The fabric of the United States is not homogenous. Rather, it is a patchwork quilt of different cultures, ancestries, and ethnicities. The story of the U.S. is a story of immigrants. No matter how far removed it might feel from the arrival of those early settlers, it’s easy to spot evidence of how the past influences life today, from the food we eat to the festivals we celebrate.
In the Midwest, most Americans claim Northern or Eastern European heritage. According to the Statistical Atlas, people of German ancestry make up the largest group in the region, followed by Irish, English, and Polish. Depending on the state you’re visiting, Norwegian, Dutch, and Danish heritage also are commonly centered in the Midwest.
Bring your tourgoers to a little slice of Europe right here in the U.S. by visiting a Midwestern community that preserves and honors that early history. Explore the architecture, foods, handcrafted goods, clothes, and traditions that are kept alive right in the heartland of America—no passport needed.
Michigan is home to two of these can’t-miss destinations. Start in Holland. As the name suggests, this quaint community celebrates all things Dutch right along the shores of Lake Michigan. For an immersive experience, visit Nelis’ Dutch Village, where your tourgoers can witness traditional Dutch dancing, learn about wooden shoe carving, or stroll along a beautiful canal surrounded by European architecture. Holland is home to the Tulip Time festival, which celebrates the bloom of more than 5 million colorful tulips every spring. You won’t want to miss out on a visit to the De Zwaan Windmill, surrounded by a sea of tulips, or the Veldheer Tulip Gardens.
Also in Michigan is Frankenmuth, dubbed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.” Tour the city aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, learn about metalworking at the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience, or shop for traditional German goods at Bavarian Clothing & Imports of Frankenmuth. Fans of the holiday season won’t want to skip a visit to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which is the world’s largest Christmas store.
Also honoring Dutch culture in the Midwest is Pella, Iowa. Featuring its own Tulip Time festival, Pella spotlights the blooms of some 300,000 tulips each spring—the ideal time for group visits. Brinkhoff Park features an iconic Dutch-style windmill. Or, visit the Klokkenspel to watch mechanical figures perform to the music of a 147-bell carillon. For more Dutch heritage, consider visiting Frisian Farms Cheese House, Pella Historical Museums & Vermeer Mill, or Sunken Gardens Park.
Credit: Adobe/Carrie
For a taste of Swiss culture, New Glarus, Wisconsin, awaits. You’ll want to make New Glarus Brewing Co. your first stop on the itinerary. Here, guests can enjoy free self-guided tours and a tasting garden perfect for relaxing with an iconic beverage in hand. Dig a little deeper into the region’s Swiss heritage with a visit to the Swiss Historical Village & Museum or the Swiss Center of North America.
Dubbed the “Most German City” in America, New Ulm, Minnesota, offers a variety of group-friendly attractions. Go on the August Schell’s Brewery Tour & Tasting for a tour of the brewery and rathskeller, a German-style tavern. Listen to the sounds of 37 bells at the Glockenspiel. Admire German Baroque architecture at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Shop a classic old-world store stocked with German merchandise at Domeier’s German Store.
Whether your group is driven by ancestry, architecture, food, or simple curiosity, these Midwestern communities offer more than themed decor and nods to history—they offer connection. By stepping into bakeries that still knead old-world recipes, strolling through streets lined with European-inspired design, or hearing traditions preserved through music and craft, tourgoers experience a living bridge between past and present. In a country built from many cultures, these towns remind us that heritage is remembered—and celebrated. For planners seeking an itinerary rich in authenticity, charm, and cultural discovery, the heartland’s European enclaves are ready to welcome groups with open arms.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Nelis’ Dutch Village, Holland, Michigan; Credit: Adobe/Nicholas J. Klein
