Holland Dubois Indiana - Top Sights 

• Holland Attractions – Cass Township, Dubois County
• Holland Sights & Attractions
• - Town Hall
• - Netherlands Community Park
• - Public library
• - Netherlands Cemetery
• - old grain silo
• - Fire museum
• - Netherlands Diner
• - Holland Attractions

Holland Attractions – Cass Township, Dubois County

What makes Holland sights so special is the unique mix of rural simplicity and a touch of history that you can hardly summarize in a single set. I remember driving over the dusty streets of Cass Township for the first time, the heart of Dubois County, and immediately got the feeling that more happens here than the sober map suggests. The town of Holland was built in 1856, named after the same-named town in Michigan, and has since preserved a bit of this Nordic charm – only without the windmills, for that with more corn fields and an unwavering sense for community.

When you arrive here, you quickly realize that people are not exactly tourist magnets, but rather silent observers of everyday life, who prefer to drink their coffee in the small diner on Main Street than in hip cafes. I don't quite understand the hype about the “small cities with a big heart”, but the honest kindness that came to me there was really great. The old wooden houses along the main road tell stories of pioneers who built the country, while the nearby field, which extends to the horizon, is a silent witness to the agricultural tradition.

A short trip by car over the State Road 64 takes you to the middle of the rural Indiana, where you hear the wide fields and the occasional barking of a dog – this is the true Holland experience for me. And yes, if you ask yourself where to park, there's a small parking lot behind the old grain silo; this is practical because the road is barely traveled and you don't have to hit around with annoying city traffic.

Holland Sights & Attractions

This guide invites you to stroll with me through the tiny but self-willing Holland in Cass Township – yes, the Holland that is not confused with tulips and windmills.

I prefer to start with the Town Hall because the building says at first sight: “We are proud, but we don’t have a wallet for big tourist attractions.” The brick building from the 1880s is located in the centre, surrounded by a road that hardly sees more than a few cars a day. Parking is a children's game here as long as you don't show up with the whole village on Saturday night – then parking becomes a small adventure because the pavements are suddenly declared “parking”.

A short walk further leads you to Netherlands Community Park. I once made a picnic there while a local high school baseball team played a game – that was loud, but somehow charming. The playground is not just a Disneyland, for that there is a small lake where ducks swim, and a few benches that are perfect for a quick nap after lunch. When you come by bike, there is a small, slightly bumpy path that leads around the park; that is practical because parking at the edge of the park is usually free.

The Public library from Holland is another jewel I like to mention because it has more to offer than just books. The shelves are full of local history, and the staff knows every visitor by name – that is almost scary when you go there for the first time. I found an old photo album there that documents the establishment of the place, and that was a real eye opener. If you want to borrow a book, simply bring your ID; the system is old-fashioned, but reliable.

A short detour to Netherlands Cemetery may sound for some macabers, but I find that the old tombstones here are a silent testimony of the generations who have shaped this spot earth. I discovered a particularly artistic tombstone from 1902, which reminds a little of an artwork – a real photo motif for those who want to combine Instagram with history. The cemetery is located on the outskirts of the city, and parking is possible directly in front of the entrance, but there is no designated parking space, so adjust to your car.

You may old grain silo not overlooked, which stands proudly on the edge of the main road. It is a relic of the time when Holland was still an important focal point for agriculture. I once met a local peasant who told me that the silo is still used occasionally for storage – a bit like a museum piece that still works. The silo is surrounded by a small green area where you can shoot a few photos without anyone reaching your hands.

A little away from the center lies Fire museum, operated by the local fire brigade. I must admit, I was skeptical until I saw the old steam fire pump – this is a real highlight for technology fans. The museum is free, and parking is right in front of the building where there are some old fire trucks you can watch.

If you get hungry, no way leads Netherlands Diner by. The place is small, the seats are short, but the homemade pancakes are a real comfort for every trip. I once met a local who told me that the recipe has been unchanged since 1953 – that's almost a secret you don't tell everyone. The diner has a small parking lot behind the building; it can be full on weekends, so you'd rather come early.

Finally, a short notice for all those whoHolland Attractions‘ googeln: Most of these places are not to be found on the usual tourist maps because they are simply too small to land in the big guides. But this is exactly what makes Holland so authentic – you experience the real Indiana here, without the usual Kitsch. And next time you drive through Cass Township, remember that a short stop in Holland delivers more stories than a full day in a crowded city.