Holland Brew Pub Tour: History and Hops

Exploring Holland’s Brew Scene: A Walk Through History and Hops

Imagine strolling through a charming Midwestern town, each step revealing stories of its past intertwined with modern craft brewing. The Holland Brew Pub Tour: History and Hops offers just that—a 3-hour journey through downtown Holland, Michigan, where beer, history, and local culture come together. Guided by friendly experts, you’ll learn about Holland’s origins, visit local breweries, and enjoy some tasty snacks along the way.

Three things stand out about this experience: First, the knowledgeable guides, who make history come alive with their stories. Second, the authentic brewery visits—not just tasting but understanding what makes each spot unique. Lastly, the visual delights of art and architecture that decorate the route, making the walk both educational and scenic. However, keep in mind that this is a walking tour around just under a mile of heated streets—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.

This tour is ideal for beer lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a relaxed, informative outing in Holland. If you’re keen on exploring local culture with a side of craft beer, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Just note that alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at each brewery, so while the tour is wallet-friendly, expect to spend a little extra on drinks if you want to sample more.

Good To Know

• Authentic Brewery Visits: Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of Holland’s best breweries, with knowledgeable guides sharing fascinating stories.
• Historical Insights: Learn about Holland’s origins and landmarks, making the walk both educational and engaging.
• Culinary Touches: Enjoy local donuts and snacks included in the tour, plus the opportunity to buy quality craft beers.
• Scenic Route: Pass by vibrant artwork, historic buildings, and colorful murals, enriching the experience visually.
• Affordable Price: At $39 per person, the tour offers great value for a mix of education, entertainment, and local flavor.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead adds a layer of convenience for travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Holland Brew Pub Tour

The Beginning: Our Brewing Company

The tour kicks off at Our Brewing Company, where the guide shares the site’s history and what makes this brewery special. Visitors quickly get a sense of how local brewing has evolved in Holland. The first stop includes tasting some local donuts, adding a sweet touch to the start. With 45 minutes allocated, this segment balances storytelling with tasting—the guide, Scott, is praised for his wealth of knowledge and approachable manner, making complex brewing histories easy to understand.

The Heart of Holland’s Beer Scene: New Holland Brewing

Next, you’ll walk to New Holland Brewing’s Holland Brewpub—a heavyweight in the regional craft scene. This stop is a highlight, as the guide explains how this brewery gained fame beyond Holland, putting local brewers on the map. Visitors often remark on how much they appreciated the insight into the brewing process and the story behind New Holland’s success. Expect to learn about what makes their beers popular, and if you wish, purchase a drink here to taste the results.

Passing Historic Landmarks

The route then guides you past the Warm Friend, a historic building associated with memorable local events, and a historic church that marks the beginning of Holland. These passing comments provide context about the town’s roots, adding depth to the walk for history buffs. Although you won’t go inside, the stories shared by guides often bring these landmarks to life and add a layer of local flavor to the experience.

Big Lake Brewing: The Final Stop

The last brewery on the tour is Big Lake Brewing. Here, the guide hopes to show off their outdoor patio—a favorite spot to unwind after the walk. The story of Big Lake, combined with the opportunity to sample some beer and enjoy outdoor views, makes this a fitting finale. With 45 minutes on the clock, you can relax, chat with fellow beer lovers, and savor the atmosphere.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Included in your ticket are snacks and bottled water, which help keep you refreshed throughout the walk. The snacks are well-chosen, complementing the beer tastings and adding to the local experience. Alcoholic drinks, however, are not included but can be purchased at each brewery—so be prepared to budget a bit more if you want to indulge.

Practical Details

The tour starts at the 7th Street Parking Structure at 2:00 pm, making it perfect for an afternoon outing. The group size is limited to 12 people, ensuring an intimate atmosphere where you can easily engage with guides and fellow travelers. The tour is designed for those with a moderate physical fitness level, as it involves walking just under a mile on heated streets—comfortable footwear is recommended.

The Guide and Reviews

Participants consistently describe the guides, especially Scott, as friendly, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth. One reviewer praised Scott for making the tour both fun and educational, noting that the stories really brought the breweries to life. The overall rating of 5 stars from 13 reviews underscores how well this experience hits the mark.

Pricing and Value

At $39 per person, this tour offers excellent value—covering multiple stops, snacks, and expert commentary. When you consider the cost of individual brewery visits or guided tastings, this combination of education, tasting, and sightseeing becomes even more appealing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous beer enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of local breweries. It’s also perfect for travelers interested in hometown history and visual art, given the murals and historic landmarks along the route. Families with moderate walking pace, couples, or small groups will find it rewarding, especially since the tour is limited to 12 guests for a more personalized feel.

However, those with mobility issues or who prefer a more passive experience might find walking under a mile, even with heated streets, a bit tiring. Also, if you’re not interested in purchasing drinks, the tour still delivers plenty of storytelling and scenery, making it worthwhile even without sampling beer.

Final Thoughts

The Holland Brew Pub Tour: History and Hops combines craft beer, local history, and artistic scenery into a well-rounded, enjoyable outing. The friendly guides, engaging stops, and inclusion of snacks make it an accessible and fun way to spend an afternoon in Holland.

For anyone curious about Holland’s brewing scene or looking to add a cultural twist to their visit, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy learning stories behind the drinks and love exploring a town on foot. The mix of scenic murals, historic landmarks, and lively breweries ensures there’s plenty to see and savor along the way.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering just under a mile of walking around downtown Holland.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the 7th Street Parking Structure and concludes at Big Lake Brewing, at 13 W 7th St.

What is included in the ticket price?
Snacks, bottled water, and the guided walk are included; alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the breweries.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is designed for adults, service animals are allowed. The physical activity level is moderate, so consider your child’s comfort with walking.

Are reservations necessary?
Yes, you need to book in advance for this small group tour, which has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

Is there a guide?
Absolutely. Scott, among other guides, is praised for his knowledge and approachable manner, making the experience engaging.

Are there any restrictions on mobility?
The tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking on heated streets.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and bring some extra cash if you want to buy additional drinks at the breweries.

What makes this tour unique?
It’s not just about tasting beer but also about learning local stories, exploring artworks, and understanding Holland’s history—delivered by passionate guides.

The Holland Brew Pub Tour offers a thoughtful blend of local culture, craft beer, and scenic strolls, making it a memorable addition to any trip to West Michigan.