Three Historic Landmarks & A Breakfast Adventure
The Holly Michigan water towers aren’t your typical roadside attraction—this small town has THREE distinct historic water towers, each with its own character.
We headed into Holly early on a crisp fall morning with one mission: photograph all three. We expected fog, quiet streets, and maybe a few early risers. What we didn’t expect? That arriving *way* too early would lead us into one of the best breakfast spots we’ve had in a while, a Rubik’s Cube redemption arc, and some of the most peaceful small-town photos we’ve taken all year.
Hunting Down the Holly Michigan Water Towers
Most towns have one water tower. Holly, Michigan has three. We’re not entirely sure why, or if they all still function, but that just made the hunt more fun. If there are multiple towers to find—we’re in.
Our favorite? Holly Water Tower #1. It’s visibly different from the other two, and we’re guessing it was the original. There’s something about that vintage industrial look against October’s clear blue sky that just works.
Holly Water Tower #2: The Middle Child
Tower #2 sits in a different part of town, and while it’s not as distinctive as #1, it’s still worth the stop. The fall morning light hit it perfectly, and with barely any traffic around, we had the whole area to ourselves for photos. When you’re tower-hunting in Holly Michigan, water towers become a surprisingly fun scavenger hunt.
Holly Water Tower #3: Completing the Collection
The third tower rounds out the collection. At this point, we were fully committed to the mission—how many people can say they’ve photographed all three Holly Michigan water towers in one morning?
Too Early for the Farmers Market (But Perfect for Photos)
After hitting all three towers, we headed to downtown Holly to check out Battle Alley and the Holly Farmers Market. One small problem: we arrived at 7:30am, and the market didn’t open until 10am.
The upside? We got to photograph Battle Alley completely empty—no crowds, minimal cars, just the historic downtown at its most peaceful. The fall morning vibe was unbeatable.
With two and a half hours before the Farmers Market opened, we needed a plan. Enter: breakfast.
Zach Goes Rogue: The Laundry Restaurant in Fenton
Instead of waiting around Holly, Zach found us a spot in nearby Fenton: The Laundry. And let me tell you—this place was AWESOME.
Our server, McKenna, was hands-down one of the best we’ve ever had. She was attentive without hovering, gave us her menu favorites, kept our coffee and water topped off, and genuinely seemed excited when she found out we were full-time travelers. If you’re in Fenton after visiting the Holly Michigan water towers, ask for McKenna. She made the whole experience.
The Rubik’s Cube Redemption
Outside The Laundry sits a Rubik’s Cube sculpture. Innocent enough, right? Except I have history with giant Rubik’s Cubes.
Flashback to Knoxville, Tennessee: We were visiting the World’s Largest Rubik’s Cube, and I leaned on it for a photo. What I didn’t know? The cube actually FUNCTIONED. It rotated. I lost my balance. I tumbled. In public.
Luckily, the convention center was dead that day, so my only witness was Zach (who will never let me live it down). I ran off and curled up in a corner, laughing my head off.
So when I saw this Rubik’s Cube outside The Laundry, I knew what had to be done: stage a dramatic “fall” for the camera. Redemption achieved.
Holly Farmers Market (Eventually)
After our breakfast detour, we made it back to Holly just as the Farmers Market was setting up. The market itself was small but charming, with local vendors and that classic Michigan small-town feel. Worth the wait? Absolutely.
Why Visit the Holly Michigan Water Towers?
Holly is one of those towns that surprises you. It’s not flashy, but it’s got character: three historic water towers, a walkable historic downtown, a solid farmers market, and that peaceful small-town Michigan vibe that’s perfect for a fall road trip stop.
If you’re passing through southeastern Michigan, Holly is worth a couple hours of your time—especially if you show up early enough to catch Battle Alley before the crowds and hunt down all three towers.
Holly Michigan Water Towers FAQ
🚰 Why does Holly, Michigan have three water towers?
Holly’s trio of water towers isn’t just quirky—it’s practical. As the town grows, multiple towers help maintain consistent water pressure across different areas and provide emergency water reserves for things like firefighting. It’s part of a broader infrastructure plan to support expansion and ensure reliable service for residents.
📍 Where are the Holly Michigan water towers located?
Holly has three distinct water towers spread across town. Here’s what we found:
- Tower #1: Located near the Holly Water Tower Antique Mall at 310 S Broad St, Holly, MI 48442. This one has the most vintage character and is likely the original.
- Tower #2: Sits in a quieter part of town. While we couldn’t confirm an exact address, it’s visible from the road and easy to photograph in the morning light. Think of it as the “middle child” in both location and personality.
- Tower #3: Coordinates are N 42° 48.644 W 083° 38.425. This one was reportedly finished more recently and rounds out the trio.
If you’re up for a quirky scavenger hunt, drive through Holly with these landmarks in mind—you’ll spot all three with a little exploring.
⏰ What time does the Holly Farmers Market open?
The Holly Farmers Market typically opens at 10am on Saturdays during the season. Don’t make our mistake—7:30am is way too early! Check their schedule before you go, as hours can vary.
🏘️ Is Battle Alley worth visiting? Absolutely. Holly’s historic downtown—especially Battle Alley—is charming, photogenic, and totally walkable. If you show up early, you’ll have the whole place to yourself for peaceful, crowd-free photos. It’s got that “small-town magic before the world wakes up” vibe.
🍂 When is the best time to visit Holly, Michigan? Fall is when Holly shines. October brings crisp mornings, golden leaves, and perfect weather for tower-hunting and downtown wandering. Bonus: you might catch the annual Witches Walk, which adds a dash of spooky charm to the season.
🛍️ What else is there to do in Holly, Michigan besides the water towers? Plenty! Antique shops, cozy cafés, seasonal events like the Witches Walk, and a farmers market that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Holly’s got that laid-back, photo-friendly energy that makes it a perfect road trip stop.
🍳Where is The Laundry restaurant?
📍 Address: 125 W Shiawassee Ave, Fenton, MI 48430
📞 Phone: (810) 629-8852
Just 10 minutes from Holly, this breakfast/brunch spot is a total win. Great food, cozy vibe, and if you’re lucky enough to get McKenna as your server—tell her the full-time travelers sent you.
Planning your own detour through Holly, Fenton, or beyond? Check out our Things To Do In Michigan for roadside oddities, local eats, and small-town stops that don’t waste your time.
Follow us on Instagram – More from the road—coffee, weird sculptures, ten pets, and whatever else we run into.