Prairie Mills Windmill, Dutch smock windmill in Golden, Illinois
The Prairie Mills Windmill stands 60 feet tall with 71-foot sails, featuring original millstones and wooden gearing mechanisms for grinding various grains.
Henry Emminga built this windmill in 1873 using local oak timber and French stones, operating it until 1878 when he transferred ownership to his son Harm.
The Golden Historical Society maintains the windmill complex as an educational center teaching visitors about prairie life from 1870 to 1935.
Tours of the windmill operate from May through October, with adult admission costing 3 dollars and student tickets priced at 1 dollar.
This facility remains the only operational windmill in Illinois equipped with patent shutter sails instead of traditional canvas coverings.
Location: Golden
GPS coordinates: 40.10625,-91.01550
Latest update: March 4, 2025 05:47
Illinois features historical landmarks, nature parks and architectural structures. The region presents pre-Columbian settlements, geological formations, state parks with waterfalls and canyons. Visitors find lighthouses, gardens, historic villas and specialized museums.
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