The Old Dutch Windmill
Step back in time at an authentic Dutch windmill, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of Dutch heritage. Explore its mechanics and enjoy scenic views...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Tulip Festival blooms
The Old Dutch Windmill
Best Time
Tulip Festival blooms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at an authentic Dutch windmill, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of Dutch heritage. Explore its mechanics and enjoy scenic views.
"The deck offers spectacular sunset views, perfect for photos, though it can be windy."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking, and climbing inside the windmill can be steep.
Book ahead for May :ticket:
The Tulip Festival is popular; secure your tickets and lodging early.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
De Zwaan Windmill
Holland, Michigan
The only authentic working Dutch windmill in the U.S., offering a glimpse into historical Dutch engineering.
Windmill Island Gardens
Holland, Michigan
Explore this charming island featuring a Dutch village, merry-go-round, and beautiful gardens.
Molen Van Sloten
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Experience a restored historic windmill and learn about Dutch land reclamation.
Zaanse Schans
Near Amsterdam, Netherlands
An open-air museum showcasing traditional Dutch windmills and crafts.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking, and climbing inside the windmill can be steep.
Book ahead for May :ticket:
The Tulip Festival is popular; secure your tickets and lodging early.
Embrace the wind! :cloud:
It can get quite breezy, especially on the decks. Dress accordingly.
Try the local treats :ice_cream:
Don't miss the homemade ice cream and desserts served in shot glasses.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking, and climbing inside the windmill can be steep.
Book ahead for May :ticket:
The Tulip Festival is popular; secure your tickets and lodging early.
Embrace the wind! :cloud:
It can get quite breezy, especially on the decks. Dress accordingly.
Try the local treats :ice_cream:
Don't miss the homemade ice cream and desserts served in shot glasses.
Capture the views :camera_with_flash:
The deck offers spectacular sunset views, perfect for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Old Dutch Windmill for its charm and historical significance, offering a unique glimpse into Dutch heritage. The restaurant receives positive remarks for its service and some dishes, particularly the desserts and mushroom soup, though steak can be tough. The climb inside the mill is exciting but can be steep. Views from the deck are spectacular, especially at sunset, though it can be windy.
"Really adorable place! Fred and Diane’s restaurant was really good. The drunkin chicken was really delicious but the steak was very tough and hard to chew. Upstairs is a bar where the views (outside on the deck area) are spectacular especially at sunset. Very windy though (I wore shorts under my dress). You can climb up the ladder to see in inner mechanics of the old mill which was really cool to see! A little frightening of a climb though and no external views."
Bre Baker
"We had four in our group. Three got the chicken schnitzel with the mushroom sauce and the cream of mushroom soup. They all enjoyed it and felt that the portion was enough or too much. I got the vegetarian masala which had a mild kick to it and the spices were wonderful and the portion was hearty. I should let you know I am VERY sensitive to spice. Of note the mushroom sauce and the cream of mushroom soup seem to be the same. My husband was ready to order extra soup to go because he liked it so much.
Normally I would skip dessert but their desserts come in shot glasses so it was just enough to have a sweet treat after dessert. We got three ice creams and a creme brulee. All were delicious. The ice cream is made on site by Fred and it was such a light but creamy mixture. The flavors tonight were a vanilla/chocolate mix and a vanilla with stroopwaffle mixed in. The stroopwaffle ice cream came with two mini cookies on the side. The creme brulee was also delicious with a perfect small crunchy top. Sorry about the picture of these, we all ate them quickly and I forgot to get a picture before we ate them. I included the picture so you can appreciate their perfect size. 😬
I didn't see any menu photos so I took photos of the whole menu. We were told the menu is generally the same but they do occasionally add or take things off the menu.
The service was spectacular. They were plenty busy tonight but we found that whenever we needed a refill or were ready for the next part of our meal someone was always there to help. It seems like the service is a team effort as several people helped us."
Angela Hooson
"The service and pancakes were equally good. Enjoyed our breakfast. The menu variety was exceptional as well."
Paul Tatu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Dutch Windmill, De Zwaan, is located at Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. For those traveling from further away, flying into Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids is an option, followed by a drive or shuttle to Holland.
Yes, windmills near Amsterdam like Molen Van Sloten or those at Zaanse Schans are easily accessible. Molen Van Sloten is a short bus or tram ride from the city center. Zaanse Schans can be reached by a quick train journey from Amsterdam Centraal.
Public transport is excellent. Trains connect major cities to windmill sites like Zaanse Schans. For more remote locations, consider renting a car or joining a guided tour.
Ride-sharing services like Uber are generally available in areas with windmills, offering a convenient alternative to public transport or driving yourself.
