We love talking to the community and teaching others about energy, fiber, water treatment, and wastewater 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.
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
Field trips are designed for PreK-12th grade students.
- Field trips are offered free of charge
- Programs take place at one of our three facilities.
- Holland Energy Park
- Water Reclamation Facility
- Water Treatment Plant
- Some programs are mobile and could be brought to your classroom (within the Holland Public Schools District only)
- Teachers can create custom programs to suit the needs of their classroom
Tours For Colleges or Businesses
Colleges and businesses are invited to tour our facilities. Personal protective equipment such as hard hats and safety glasses are provided and required to be worn by all visitors. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are also required. Tours are:
- Typically one hour in length
- Limited to groups of 25 or fewer
- Not available to the general public
- Not ADA accessible
Public Events
About public events
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 and discover more about energy and electricity in their community. Holland Energy Park’s Visitor Center, called Energy Alley, spans the length of the iconic red spine and features interactive experiences for all ages. The Visitor Center holds open hours for the public on select dates through the year, or by request only. To request a visit or field trip, use the “See Field Trip Options” button below.
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. In the case of heavy wind, snow, ice, or other inclement weather, your experience may need to be rescheduled. We recommend scheduling April-October if possible.