This Charming European-Inspired Museum In Texas Is The Perfect Place For A Day Trip

If you've always wanted to visit the Netherlands but don't have the time or money, we have the next-best thing: the Dutch Windmill Museum in Nederland, Texas. This unique museum is housed inside a 40-foot-tall structure that's an exact replica of a traditional Dutch windmill, and it features authentic items from the Netherlands such as dolls and wooden shoes. A visit here is the perfect quick day trip that you'll want to take again and again.

Tucked away just outside of Beaumont in far Southeast Texas is a little town with a rich cultural heritage.

Nederland is a charming community of just over 18,000 that was settled by Dutch immigrants in 1897. The town is named after their home country, The Netherlands.

After fleeing the Netherlands in search of better economic opportunities, the immigrants settled in Southeast Texas and supported their families through farming and ranching.

Although many of the settlers ended up returning to Holland, Nederland still celebrates its Dutch heritage.

A project of the Nederland Chamber of Commerce, the museum features two floors of artifacts and exhibits.

The first floor has a Western theme, with mementos that belonged to the late Tex Ritter, a country music icon who called Nederland home.

The second floor features original items from the Netherlands, including dolls, a trunk imported from Holland before the turn of the century...

...and even several pairs of wooden shoes.

There is also a small gift shop with authentic Dutch items available for purchase. Museum admission is free, however donations are encouraged.

Please visit the City of Nederland Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau website or the Nederland Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau Facebook page for more information about the museum.

Have you ever visited the Dutch Windmill Museum in Texas? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Don't forget to check out our previous article for a nearby boardwalk hike at the Texas Travel Information Center that takes you through lush swamplands. It's the perfect way to stretch your legs after a long drive! If you're in need of a good pair of walking shoes, Backcountry has some of the best options around.