Yes, parking is typically available at Windmill Island Gardens where the De Zwaan windmill is located. However, it can fill up quickly during peak seasons like the Tulip Festival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry to Windmill Island Gardens, which houses the De Zwaan windmill, requires an admission ticket. It's advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during the Tulip Festival.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for Windmill Island Gardens or the specific windmill you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
Many attractions offer group rates or family packages. Check the respective websites for details on potential discounts for larger parties or families with children.
Yes, you can often go inside the windmill to see its inner mechanics. Be prepared for a steep climb up ladders, which can be a bit daunting but is a unique experience.
While Zaanse Schans itself is an open-air museum and free to wander, some individual windmills and museums within the area have separate entrance fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Windmill Island Gardens features a Dutch village, a merry-go-round, beautiful gardens, and often hosts events. It's a comprehensive experience of Dutch culture.
The climb inside the windmill involves steep ladders. While it's a thrilling experience, it can be a bit frightening for some. Proceed with caution.
The deck area near the windmill offers spectacular views, especially at sunset. The climb inside the windmill, however, does not offer external views.
Some windmill sites offer guided tours that provide in-depth historical information and insights into the workings of the mill. Check with the specific attraction.
Wander through the village, visit the various windmills, cheese farms, and craft shops. Consider a boat tour for a different perspective.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options nearby. Fred and Diane's restaurant is mentioned for its good food, with the drunken chicken and mushroom soup being highlights.
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including schnitzel, vegetarian options, and desserts. They also serve breakfast with a good menu variety.
Absolutely! The desserts, served in shot glasses, are a hit. Homemade ice cream and creme brulee are particularly recommended.
Yes, especially in the Netherlands, you can find traditional Dutch pancakes (stroopwafels) and other local specialties near windmill sites.
Some reviews suggest that dining at the windmill can be on the expensive side, but many find the quality of food and service justifies the cost.
📸 📸 Photography
The deck area offers spectacular sunset views, perfect for capturing the windmill against the sky. The entire Windmill Island Gardens provides picturesque Dutch scenery.
Drone photography is possible, offering unique aerial perspectives of the windmill and its surroundings. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
Golden hour, especially during sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photographing the windmill and the landscape.
While general photography is usually allowed, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions inside the windmill's machinery areas.
Capture the classic Dutch landscape with multiple windmills, wooden houses, and canals. The cheese farms and clog workshops also offer unique photo ops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The climb inside the windmill, while steep, can be an exciting adventure for older children who are up for the challenge. Consider visiting during less crowded times if possible, or plan for activities that allow children to burn off energy, like exploring the gardens or enjoying the amusement rides. The visual spectacle of the windmills and the surrounding Dutch-themed environments are usually a hit with younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the exterior views of multiple windmills and the charming village atmosphere. Pack your own picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic surroundings, saving on dining costs. Utilize public transportation, which is often more economical than renting a car or relying on taxis.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For unique perspectives, consider drone photography if regulations permit, offering breathtaking aerial shots of the windmill and its surroundings.
Capture the motion of the sails on a windy day, or the serene beauty of the mill reflected in the water. The surrounding gardens and Dutch villages also offer plenty of charming scenes to photograph. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Dutch Windmills
Many historic windmills, like the De Zwaan in Holland, Michigan, have been meticulously restored. These restorations often involve using original techniques and materials, sometimes even incorporating the original skeleton frame of the mill. This dedication ensures that visitors can witness the authentic workings of these historical machines. The process of restoration itself can be a massive undertaking, requiring significant funding and expertise, as seen with projects that raise hundreds of thousands of euros for complete overhauls.
Understanding the mechanics of a windmill involves appreciating the balance between sail size, wind speed, and the load being processed. The ability to adjust the sails and the internal gearing allowed millers to adapt to varying wind conditions. Climbing inside a restored windmill offers a tangible connection to this history, allowing visitors to see the massive wooden gears and understand the physical labor involved in operating such a machine.
Experiencing Dutch Culture Beyond the City
+1Visiting a Dutch windmill isn't just about seeing the structure; it's about understanding its historical context. Many sites explain how windmills were essential for reclaiming land from the sea, a critical aspect of Dutch history and identity. This connection to the water and the land is a recurring theme in Dutch culture.
Furthermore, experiencing local life often includes indulging in Dutch culinary delights. Traditional Dutch pancakes, often made with flour ground by the windmills themselves, are a must-try. For those visiting in May, the Tulip Festival in places like Holland, Michigan, offers a spectacular display of color and a celebration of Dutch heritage. These festivals often include a Dutch village, parades, and cultural events, providing a festive atmosphere that complements the windmill experience.
The combination of historical sites, cultural traditions, and local flavors creates a rich and memorable travel experience. 
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