As you walk into the cottage, you will immediately relax and realize you are now on vacation. The pace has slowed and it is time for sitting on the front porch and beginning that book you have been wanting to read. Or maybe, you want to take a short walk to the beach to soak up the sun's rays, splash in the water, take a stroll, fish on the pier, or simply view, paint or take a picture of the iconic Holland Harbor Lighthouse.

You may want to take a bike ride along our bike paths to nearby marinas, the city of Holland, Port Sheldon or even Grand Haven (a 20 mile bike ride away). Maybe a climb up the Mount Pisgah dune steps followed by an ice cream cone at the General Store, a hot dog at Dune Dog's or a hamburger and drink at Ottawa Beach Inn will pique your interest? All of these are within a five minute walk. If you are willing to drive five minutes, the Itty Bitty Bar or DeBoer''s Bakery are also favorites for locals.

For you history buffs, imagine being transported back to the 1890's. From your porch, you would have looked over the Holland Harbor, seen a large hotel, Hotel Ottawa, below you. Steamers full of summer guests were filling the Harbor on their way to the Hotel Ottawa and other resort hotels on the bay. Trains of hotel guests also were arriving from Grand Rapids and areas east.

Learn more about this resort history by taking a leisurely walk down the newly erected boardwalk in front of the cottage. You will encounter several interpretive kiosks including pictures and text outlining the unique history of this resort community, the Ottawa Hotel, Mt. Pisgah, the Pump House and the State Park. Also take an opportunity during the day and in the evening to walk through the historical cottage association, noting the 1890's cottage architecture and the friendliness and charm of the neighborhood.

But however you wish to enjoy the area, you will realize you have found a unique and wonderful spot loaded with history, current activities and relaxation.