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. :car:
🍦 Sweet Treats Available
The park has a snack bar with 31 flavors of soft serve ice cream – blueberry is a favorite! :ice_cream:
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. :car:
🍦 Sweet Treats Available
The park has a snack bar with 31 flavors of soft serve ice cream – blueberry is a favorite! :ice_cream:
🚶♀️ Walk the Pier
Take a stroll out to Big Red for fantastic views and photo ops. Watch boats come and go. :walking:
📸 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. :car:
🍦 Sweet Treats Available
The park has a snack bar with 31 flavors of soft serve ice cream – blueberry is a favorite! :ice_cream:
🚶♀️ Walk the Pier
Take a stroll out to Big Red for fantastic views and photo ops. Watch boats come and go. :walking:
📸 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a bit of adventure, consider the boardwalk and pier walk to Big Red Lighthouse, which is an exciting exploration for little ones. If your family enjoys a bit of a challenge, the nearby Mt. Pisgah dune climb offers a fun way to burn off energy and enjoy panoramic views.
📸 Photographers
The park is renowned for its sunsets, offering incredible opportunities for dramatic and colorful shots. +1Beyond the lighthouse and sunsets, explore the beach for unique perspectives, especially during different weather conditions like winter ice formations
or summer kite surfers. Early mornings can offer beautiful light with fewer crowds, while the 'golden hour' before sunset is a must for warm, inviting light. 🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
Exploring the park on foot allows you to appreciate its natural beauty fully. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for cooler temperatures ideal for longer walks. The park's layout encourages exploration, whether you're strolling along the shoreline or venturing up the dunes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Big Red Lighthouse
+1Big Red is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, when the sky erupts in a symphony of colors, creating a truly magical backdrop. Even in winter, the lighthouse offers a dramatic spectacle, often surrounded by ice formations and snow, showcasing its resilience against the elements.
+2 Photographers and visitors alike are drawn to its charm, making it a quintessential symbol of the Lake Michigan coastline. While you can't go inside the lighthouse itself, the experience of walking the pier, feeling the lake breeze, and admiring its architecture is a highlight for many. It's a place that evokes a sense of history and the enduring power of nature.
Experiencing the Beach and Lake Michigan
Beyond just lounging, the beach provides opportunities for various activities. Beach volleyball courts are available, and the gentle waves are perfect for wading or simply enjoying the shoreline. The park also offers amenities like restrooms and changing facilities, adding to the convenience for beachgoers.
For those who enjoy being on or near the water, the park's location on Lake Michigan is a major advantage. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day of relaxation or a fun-filled family outing, the beach at Holland State Park delivers a classic Great Lakes experience.
Seasonal Beauty: From Summer Sun to Winter Ice
+1As fall arrives, the crowds thin, and the park offers a more serene experience. The changing foliage adds a new layer of beauty to the landscape, and the crisp air is perfect for long walks along the beach and pier. The sunsets continue to be a highlight, often with a dramatic flair.
Winter brings a completely different, yet equally captivating, atmosphere. Lake Michigan can freeze over, creating stunning ice formations, including pancake ice, and Big Red Lighthouse often becomes encased in ice, creating a dramatic, almost surreal scene.
+1 This season offers a unique opportunity for photographers and those seeking a quieter, more introspective visit. Even in spring, the park begins to awaken, with wildflowers blooming and the lake becoming more active. Each season provides a distinct perspective on the park's natural beauty, making it a destination worth visiting any time of year.
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