With North Dakota being as windy as it is, it comes as no surprise that there are quite a few wind turbines across the state. However, what about windmills? The old-world style windmills were created to mill grains with the power of the wind. While certain types of windmills, like a classic Dutch windmill, are somewhat common across the United States, there were rarely any true Danish mills built – and even fewer that remain. Believe it or not, one of fewer than five true historic Danish windmills in the entire country is located right here in North Dakota. Check it out:
Kenmare, North Dakota is a small town of just about 1,000 residents.
Kenmare Association of Commerce/Facebook
It’s beautifully located next to the Des Lacs Lakes and one of the most picturesque, lovely towns in the entire state.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
What makes Kenmare extra special is right in its downtown square park: the Danish Mill. It was built in 1902 by a Danish immigrant and operated for 13 years.
City of Kenmare/Facebook
Today, it resides in this park where visitors can enjoy a quiet setting and see the historic structure. The park includes a few paths, plenty of shady trees, flower beds, and of course the mill itself.
City of Kenmare/Facebook
There’s even a free library in the park where you can borrow a book from the box and bring it back when you’re done. How fun!
City of Kenmare/Facebook
You can explore the Danish windmill inside and out. Most of the original structure is still there and still intact. The interior was damaged by a fire in early 2019, but it has been mostly restored. Although it is no longer operational, you can see learn about how mills such as these work. They weren’t built just to look pretty, after all!
Christopher Trom/Google
There are only three known true Danish mills in the entire country, so you don’t want to miss out on a chance to visit one of them. Kenmare’s mill is certainly a rare find and a true hidden gem!
City of Kenmare/Facebook
The Danish windmill can be found in the Downtown Park Square in Kenmare, North Dakota. You can learn more about this fascinating monument by clicking here.
Kenmare Association of Commerce/Facebook
Andrew Filer/Flickr
City of Kenmare/Facebook
Christopher Trom/Google
Did you know that North Dakota had this rare feature? There are plenty of unique and intriguing monuments all across the state. Find more great attractions to visit in ND right here.
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