De Zwaan

Each spring, the town of Holland, Michigan, sees millions of tulips burst to life in vibrant shades of pink, yellow and orange during its longstanding Tulip Time Festival, which was established in 1929. The city itself was founded in 1847 by a group of Dutch Protestants, who were subsequently joined by thousands of their countrymen.

After the tulip festival’s success, the city contacted Dutch officials for the acquisition of an authentic windmill, and in 1964, they secured a privately owned structure, which had been damaged during World War II and remained out of commission for over a decade.

The city hired a millwright to dismantle the windmill, transporting it to Michigan and rebuilding it. The De Zwaan windmill (translated as “the swan” in English) opened in 1965 and is now permanently located in Windmill Island Gardens, a 36-acre park featuring an antique children’s carousel and replica structures of fisherman’s houses.

From April through October, visitors can take self-guided tours, with docents available to answer questions. (On days the windmill is turning, access to upper floors is prohibited.) Flour from the mill is packaged in 1- and 2-pound bags and available for purchase. 1 Lincoln Ave., Holland, Michigan 49423, 616/355-1030, cityofholland.com