Baldwin Windmill

Ornament of the Village

The Baldwin Windmill at Windmill Park, acclaimed as the largest Chamber project ever, was completed by approximately 30 local volunteers in 1987. Located on the south side of the village along  Highway 63, the windmill has been a spectacle of beauty and a symbol of heritage. At the time it was built, the Chamber of Commerce referred to the newly constructed monument to the village's Dutch heritage as "truly the 'ornament' of our fine village. It brings much joy to our residents as well as to people driving through." 

The Baldwin Windmill is owned and maintained by the Village of Baldwin. Windmill Park, with picnic tables and a playground, has become a pleasant place for local citizens and visitors alike. 

Windmill Fund

After the first "Let's Go Dutch Days" festival in 1983, a windmill fund was started by Baldwin's Dutch Ethnic Women's Group which solicited donations from the public with the help of the Chamber of Commerce. Eventually, $34,000 was raised to build the structure and ongoing funding was provided through the "Adopt-A-Rock" campaign so anyone could buy a stone on the windmill's physical foundation for a specific price. 

Constructing the Windmill

The construction of the windmill became a collaborative project. The windmill rafters and supports were pre-fabricated at a nearby building materials company. Local fieldstone for the exterior base was split by hand with a sledgehammer by area laborers. A Baldwin sawmill owner provided  2 feet by 8 feet boards for the interior and exterior walls, the latter of which rises above the base, covered in cedar shingles. A Baldwin-based electrician wired the windmill for power. The four aluminum wind vanes, each 12 feet in length and constructed by a local craftsman, are connected to a two-horsepower motor with a gear reduction system that turns the vanes at the rate of five revolutions per minute. The vanes of the Baldwin Windmill can been seen turning throughout the summer months.

Be sure to stop by and take a few pictures of the 'ornament' of Baldwin.  While you are there, enjoy a picnic lunch, creek and playground.