Spring comes slowly to Lake Michigan, but by May almost everything is open.
If you are planning a spring trip, here is the general order things open up, so you know what to expect. It is a slow start, but by Memorial Day the lakeshore is in full swing.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: Tulip Time Tips From People Who Have Done It Many Times
The Lakeshore Spring Calendar
1) April
Windmill Island Gardens and Nelis' Dutch Village open for the season. Trails dry out and the bikes come out.
April is a quiet, easy month to visit. It is a good time for a long walk or a first bike ride of the year.
Windmill Island and Nelis' are both good ways to start the season in Holland. Pack a light jacket, because spring days by the lake can still be cool.
2) Early May
Tulip Time in Holland. Saugatuck Dune Rides opens. Farmers markets start up.
This is when the lakeshore really wakes up. If you are coming for Tulip Time, book early.
Early May is the busiest part of spring in Holland. Saugatuck Dune Rides opening is a sign the season is really here, and the farmers markets are a fun Saturday morning stop. If you want to see the tulips with fewer people around, try a weekday morning.
3) Late May
Memorial Day weekend kicks off beach season and the Grand Haven Musical Fountain shows.
Memorial Day is one of the first big weekends to fill up, so plan ahead.
Late May is the start of summer on the lakeshore. The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a fun evening out, and the beaches start to fill up. The big lake is still cold, but the beaches are beautiful for a walk.
READ: 5 Easy Trails for Walking and Biking
4) Check before you go
Seasonal hours change from year to year, so check each place's site.
Our area guides are a good place to start.
It is always worth a quick look at a place's site before you go. Spring weather can change plans, too. A quick check can save you a drive to a place that has not opened yet.
Personally, I think spring is one of the most overlooked times to visit. You get the towns waking up without the summer crowds. April and early May are the quietest, and the most flexible for booking. Spring is a great season to try a new town or a new trail. Pack layers, because the weather can swing a lot from one day to the next.
Spring weekends are a great time to visit before the summer rush. Holland Home Retreat and Stay + Play Holland are close to the tulips, and South Haven Cottage and West Olive Cottage are close to the beaches.