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.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey is Patoka Lakethat extends only half an hour south of Holland and offers more water than you dare to expect in Indiana. I lit a campfire on the beach on a hot July night – the official ban on fire? A loose hint that the local Rangers ignore with a shoulder towel as long as you take your garbage back. Parking is usually a Klack, except on Saturdays, when the families with their campers flood the shore and you find yourself between a tractor and a stroller.
A short detour to the east leads to Patoka River State Park, a piece of wilderness that lays around the water like a green belt. There are hiking trails that lead you through beech forests and old stone bridges – perfect to escape everyday stress without building the tent. I remember meeting an older gentleman who told me that the “bears” in the park were just an advertisement from the 80s; Nevertheless, I stopped briefly because the rustling in the underwood almost sounded too real.
Further north, almost in the heart of the Hoosier National Forest, lies the Trail of the Pines. The name sounds like an Instagram filter, but the 12-mile route is actually a test for your condition and patience with the constantly changing signs. I spent a few hours walking around there, not because the map was bad, but because I was too busy taking pictures of the carnival jaws that watched the path like old guards. Parking is available at the Trailhead, but it fills up quickly when the weather is good, so prefer to be there early.
A small way to the south brings you to Lincoln State Parkwhere the museum of Abraham Lincoln and the old railroads embed a bit of history into nature. I took a lead there with an enthusiastic historian who told more about Lincoln's youth in Indiana than I would have thought possible. The park is a bit more touristy, but this is exactly what makes it interesting for me – a bit of crowds that do not suffocate the quiet green completely.
If you want a little small town charm, then Jasper the next station. The city centre looks like a relic from the 1900s, with old brick buildings, which today house hip cafes and antique shops. I drank a cappuccino in a café that sits in a former bank building – the staff told me that the building once served as a post office, and I had to laugh because I just rediscovered the word “post office” in my vocabulary.
Another highlight I didn't want to leave is that Patoka Lake Marina. Here you can rent boats without spending a fortune, and the staff is so loose that they even give you some insider tips for the best fishing spots. I spent an afternoon siping on the lake, while a swarm duck ran over us loudly – a picture I posted later in my blog and that surprisingly got more likes than my city pictures.
Whether you are looking for remote hiking trails, historical depth or a small city stroll – the surroundings of Holland, Cass Township, Dubois, Indiana have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. These Holland Attractions show that the true heart of the region is not in the well-known tourist destinations, but in the small, slightly overlooked corners, which only wait to be discovered by a slightly cynical but enthusiastic traveller.
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.
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