We love talking to the community and teaching others about energy, fiber, water treatment, and water reclamation! Whether your class takes a field trip or you take your business on a tour, we are here to answer your questions. Field trips and tours at Holland BPW facilities will immerse visitors into the world of public utilities. Visitors will gain an understanding of how public utilities work and career opportunities in the industry. Field trips and tours are offered free of charge.
Curriculum Standards and Education Goals
Holland BPW field trips are developed with State of Michigan and Next Generation Science Standards in mind. Our field trips encourage students to explore beyond the light switch and water tap to learn how public utilities provide electricity, broadband, wastewater treatment, and safe drinking water to our community.
What We Offer
Field Trips
Schedule a field trip to the power plant (Holland Energy Park), Water Reclamation Facility, or the drinking Water Treatment Plant to learn about energy and water in our community. We welcome organized groups of 10 or more such as school groups or homeschool families.
Public Events
Holland Energy Park’s Visitor Center opens to the public on select dates and times throughout the year. Typically, we host a public open hours event each season. Check back for updates and follow us on social media for the latest information regarding open hours or other events.
Tours For Colleges or Businesses
Colleges and businesses can request a tour of BPW facilities to learn more about energy and water. Tours are typically one hour in length and require participants to follow safety protocols such as wearing appropriate attire. Tours are not ADA accessible or available to the general public.
Other Ways to Engage
Our Facilities
Holland Energy Park
Immerse yourself in learning at Holland’s combined cycle natural gas power plant, Holland Energy Park. Visitors will see the power plant at work from the Visitor Center, called Energy Alley, and discover more about energy and electricity in their community.
The Visitor Center is open for school field trips, homeschool groups, and groups of 10 or more. Individuals and small groups who are inerested in visiting are invited to attend one of our open hours events that are held periodically through the year.
Water Treatment Plant
Take a closer look at how drinking water comes from Lake Michigan into your tap! Students will tour the Water Treatment Plant with BPW educators to get a firsthand look at this process.
Water Reclamation Facility
Walk through the Water Reclamation Facility on the banks of Lake Macatawa! Visitors will tour the facility guided by expert staff and educators to learn what happens to wastewater after they flush the toilet.
Tours and field trips at Water Reclamation take place mainly outdoors. Therefore, tours and field trips are typically only scheduled March-early October.