Weidemolen II (Meadow Mill Arnhem II), Arnhem

Weidemolen II, also known as Meadow Mill Arnhem II, stands as a distinctive reminder of the region’s long tradition of harnessing wind power for practical use. Positioned within the grounds of the Dutch Open Air Museum, the mill represents the evolution of local engineering during a period when wind energy played a crucial role in supporting rural life. Built in the late nineteenth century as part of a broader network of small-scale mills, it functioned primarily as a drainage mill, helping regulate water levels in the surrounding meadows. Its compact form and purposeful design reflect Gelderland’s mill-building heritage, where efficiency and resilience were essential for managing the challenges of a low-lying environment.

Today, the mill no longer serves its original function, yet it remains an engaging point of interest for travellers exploring Arnhem’s varied historic sites. Meadow Mill II retains the essential features of a traditional Dutch windmill, including its practical wooden frame, rotating cap, and sails designed to catch even modest breezes. Its presence offers insight into the everyday infrastructure that once safeguarded agricultural communities against flooding and ensured stable ground for grazing and cultivation. Visitors often appreciate how the mill introduces a quieter layer of Arnhem’s past, complementing the city’s more prominent landmarks with a glimpse of rural craftsmanship.

Seen within the broader landscape, Meadow Mill II contributes to an atmosphere that blends natural scenery with cultural memory. It stands as a modest but meaningful marker of the area’s changing relationship with land, water, and the enduring utility of wind-powered technology.