A working Dutch windmill crossed the Atlantic to Michigan
Holland calls De Zwaan America's only authentic working Dutch windmill. It was built in 1884 with some older parts and moved to Michigan in 1964.
In Holland, Michigan, on a man-made island near downtown, stands De Zwaan, or “The Swan.” The City of Holland describes it as America’s only authentic working Dutch windmill and the last working windmill allowed to leave the Netherlands.
The date needs a little care. Holland’s current historic-property account says De Zwaan was constructed in 1884 using parts from still older mills dating to the early 1800s. It ground grain in Vinkel, North Brabant, and suffered serious damage during World War II. When restoration efforts failed, Holland leaders secured a special exception to Dutch historic-preservation law and arranged to move it to Michigan.
The mill was disassembled and shipped to the United States in 1964, then reconstructed on a new Michigan-brick base. Windmill Island opened in 1965 with Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and Michigan Gov. George Romney in attendance.
Today De Zwaan still turns and grinds grain into flour. That working machinery, not an inflated age, is what makes the place memorable.
Where to see it
De Zwaan stands at Windmill Island Gardens, 1 Lincoln Ave. in Holland. Check the city park page for current hours and admission before visiting.
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Sources
Last reviewed against the listed sources: July 14, 2026.