Custom Windmills
Vermeer Windmill
714 1st Street
Pella, IA 50219
Status
Open and operational
Tours
Tours are available during open hours. Admission is $8 for adults and $2 for children / students.
Hours
March 15 - December
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Closed Sundays
Closed / non-operational during winter.
Wheelchair Accessible
Ground and stage levels
Website
Tower Height
(unknown)
Sail Span
(unknown)
Uses
(2002 - present) Wheat
Constructed
(2000 - 2002)
Millwright
Lucas Verbij
Owner
City of Pella, IA (2002 - present)
The Vermeer Windmill
Photo from Pella Tulip Time
History
Nestled in the heart of downtown Pella, IA is the Vermeer Windmill,
billed as the tallest operating windmill in the United States. The
traditional Dutch smock mill, built by Lucas Verbij, is based on an
1850s design from Groningen, Holland. It rests on a four-story base to
catch the wind over the height of the neighboring buildings.
The mill, constructed through fund-raising efforts, was completed and
began grinding in 2002. Local restaurants use the stone-ground
flour to make fresh bread and buns. Despite being a tall
tower-stage mill, an elevator and walkway make this windmill
handicapped-accessible at the stage level. The new windmill is the
centerpiece to the annual Pella Tulip Time Festival.
