The above equation is fairly simple. You'll get more history, more learning, and more hands-on fun at Nelis' Dutch Village.
Plan ahead for your special class experience at your preferred time. You can call and make your reservation now. Groups from public schools, private schools, private learning facilities, daycare centers, as well as home-schooled students are welcome.
Three options are now available: The educational Guided Tour option; and the un-guided Fun Day option, with and without wooden shoe name pin.
On the guided tour option, knowledgeable costumed guides lead your class through all demonstrations and performances. Students are introduced to the work, traditions, and customs
of the old-world Dutch.
Visiting Dutch Village has been a treat for us every year. We were welcomed with hand crafted personalized name pins, it was such a nice and thoughtful gesture. The dancing, the tradition and the friendly people continue to bring us back every year!
- Gillian Hurley, Appletree Learning Center, Rockford, Michigan
Amsterdam Street Organ performance and Dutch dance lessons
Old Dutch cheese making demonstration and cheese tasting
Delftware pottery demonstration
Wooden shoe carving demonstration
Presentations in the Kolean Museum
Free time activities include petting farm with baby farm animals, Wooden Shoe Slide and unlimited rides on our Zweefmolen (chair swing), Ferris Wheel, Draaimolen (carousel), Ziggle Cars and Petal Pumper Cars.
We had approximately 60 parents and children visit Dutch Village. The kids loved it but the parents enjoyed it even more. I was surprised at how much they learned about Dutch Culture. They all loved the dancing and little Dutch shoe name tags.
- Marguerite Watson, Kalamazoo Schools, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Depending on the package selected, each student will receive a personalized wooden shoe nametag!
(please e-mail a list of students' names three weeks prior to your visit, so that we will have the name tags ready when upon arrival.)
The guided tour takes one hour and ends at the dance performance - lessons. You'll want to allow extra time for eating, fun time, playing with the animals, and exploring.
School and daycare groups may enjoy sack lunches in the picnic areas located throughout the park. Upon request, boxed lunches can be pre-arranged for your group for an additional fee.
Please use the submission form below to inquire about our special school and daycare group rates.
- For Educational Groups of 20 or more, 1 teacher and 1 driver are comp'd.
- Parents and Chaperones enjoy the same low rate as the children.
- Payment for School Groups must be made with one payment.
Our home-school field trip club recently attended a tour at Dutch Village. The tour guide was knowledgeable and able to engage the children at varying ages. The entry fee to the park was cost-effective.The children learned about history; music; dance; wood carving and enjoyed the fun rides afterward. Thank you for the fun and educational family tour.
- West Mi. Home-School Field Trip Club
Tour slots are limited, so be sure to book well in advance.
Nelis' Dutch Village tour programs operate daily rain or shine. Dutch Village has ample bus parking adjacent to the park.
To start your school reservation or quotation, ask for our group reservation specialist at (616) 396-1475 or complete the form below:
Your school can enjoy a new program at Dutch Village. Have your end-of-the-year event at Dutch Village and bring your own food. You can visit during regular hours or as an exclusive event after closing (we close at 6), your school and all your families can enjoy the park and have a great potluck meal in our picnic area.
Fill out the reservation form for more information
Reservation Form