Danish Windmill - Your source for Royal Copenhagen, Bing and Grondahl

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Established in 1901 * population 750
"The Heart of Dane Country"

Location
In Shelby County, Iowa, located at the intersection of County Road F58 and Hwy 173 -- only six miles north of U.S. Interstate 80, Exit 54. In the heart of southwest Iowa's picturesque countryside. "Velkommen" to our community. We invite you to visit for an experience of real Danish Hospitality as you learn more about our proud heritage.

Utility & Telecommunication Providers
Water: Municipal.
Gas: MidAmerican Energy Company.
Electricity: MidAmerican Energy Company.
Telephone service: Marne-Elk Horn Telephone Company (METC) provides local telephone service to Elk Horn, Kimballton, Marne, and Brayton, with over 1,500 access lines. All exchanges are the latest digital switches with Signaling System 7 and class services (caller identification-- name and number, call waiting, call forwarding, etc.). They are a member of INS (Iowa Network Services) providing state-of-the-art telecommunications services over a fiber optic network. Other services offered include cellular, paging, calling cards and 800 numbers. You can call METC at 712-764-6161.
Cable TV: Marne-Elk Horn Telephone Co. provides a 61-channel cable television system.
Internet: Marne-Elk Horn Telephone Co. is the local Internet Service Provider.
Cellular Service: CommNet, Cellular One & Air Touch.

Municipal Services
Council/Mayor government
Comprehensive city plan: yes
City zoning ordinance in effect: yes
County zoning ordinance in effect: yes
Subdivision ordinance with design standards in effect: yes
Number of volunteer fire department personal: 21
Fire insurance class in city: 8
Fire insurance class outside city: 9
Police protection: Shelby County Sheriff's Department.
Industrial waste pickup service: yes
Percentage of city streets hard surfaced 100%

Schools
The Elk Horn-Kimballton School has experienced yearly growth over the past eight years and presently serves 330 youth, plus a preschool. The district enjoys very solid support from its parents and community which help it provide a safe and secure environment. The district is currently emphasizing technology which has resulted in three computer labs, at least one computer in every classroom, an ICN site and networking throughout the building. School facilities are outstanding and the financial status of the district is sound. 712-764-4616

Business & Industry
Salem Lutheran Home - a 156-bed group home, with 56 beds devoted to residential, 10 devoted to skilled care, 10 devoted to Alzheimer care and 80 for nursing beds. This facility provides a continuum of care for the elderly of Elk Horn and the surrounding area. Salem Lutheran Homes offers residential, intermediate, and skilled care, along with a specialized Alzheimer's unit. Salem Lutheran Home is also the City's second largest employer, offering an excellent benefit package for employees and the community. 712-764-4201
Housing - the City's only major multiple housing unit is the Elk Horn Development Corporation facility on Union Street. The three building facility features 12 two-bedroom rental units.
Other Services: - veterinarian, pharmacist, lawyers and G. E. Larson Medical Center with a Physicians Assistant, restaurants, bakery, and a grocery store featuring Danish delicacies for everyone and typical handicrafts abound in homes and shops.

Churches
Elk Horn Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Church - All denominations within 14 miles.

Tourism

Danish Windmill Museum & Welcome Center - authentic windmill built in 1848 in Denmark and reassembled in Iowa in 1975. Guided tour includes a 15 minute video & a trip to the top of the working mill. Includes a Danish import gift shop and Iowa Welcome Tourism Center. Group Tours available. For more information call: 800-451-7960.

Danish Immigrant Museum, an
International Cultural Center, tells the story of the journey and experience of the Danish immigrant, from the decision to leave Denmark, to the establishing new homes, schools and churches in America. You will also see the first piano of the famous Danish immigrant, Victor Borge; the tiny The Morning Star Chapel; The Danish Immigrant Wall of Honor; and the Family History Center. For more information call: 712-764-7001 or (800) 759-9192 or visit the web site - http://www.danishmuseum.org

Bedstemor's Hus - in 1990, the Elk Horn-Kimballton Arts and Recreation Council presented The Danish Immigrant Museum this beautifully restored and fully functioning historic Danish home. The home was built by Danish immigrant Jens Otto Christensen after he came to American in 1889. Bedstemor means grandmother in Danish. This charming, ethnic home welcomes visitors for tours throughout the summer.
http://www.danishmuseum.org

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines - grow and produce a number of Iowa wines. Fine white, red, & blush wines will compliment any variety of dishes one prepares. Our vineyard is atop a hill allowing our vines to have an east west exposure to ripen the fruit to reach its maximum potential for the wonderful fruit flavors that you will taste and enjoy. One will experience a stroll through the vineyard and be invited to tour the winery and taste a variety of the wines we produce. Wine Gift Shop with gift baskets, cheese, and more. Party room for catered events seating for 80. Open for private parties after hours. For more information call: Allan or Carol @712-764-2991 or visit http://www.DanishCountrysideVinesAndWines.com

Tivoli Fest - Elk Horn's Danish Celebration is held Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy Danish foods and specialties such as Smørbrød, æbelskiver and medisterpølse. Tours of Danish Windmill, Bedstemor's, the Danish Immigrant Museum and visits to unique gift shops add to the experience. There is a parade, Danish folk dancers, an entertainment stage, and much more. For more information call: 800-451-7960.

Jule Fest - held Thanksgiving weekend. The fun-filled Christmas festival with over 25 local businesses, organizations, historical sites and museums. Visit the unique gift shops, large Christmas Boutique and more! Information call: 800-451-7960.

Tourism Spending Impact -
2007 Tourist Attendance 61,731
Average Travel Party Size 2.7
Persons Average Spending Per Day $205.91
Estimated Total Spending $4.9 Million Dolllars

Tourism Services -
Dining Establishments 4
Bed & Breakfasts 1
Motel with Indoor Pool 31 rooms
Specialty Shops 6
Historical Museums & Sites 4
Community Swimming Pool & Park 1, 5 acre park
R.V. Park 2

Bragging Rights
Elk Horn is the largest rural Danish settlement in the U.S. The community was settled by early Danish immigrants with many of the small homes done in Danish architecture. Many of the Danish customs are still followed in the homes. The Danish Windmill received Iowa's top tourism attraction for 1990 and the Danish Immigrant Museum received the same honor in 1994. The small town of Elk Horn is very neatly kept with well manicured lawns in which you will see many miniature windmills. Everyone is proud of the Danish heritage and when you visit you will experience the friendliness of this Danish community.

History
The town was incorporated in 1901 and became the center of Danish immigration in the middle of the 19th century when the homeland became crowded and living conditions more difficult. The first major undertaking of the Elk Horn Danes was a folk school for the education of Danish immigrants and settlers. This school was the first of this kind in America and was followed by a Lutheran church and later a Baptist church. Another mutual project was the organization of the Danish Mutual Fire Insurance Association. From a small beginning the company has grown to one of Iowa's largest Mutuals.