May 6, 2018
While in Holland, MI, it is required you see at least one windmill. This one is called , De Zwaan, meaning swan or graceful bird in Dutch, and it is the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the United States. It was built in 1761 and is the last windmill to leave the Netherlands. Home now is Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan. The windmill went from Vinkel in the province of Noord Brabant (Netherlands) in 1964 by boat into the Muskegon Harbor ( Michigan) and then by truck into Holland. In preparation for the arrival, three floors of brick had to be laid so the windmill could be raised high enough to collect the amount of wind needed. It was heavily damaged ( including bullet holes from WWII ) when purchased and the price was $2800. It took 6 months to reconstruct it at the Gardens.
Big Red Lighthouse is located in Holland State Park and sits at the channel of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. It was built in 1907 and the light can be seen for 20 miles.
The Star of Saugatauk was an enjoyable 90 minute ride down the Kalamazoo River out to the edge of Lake Michigan. It was a relaxing ride listening to the sound of the paddlewheel and seeing the lake side homes and the dunes.
This home in particular was my favorite. There is an underground tunnel built between the structures.
These 3 additional sights fascinated me……..
Gotta love the colors!
An interesting octagon-shaped house – I would have loved to see the inside and how they placed the furniture! : )
Lastly – the home of a true “birder”. : )
Hope you enjoyed and remember as you travel through life …..
“Don’t forget that maybe that you are the lighthouse in someone’s storm” (unknown)
Thanks for reading!
Jeannie's Travel Addiction 