Fischer Windmill Historic Site: A Dutch Touch in Elmhurst

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Discover a piece of Dutch history in Illinois at the Fischer Windmill, a beautifully preserved landmark in Elmhurst's Mount Emblem Cemetery.

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Fischer Windmill Historic Site

The Fischer Windmill Historic Site in Elmhurst, Illinois, offers a glimpse into the region's agricultural past. This well-preserved windmill, built in the early 1900s with Dutch design elements, stands as a reminder of the importance of wind power in early farming. While the interior is closed, visitors can explore the grounds and appreciate the architecture.

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.
Check for local events or guided tours to enhance your visit.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the site.

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Getting There

Walking

From the intersection of Grand Avenue and York Street in Elmhurst, head west on Grand Avenue for approximately 0.8 miles. The Fischer Windmill Historic Site is located within Mount Emblem Cemetery on the right side of the road. The walk is mostly flat and should take about 15-20 minutes. There are sidewalks along Grand Avenue. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Pace Bus Route 309 serves the area near the Fischer Windmill Historic Site. From the Elmhurst Metra station, take the Route 309 bus towards Salt Creek Lane. Exit the bus at the Grand Ave & County Line Rd stop, which is right outside Mount Emblem Cemetery. The windmill is a short walk from the bus stop within the cemetery grounds. A single ride on Pace costs $1.75. Please check the Pace Bus website or app for the most up-to-date schedules.
Driving

From I-294, exit onto North Avenue and head west. Turn left onto County Line Road, then turn left onto Grand Avenue. Mount Emblem Cemetery will be on your left. The Fischer Windmill Historic Site is located inside the cemetery. Parking is available within the cemetery. Parking is free. Be aware of cemetery hours, as the gates close at dusk.

Discover more about Fischer Windmill Historic Site

The Fischer Windmill Historic Site, located in Elmhurst, Illinois, provides a charming look back at the area's rich agricultural heritage. Constructed in the early 1900s, the windmill was originally used for grinding grain and represents one of the few remaining structures of its kind in the region. Its traditional Dutch design transports visitors to another time.Henry Frederick Fischer began building the mill around 1865, after inheriting the land from his father. Interestingly, his brothers-in-law also constructed the Graue Mill. The Fischer Windmill was unique for the Chicago area, made with parts shipped from the Netherlands. Christian Heidemann and Henry Korthauer assisted in its construction, which took nearly three years due to design changes. The cypress beams rest on a stone and brick foundation.In 1877, Fischer sold the mill to Edward Ehlers. The Mount Emblem Cemetery Association acquired the land, including the windmill, in 1925 and converted the area into a cemetery. In 1936, the cemetery was dedicated. The windmill even broadcast music on Sundays and holidays. The DuPage County Historical Society recognized Mount Emblem in 1956 for preserving the mill. Although a storm damaged the mill in the early 1990s, it was renovated in 2015. Today, visitors can tour the grounds, though the mill itself is closed to the public.