Imported from the Netherlands, a large authentic working Dutch windmill is located in Holland, Michigan. I toured the city and gardens last week for the annual tulip festival. The windmill is twelve stories tall, and is turned by wind power. The millstones within the mill grind grain into flour. With entrance to the gardens, visitors tour the working mill spring through fall every year. In addition, a smaller windmill replica is also within the walking gardens.
The large imported windmill is named De Zwaan, which is Dutch for the Swan. The mill is over 240 years old and was brought to Holland in 1964. This windmill was the last one to leave the Netherlands. Dutch law now prohibits the sale of windmills. Windmills are considered national monuments in the Netherlands. The flour that is produced from the mill is whole wheat graham flour and is packaged into two-pound bags and can be purchased in the gift shop.
Besides this beautiful attraction, we spent time wandering through the tulip gardens in the park. This year, 55,000 tulips were planted in large fields, where others were planted in arranged beds with other spring flowers.
The tour also includes a movie, Amsterdam organ demonstration, an antique Dutch carousel, a tropical conservatory, and a miniature Netherlands village diorama.
The weather was beautiful and so much appreciated after such a cold Michigan winter. What a wonderful display right here in Michigan.
angel food garden 