ILLINOIS WINDMILLS
Dedicated to the history, preservation, and continuing story of windmills in Illinois.
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Vermeer Windmill
714 1st St
Pella, IA 50219
Status
Operational
Tours
Tours are available during open hours. Visit their website for current pricing information. Admission also includes tours of the adjoining Dutch village.
Hours
Mid-March to December
Monday - Friday: 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Saturday: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Closed Sundays
Closed / non-operational during winter.
Wheelchair Accessible
Ground floor and stage / stone floor via elevator.
Website
Tower Height
(unknown)
Sail Span
(unknown)
Uses
(2002 - present) Wheat
Constructed
(2000 - 2002)
Millwright
Lucas Verbij
Owner
City of Pella, IA (2000 - present)
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The Vermeer Windmill
Photo from Pella Tulip Time
History of the Mill
Nestled in the heart of downtown Pella, IA is the Vermeer Windmill, billed as the tallest operating windmill in the United States. The traditional Dutch smock mill, built by Lucas Verbij, is based on an 1850s design from Groningen, Holland. It rests on a four-story base to catch the wind over the height of the neighboring buildings.
The mill, constructed through fund-raising efforts, was completed and began grinding in 2002. Local restaurants use the stone-ground flour to make fresh bread and buns. Despite being a tall tower-stage mill, an elevator and walkway make this windmill handicapped-accessible at the stage level. The new windmill is the centerpiece to the annual Pella Tulip Time Festival.