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Logan County Tourism Bureau hears
ideas for New Holland
[June 04, 2026]
Logan County Tourism Bureau
held its third listening session on Tuesday in New Holland.
Representatives from the village and county board were present along
with a handful of residents. Molly Pickering, President of the Logan
County Tourism Bureau, introduced herself and explained her
connection to Logan County. She also provided a brief overview of
the tourism bureau’s history and goals. She explained the process
the tourism bureau has implemented to attract more tourists to Logan
County, build on our strong assets, and address the few gaps. The
survey conducted by the tourism bureau showed that Logan County has
strong historical assets and tourist attractions, but there is a
lull in activities during the winter season. It also showed a lack
of lodging. The bureau aims to work with the communities to
strengthen these gaps.
Pickering explained the various grants available to Logan County.
Their mini-grants are available to communities, and she went into
detail on the requirements and application process for those grants.
After reviewing the survey results and the proposed strategy,
Pickering opened the meeting to hear from community members. The
group brainstormed ideas. One historical building that they would
like to see revived is the Scout House, where the Girl Scout and Boy
Scout troops of New Holland used to meet. It is a small building and
in need of a few repairs, but the community shows interest in
preserving it. There are also two museums. One is the New Holland
Museum and the other is the Conklen Family Museum, a more private,
family-run museum. Community members said they need more volunteers
to help staff the New Holland Museum.
There was also talk about expanding New Holland's existing events.
The town’s biggest event is its Christmas Parade, which takes place
on the first Saturday in December. One suggestion was a hot cocoa
social to complement the parade.
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The community also
hosts cruise-ins May through October and tractor shows. One
community member suggested bringing back the farm tours, where
visitors could get a glimpse of rural life by exploring local
farmsteads and communities. The tractor shows and farm tours
show potential for the tourism bureau’s exploration of agri-tourism.
Another potential stop in New Holland is the Buffalo Waller. An
un-farmable depression in the land that buffalo compacted. While
it is on private property, the depression can be seen from the
road.
The town also has a historic jail that they have used for story
time and other events. New Holland has many assets that could be
set on trails or itineraries for Logan County visitors.
Pickering concluded the meeting by explaining the next steps in
the planning process and reminding the group to look for a final
draft later in June. She explained that the tourism bureau is
looking for volunteers to staff The Mill and board members.
[Joli Boerma Crane]
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