The Fabyan Windmill officially reopened for the season on Saturday, May 18, 2019.

The Windmill is located on the east side of Fabyan Forest Preserve, and is one of the most iconic structures in Kane County.

The 68-foot, five-story structure was originally built by Louis Blackhaus, a German craftsman, between 1850 and 1860. It was brought to this country in 1905 by George and Nelle Fabyan for their “Riverbank” estate, which comprised everything from a zoo, greenhouses, stone sculptures, 18,000 chickens, a Japanese garden, a Roman-style swimming pool, a lighthouse, a boathouse, formal gardens, and an old farmhouse that was redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907.

After years of planning and effort to restore the historic Fabyan Windmill to its original grandeur, including a trip to the Netherlands for authentic timber and great work, the Windmill made its public debut in June 2005 with a Grand Reopening Celebration.

The Windmill contains German, Swedish and Dutch millwright work and is one of the few in the world that’s been restored to run off natural wind energy.

Fabyan Windmill is open for the season from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 15. Private tours are also available by calling 630-232-5980.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is always recruiting individuals to volunteer at the Fabyan Windmill. Current open positions include millers and docents. Both of these positions are crucial to the operation and public enjoyment of the mill. All volunteers receive comprehensive training and enjoy a flexible volunteer schedule.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at the Fabyan Windmill, call 630-232-5980.

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