The town of Fulton, Illinois is home to a wealth of Dutch history that many locals are linked to. In addition to a heritage festival and museum, there is a historic windmill you've got to see. This fully functional and authentic structure is a must-visit for any historian.
Besides grinding flour the old-fashioned way, this unique tool is a landmark for this town. Check it out:
Fulton's de Immigrant Windmill is an iconic piece of history for this small riverside town as well as for the state as a whole. It helps locals celebrate their Dutch heritage and learn a little more about their ancestors.
This historic windmill was manufactured in the Netherlands before being shipped to America and assembled in Illinois by Dutch craftsman who traveled to the state on several occasions. The structure stands nearly 100 feet tall on a levee overlooking the Mississippi River.
The de Immigrant Windmill was dedicated in 2000 at the town's annual Dutch Days Festival. This famous event takes place the first week of May and has been going on since 1974. It features folk art, food vendors, period actors, and traditional music.
This authentic and fully operational windmill is completely wind-powered and still grinds wheat for flour today. Stone-ground buckwheat, corn, rye, and wheat flours are made here and sold at the gift shop nearby. One bushel of grain can be ground per minute.
Located along the nation's largest and most majestic river, de Immigrant Windmill and Windmill Cultural Center is a great place for views of the water and surrounding nature.
In line with Dutch tradition, you'll also find delft statues on the lawn near the windmill. There is a cow and replica wooden shoe that are just too beautiful.
Free for all to visit, this historic windmill is open to the public on weekends only in May. It is also open daily in the summer through the end of October if you wish to go inside. Otherwise, the windmill is always on display for all to see.
Fulton's de Immigrant Windmill is located at 415 10th Ave., Fulton, IL 61252, and you can learn more on its website or Facebook page.
For more fun like this, check out 10 historic towns in Illinois you'll want to visit ASAP.
If you've ever visited this historic windmill, we'd love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
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