mid-america windmill museum

This interesting museum includes more than 50 different historic farm-style windmills along with a couple of current days wind powered generators. The outside displays may be viewed for free while the inside museum costs $4 / person. Staffed by volunteers, they are more than willing to talk windmills with you.

Just happened on this little gem on our northern Indiana travels. It is worth a little detour from your route just to stop and see all the windmills collected here. If you spend a bit more time, you will be greeted by a volunteer who will guide you personally. There is a short video that is informative and well-done, though now seems to look like it is supposed to be 3-D. It is not enough to distract from the information given about wind and the history of windmills. There is also a nice little gift shop.

Most of the windmills here are from another era of time. Baby boomers will recall seeing these types of windmills growing up. They have done a great job of procuring them from around the country. As you drive into the parking lot you will see a replica Robertson post windmill which first appeared at the founding of Jamestown. Their is one at Williamsburg,Virginia and as far as I know Kendallville has the only other example. All of the windmills are cut down to half size so visitors don't have to strain their necks and you will find a plaque at each windmill explaining some of it's history. They do offer a short video and they have a gift shop. One other windmill of interest is one that was dedicated to retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. One like it was on her fathers ranch on the borders of Arizona and New Mexico. Bring your camera!

The building was used for a wedding reception. It was warm on a cold night. It was clean, hurray! Space was more than adequate.

It's beautiful at Christmas Time and a great place for a wedding.