(Shelby County, Iowa) – An official with the 1848 Danish Windmill in Elk Horn (IA) has announced a new, FREE, virtual tour of the authentic windmill, that’s viewable from the comfort of your favorite chair, and a new capital campaign to raise funds for repair of the windmill’s windshaft and cap frame, and prevent further damage. Danish Windmill Director Shaun Sayres says they are still encouraging everyone to visit the windmill, and while you’re in-town, visit all the other attractions and businesses.

Those who chose to participate in the virtual tour, will experience the attraction inside and out.

Screenshot of the Windmill Virtual Tour

There are also site-perspective videos of the windmill in operation, from whatever angle you wish to view it.You can sign a virtual guest book in the gift shop,

Other features will be added to the virtual tour as the material is created. Sayres said work on the project began in January. A skilled crew from Denmark is preparing to come to Elk Horn, and are expected to arrive in a few weeks, to made urgent repairs and install a grease hub and brake cable that will make it easier and safe to operate and maintain. Those repairs don’t come free. Sayres said their new capital campaign, “Back on the Grind,” aims to raise $60,000 for Phase 1 of the repair/upgrade of the Danish Windmill, which is set to begin in October.

Sayres said it’s an old building with moving parts, and there are challenges that come with keeping in functioning the way it what designed.

He said if all goes well with the repairs this Fall, and if time allows, they’ll be adding a new, sack-hoist wheel.

To learn more about the fundraising campaign, or to take a virtual tour of the windmill, go to www.danishwindmill.org., or call 712-764-7472. The Danish Windmill is a 501(c) tax-exempt organization.