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Fischer Windmill Historic Site: A Dutch Touch in Elmhurst

Step back in time at Elmhurst's Fischer Windmill, a beautifully preserved landmark showcasing the area's Dutch and agricultural heritage.

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The Fischer Windmill Historic Site in Elmhurst, Illinois, is a beautifully preserved windmill dating back to the mid-19th century. Built in the style of a traditional Dutch smock windmill, it stands as a reminder of the area's agricultural heritage and the early German settlers who farmed the surrounding land. Although the mill is currently closed to the public, visitors can still admire its unique architecture and picturesque setting within the Mount Emblem Cemetery.

A brief summary to Fischer Windmill Historic Site

  • 520 E Grand Ave, Elmhurst, Illinois, 60126, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or summer to see the surrounding gardens in full bloom.
  • Take photos of the windmill against the backdrop of the cemetery's serene landscape.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Mount Emblem Cemetery to appreciate the landscaping.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Fischer Windmill is located at 520 E Grand Ave, within Mount Emblem Cemetery. If you are already within the cemetery grounds, follow the internal roads towards the northeastern section. The windmill is easily visible and accessible from the main paths.

  • Public Transport

    The closest major intersection to Fischer Windmill is Grand Ave and County Line Road in Elmhurst, Illinois. From the Elmhurst Metra station, you can take a taxi or Pace bus to the cemetery. Pace bus fares are around $1.75 for a single ride. Alternatively, Ride DuPage offers transportation for Elmhurst seniors and residents with disabilities for $2 a ride, plus $1 for every mile traveled. Check the City of Elmhurst website for registration details.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 520 E Grand Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126. The Fischer Windmill is located within Mount Emblem Cemetery. From Route 83 and North Avenue in Elmhurst, take North Avenue East for about 1 mile, then turn left onto E Grand Ave. Continue for approximately 0.5 miles; the cemetery will be on your right. Free parking is available within the cemetery.

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Discover more about Fischer Windmill Historic Site

The Fischer Windmill Historic Site offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved Dutch windmill. Located within the grounds of Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, Illinois, the windmill is a striking landmark that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Construction on the mill began in 1865 by Henry Frederick Fischer, whose family had emigrated from Germany and farmed extensively in the area. Interestingly, Fischer's brothers-in-law also constructed the Graue Mill. The Fischer Windmill was built using prefabricated parts shipped from the Netherlands, and its construction took nearly three years. The hand-crafted mill features cypress beams and gears made of hickory and white oak. It originally had white pine sails spanning 74 feet, making it one of the largest in Illinois. The mill ground wheat and corn until around 1916. In 1925, the Mount Emblem Cemetery Association acquired the land and preserved the windmill as a museum. Although the west wing was later removed to make way for a parking lot, the remaining structure has been renovated over the years, most recently in 2015. Today, the Fischer Windmill stands as a testament to the area's rich agricultural history and the ingenuity of its early settlers. Visitors can stroll the cemetery grounds and admire the windmill's architecture, as well as the surrounding landscaping, which includes Lake Emblem, evergreens, and lilac bushes.

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