Created by Stephanie from the SHRPA creator visit “Fulton's Dutch Days Guide to Windmills, Wooden Shoes, and Fun!”.
Location: Fulton · Distance: < 10 Miles
What to bring: Cash; Suncreen; Umbrella; Walking Shoes.
SHRPA creator visit: “Fulton's Dutch Days Guide to Windmills, Wooden Shoes, and Fun!”.
Photo: Stephanie.
Fulton Dutch Days
Fulton's Dutch Days takes over the entire downtown area of Fulton. Many streets are blocked off and become a pedestrian zone during the street festival. In total, there are four streets filled with kids activities, food stands, vendor shops, live music, plus numerous scheduled street performances. The main attractions are the traditional Dutch dances, the traditional street-sweeping ceremony, and the parade. Pro tip: If you don't love crowds, you can see many of the street perfomances on Friday afternoon with very few other people. Address: Fulton, IL
De Immigrant Windmill
Beyond the street scene, the star of Fulton is the De Immigrant Windmill. It's a beautiful, black, working windmill that sits next to the Mississippi Lock & Dam 13 overlooking 10th Avenue. During the festival, you can go inside the windmill during specified hours for free admission. During the tour, you'll be able to climb the stairs to the top of the windmill while learning all about the construction & how they use it to make local goods. Plus, you'll even get a chance to try on a pair of real wooden Dutch shoes Pro tip: It's a small windmill and the line to go inside can be long. Aim to visit Friday afternoon or early Saturyday before festivities begin. Address: 111 10th Ave, Fulton, IL
Windmill Cultural Center
Just below the windmill, you'll see a brick building called the Windmill Cultural Center. This is actually a museum, it's free, and you don't want to miss it! The small building has several miniature windmills on display offering an incredible education about the different types of windmills used around the world. There's also a gift shop inside with Dutch themed items originating from Holland, as well as a few locally made items, and even some vintage or antique Dutch pottery items. Pro tip: This is a great spot to escape the heat for a few minutes. Address: 111 10th Ave, Fulton, IL
Lock and Dam 13 Fulton
Lock and Dam 13 is where the city of Fulton meets the Missippi River. You can find it right behind the De Immigrant Windmill. There's a walking path and several park areas between the windmill and the river. During the Dutch Days Festivals, it's a natural gathering point for the community and there are many activities taking place here. On top of the dam, you can join in creating sidewalk art or flying kites. Below the dam, there is a gymastic competition during the day, or family games and live music at night. Pro tip: If you have a stroller or wheelchair, you can access the dam trail from a paved path on the south side of the windmill. Address: Lock Rd, Fulton, IL
