By Wade Ellett, Let’s Move QC Outdoors

Editor’s Note: This past summer, Let’s Move QC Outdoors Blogger, Wade Ellett, walked the entire Great River Trail, picking up trash and enjoying the sites along the way. He’s chosen a few of his favorite off-the-beaten-path attractions we’ll share with readers over a series of posts to celebrate great walking tours in the QC area. 

The Great River Trail is full of surprising gems that are perfect for fall adventuring.

Running 60 miles in Illinois along the Mississippi River, the GRT offers cool attractions such as The Giant Cyclist of Port Byron and Albany Indian Mounds State Historic Site. This week takes us to an old-fashioned Dutch windmill!

Have you ever seen a traditional Dutch windmill in action? Well, you can in Fulton!

Fulton’s De Immigrant Windmill was engineered and built in the Netherlands, then shipped to the U.S. for installation.

Dutch craftsmen journeyed to Fulton, IL, to install the windmill, using traditional building techniques.

Dedication took place during the Dutch Days Festival 2000.

The windmill is fully operational, moving by wind power. The mill also works, producing a variety of flours, from buckwheat to corn, rye, and wheat. They are for sale in the gift shop, so bring your wallet!

Fulton’s windmill is just one of many amazing stops along the Great River Trail. Stay tuned for more!

Meet Wade Ellett, Let’s Move Quad Cities Outdoor Blogger. Wade is an outdoor adventurer who shares his passion for QC outdoor adventures here! Read his other posts by clicking here.