A Real Dutch Windmill - Holland, Michigan
When people think of Holland, Michigan, the most common thought is “tulips”. And the tulips are beautiful, but you have to be there at the right time of year to enjoy them - usually May.
We didn’t know about DeZwaan, the only real Dutch windmill in the U.S. It’s located in Windmill Island Garden, along with an authentic Amsterdam calliope and hand-painted Dutch carousel, and a great gift shop where you can purchase authentic wooden shoes.
When The Netherlands passed legislation in the 1960’s that prohibited the removal of Dutch windmills, Holland, Michigan received the very last authentic windmill in 1964 which is now more than 125 years old but made from parts that are much older than that.
The tour of DeZwaan was fascinating. The guides are very knowledgeable as they explain the mechanics and operation of the mill-powered-by-wind. The day we were there, the wind was not favorable for milling, but two days earlier the “miller” came out because the wind off of Lake Michigan was just right for the type of grain she wanted.
The Miller, Alisa Crawford, is an enigma herself. She is part of an elite group of people in the Professional and Traditional Grain Millers Guild - one of only 45 people in the world, and the only woman, and the only one outside of The Netherlands. She is also the first American woman to be certified as a master miller by the Dutch Mill Society.
It’s really quite a special experience. While it may not be exactly like being in the European Holland, it’s certainly the next best thing. For more information, see Windmill Island Gardens.
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