Danish Windmill

Danish Windmill An authentic Danish windmill moved from Nørre Snede, Denmark to Elk Horn, Iowa in 1976. The Danish Windmill is also one of Iowa's Private Welcome Centers.
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The historic 1848 Nørre Snede, Denmark Windmill was brought to America 41 years ago. Rebuilt by over 300 community volunteers to honor the area's rich Danish Heritage. The Mill was restored to working condition in 1976 and it takes a 20 mph wind to operate. At any time when the wind changes the 10 ton cap frame will turn it's self into the wind with the help of the fantail. It is a beautiful sight

to see the magnificent windmill turn by wind-power. They have over 250 brochures on other State attractions, Iowa maps and attraction guides. Employees are State Certified Welcome Center employees. The Mill Corporation is a 501-c-3 non profit Corporation. The Museum shop sales proceeds go to help the day to day operations of the historic windmill stay in good repair. Check out www.danishwindmill.com for more information or call 800-451-7960. VELKOMMEN!

Tomorrow is Throwback Thorsday here in Elk Horn, Iowa! Don't miss your chance to catch a Danish meal at The Norse Horse ...
06/17/2026

Tomorrow is Throwback Thorsday here in Elk Horn, Iowa! Don't miss your chance to catch a Danish meal at The Norse Horse Tavern and experience several businesses in town "after hours" including the windmill, Ærø Arts, Egg Krate, and The Kringleman Pastries.

We've got a couple of new items that will be available starting tomorrow at the windmill. We're excited to announce we finally have the new flavor, Viking Runes, from our Danish friends at Dansk Mjød. This honey wine is flavored with sour cherries and Tasmanian pepper, flowing from a crystal-clear glass bottle. Our stock is currently limited, but we are expecting more soon. Stop down and give it a try!

We also have new retro-themed t-shirts featuring the windmill that couldn't have come at a better time! We know these will be popular so we've got plenty to go around.

As a bonus, The Kringleman Pastries is doing aebleskiver and medisterpølse tomorrow from 7 to 1. So if you can't make dinner, you could certainly join us in the morning. And don't forget about the troll-naming contest at Ærø Arts!

Join us for a day of unique adventures in Elk Horn tomorrow!

COMING UP: Danish Mill Day is almost here! Every year on the 3rd Sunday in June, Danish mills all over Denmark open thei...
06/15/2026

COMING UP: Danish Mill Day is almost here! Every year on the 3rd Sunday in June, Danish mills all over Denmark open their doors for Danish Mill Day! Of course in the US, this happens to coincide with Father's Day, but what better gift is there for dads out there than a tour through our windmill?!

We'll be offering FREE ADMISSION all day on Sunday (10 - 4). Master Griller Catering and Concessions will be serving Danish Hotdogs from 11 - 2! Experience of a fun day of Danish history and culture like no other at the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa next Sunday!

One of the most exciting parts about Tivoli Fest for us is it's only the beginning of the season. Schools are out, vacat...
06/13/2026

One of the most exciting parts about Tivoli Fest for us is it's only the beginning of the season. Schools are out, vacations start, and tourists come to the windmill in droves.

As a final note, we wish to thank all of the staff and volunteers who helped make our Tivoli weekend possible. Everyone of them worked Friday through Sunday to keep the windmill open, help run special events, and ensure every visitor got a premium experience. We couldn't do this without them and we're grateful for their own selflessness and commitment towards our mission and programs.

Their work and dedication is truly what makes all of this possible and we wouldn't be here without them.

Thank you as well to Annabelle Baggett, Justin Nelson, and Sarah Sayres for volunteering over the weekend.

We're back with even more coverage of this year's Tivoli Fest and this time it's all about where it all started, the win...
06/12/2026

We're back with even more coverage of this year's Tivoli Fest and this time it's all about where it all started, the windmill! The windmill has been the focal point of our annual Danish festival since its origins nearly 50 years ago. From the opening ceremony to the fireworks, it stands as a cornerstone for local identity and pride.

50 years later, it's still here, still turning, and as vibrant as ever inside and out. It's significance is evergreen, and we thoroughly enjoy seeing both new and familiar faces come through our doors every year for the festival. The conveyor-belt experience of our gift shop has become an annual pilgrimage for many regular festival goers and we always appreciate their efforts to come see us no matter how much the crowd has grown in recent years.

Every year, the windmill is free admission through the entire festival. We run the tour video on 15 minute loops and let visitors explore on their own. There wasn't enough wind to turn the sails this time, but even then it was impossible to count how many thousands of people made their way through the mill that day.

Please enjoy these images captured by Claire Petersen Photography and as always, feel free to share your own!

Huge thank you to Raise-Tecc for fixing our slab so promptly!
06/12/2026

Huge thank you to Raise-Tecc for fixing our slab so promptly!

COMING UP: Next week join us in Elk Horn for another Throwback Thorsday featuring a naming contest for a troll made by l...
06/11/2026

COMING UP: Next week join us in Elk Horn for another Throwback Thorsday featuring a naming contest for a troll made by local craftsman, Daryl Nissen! The Norse Horse Tavern will be serving a frikadeller special and other businesses will be open late, too.

Follow Ærø Arts for details on the troll's naming contest and how to enter.

Experience all of this and more on Thursday, June 18!

Come find Rockett Fuel BBQ at the windmill this Thursday from 4-7! We'll be open late for anyone who wants to stick arou...
06/10/2026

Come find Rockett Fuel BBQ at the windmill this Thursday from 4-7! We'll be open late for anyone who wants to stick around!

He'll also be back on Thursday, 6/25!

Tivoli Fest always has countless opportunities to find unique foods and crafts. This year we had two markets from slight...
06/08/2026

Tivoli Fest always has countless opportunities to find unique foods and crafts. This year we had two markets from slightly different worlds, a viking market with Old-World wares and our modern strøget loaded with food and craft vendors. It's an impressive range and The Skjaldborg viking encampment and market just seems to get bigger every year.

We wish to thank Hansen House Senior Living - Harlan, IA for lending their shuttle buses to help move people around town this year. They even brought their electric train for kids to enjoy!

It's always fun to see what new items or shops might pop up and what some of our local craft vendors like Flamin Frogs are making. We were especially delighted to have the addition of Ærø Arts this year, which will remain open for the Summer selling the creations of local artists and creators.

Enjoy some of the photographs of our artisans this year captured by Claire Petersen Photography

06/07/2026

Rain or Shine we can't wait to see y'all at Log Cabin Day today!

Address

4038 Main Street
Elk Horn, IA
51531

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(712) 764-7472

Website

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