annual state park pass which offers better value if you plan to visit multiple state parks throughout the year.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the beach, swim in Lake Michigan, walk the pier to Big Red Lighthouse, enjoy picnics, and watch stunning sunsets.
Yes, the beach is great for swimming, with generally calm waters. Always be aware of beach flags and conditions.
Yes, the park offers restrooms and changing facilities, especially near the main beach area.
The park has made efforts to improve accessibility, including a walkway to get closer to the water, which can be helpful for those with mobility challenges.
The pier leading to Big Red Lighthouse is a prime photo spot, especially during sunrise and sunset. The beach itself also offers beautiful backdrops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a snack bar and shop that offers food, drinks, ice cream (with 31 flavors!), and souvenirs.
Absolutely! There are plenty of picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxed meal.
Yes, downtown Holland offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. Many visitors enjoy grabbing tacos before heading to the park.
The snack bar typically offers classic beach fare like hot dogs, burgers, fries, and of course, a wide selection of ice cream flavors.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the park.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing Big Red. The 'golden hour' before sunset is particularly popular.
Drone usage is subject to Michigan State Park regulations. It's essential to check the latest rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying.
Landscape photography, sunset shots, lighthouse photography, and capturing the beach and lake are very popular.
Yes, you can walk out on the pier to get close to Big Red. Be mindful of safety and any posted restrictions.
While not always advertised, local photographers sometimes organize meetups or workshops. Following local photography groups on social media might provide opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit