Hidden along the banks of the Fox River is the Fabyan Windmill, a historic building, unique to Northern Illinois.
History
The Fabyan Windmill, located at the Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva, Ill., overlooks the Fox River as it peaks above its surrounding landscape from its perch on top of a hill, but that is not where its history began.
It was originally built in the mid-1800s in what was known as York Township, which is now Lombard, Ill. It was built in the authentic style of a Dutch windmill by Louis Blackhaus and his brother-in-law Fredrick Brockmann.
Despite the windmill’s restored grinding system, its sails, which once provided it with power to grind grains such as wheat and corn, now sit still as they face the west.
The historic structure had several owners, including Frederick Runge, but it was Col. George Fabyan that moved it to its permanent position in Geneva.
Fabyan bought the windmill in 1914 and then had it moved to his and his wife’s Riverbank Estate. It was one of the many luxurious oddities on the land.
The Fabyans owned and maintained the windmill until George Fabyan’s death in 1936 and his wife, Nelle’s, death in 1939. The estate property, including the historic windmill, was then bought by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
Although the windmill was slightly renovated by the Fabyans and later restored by the forest preserve, it remains authentic to its Dutch style.
Visiting and Recreation
After being closed for a time, the Fabyan Windmill was reopened in 2005 for visitors.
It is a popular historic building within Northern Illinois for both locals and tourists. It is open for tours on Saturday and Sunday in mid-May to mid-October from 1-4 p.m.
The windmill includes five levels plus the basement and its cap. Informational boards about the structure can also be found outside.
Because it is located in the Fabyan Forest Preserve, there are several nearby trails that run along the river and through the adjacent forest, some of which lead to the rest of the Fabyan Estate.
The windmill is also a popular photography location throughout the year.
During the snowy months, friends and families are often found sledding down the hill next to the windmill.
More Information
For more information you can go to the Illinois Windmills website or Wikipedia.
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