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Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa

Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa

Driving along Interstate 80 in western Iowa, you’ll definitely pass signs for the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa. Whether you have an hour or an entire afternoon, this unique attraction is absolutely worth the stop.

Together with neighboring Kimballton—home to its own Little Mermaid—Elk Horn is the largest rural Danish settlement in the United States. So, it’s no surprise that the small town is also home to the country’s only authentic, working Danish Windmill.

Keep reading to learn more about this unique piece of Iowa history and plan your own Danish adventure.

The History of Elk Horn’s Danish Windmill

View of the blades of the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa

Originally built in 1848 in Norre Snede, Denmark, the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn is still operational and is used to grind grain into flour. In honor of the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial, Harvey Sornson first had the idea to bring a Danish windmill to Iowa, specifically Elk Horn because it had one of the largest concentrations of Danes in the United States.

In a matter of days, the people of Elk Horn raised $30,000. These funds helped cover the dismantling and transportation cost of the mill. Then on February 4, 1976, the pieces of the mill arrived from Denmark. No professional help was hired to reassemble the mill in Elk Horn. Instead, more than 300 local volunteers donated their time and expertise to get the mill rebuilt.

Shortly after Elk Horn received its windmill, a Danish law was passed stating that no more mills were allowed out of the country and helping ensure that Iowa retain’s it’s exclusive title.

While Elk Horn has the state’s only Danish Windmill, you can visit the Vermeer Mill in Pella, Iowa to see how the Dutch version differs. Then, the next time you’re in southeast Iowa, stop in Swedesburg to visit the Swedish Heritage Museum.

Bust of man at the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa

The Morning Star Chapel

Miniature Morning Star Chapel in Elk Horn, Iowa

Located on the grounds of Elk Horn’s Danish Windmill, you’ll find the most adorable, tiny Danish chapel you can probably imagine. At six-feet by eight-feet and only four rows of pews, this tiny church is the perfect place for a (very) intimate wedding ceremony.

Built in 1951 by Charles Johann Walensky, “an 83-year-old Danish immigrant who lived across the state in Waterloo, Iowa,” according to Roadside America. When he died eight years later, the tiny church moved to his daughter and then remained in the homes of various family members until 1995 when it was donated to the Museum of Danish America. It was later moved to the grounds of the Danish Windmill where you can visit it today.

Plan Your Visit to the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa

Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa

Elk Horn’s 60-foot-tall Danish Windmill is located on the edge of the city and is a great afternoon stop if you happen to be passing through the area.

The tour price is reasonable and includes an informational video. You’re also able to climb higher than I felt comfortable up into the windmill. That being said, it was fun to be able to explore on our own and enjoy the view from the mill’s balcony.

Danish Windmill, 4038 Main Street in Elk Horn, Iowa

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