State of Iowa

The Elk Horn Danish Windmill is located in the town of Elk Horn, Iowa.

In the summer of 2020, after a powerful storm called a derecho hit Iowa, my dad and I decided to take a road trip to witness the aftermath. Throughout our journey, we witnessed numerous signs of the storm’s strength. We saw fields of corn flattened, trees damaged, interstate signs destroyed, silos damaged, and some even moved from their foundations. However, amidst the storm-related sights, we also made a few stops that were not related to the weather. One of our destinations was the town of Elk Horn, Iowa, where we visited the Danish Windmill.

Brief History of the Location

It all began in the spring of 1975 when Harvey Sornson, a local farmer with Danish roots, came back from a trip to Denmark.

Harvey had a crazy idea that he couldn’t let go of. He wanted to save a real Danish windmill and bring it all the way to Elk Horn, the largest Danish settlement in the United States.

When Harvey returned home to Elk Horn, he bravely shared his “crazy idea” with the community. He believed it could be an incredible project to celebrate the Bicentennial in 1976. It would not only attract tourists but also honor Elk Horn’s Danish heritage and help the small rural community.

To everyone’s surprise, Harvey’s “impossible dream” started to gain support. In just five months, the people of Elk Horn raised enough money to buy a 60-foot windmill that was originally built in 1848 in Nørre Snede, Denmark.

Transporting the windmill from Århus, Denmark to the United States posed challenges. Carriers refused to transport it to Iowa from New York because the 66-foot sails were too long for US highways. The only solution was to cut the two sails in half and make new ones. After spending 30 days at the dock, the mill was finally loaded onto two huge trucks and headed to the Midwest.

On February 4, 1976, the old windmill arrived at its new home in Elk Horn, Iowa. The reconstruction process took a long time, but with the help of over 300 volunteers, no hired workers were needed.

The 1848 Danish Windmill was carefully restored and is now the only authentic and working Danish windmill in America.

If this article interests you, read about other Iowa roadside attractions I have visited or browse through all the roadside attractions I have been to.

Location

4038 Main St, Elk Horn, IA 51531

Today, this historic treasure serves as a place where visitors, children, and families can learn about wind energy, agriculture, and our Danish cultural heritage. To learn more about the Elk Horn Danish Windmill visit their site.

If you are a fan of roadside attractions, put this on your list of attractions to visit. And please remember to be respectful of this attraction and not damage it.