ORLEANS WATERFRONT LANDMARK

Jonathan Young Windmill: Orleans' Mobile Historic Treasure

Published: [9/27/2025] | Reading Time: 6 minutes

QUICK FACTS

📍 Location: Town Cove Park, Route 28, Orleans, MA 02653
🎟️ Admission: FREE to visit grounds year-round
⏰ Tours: Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Jonathan Young Windmill (seasonal)
🚗 Parking: FREE parking in Town Cove Park
📅 Built: Around 1720 in South Orleans
⭐ Must-See Rating: 4/5 - Beautiful waterfront setting and rich history
🌊 Setting: Scenic park overlooking Town Cove

WHAT MAKES JONATHAN YOUNG WINDMILL SPECIAL

Located in Town Cove Park, this historic windmill is more than just a scenic landmark—it's a reminder of Cape Cod's early industries and a symbol of the town's dedication to preserving its past. Built around 1720, this windmill combines historical significance with one of Cape Cod's most picturesque waterfront settings.

Built around 1720, the windmill has a long and mobile history, having been relocated multiple times before finding its permanent home in the scenic Town Cove Park. Orleans has an impressive history and is rich in maritime heritage. One of the oldest windmills in the United States ─ the Jonathan Young Windmill ─ is located in Town Cove Park.

The windmill's current location provides visitors with a unique combination of colonial history and natural beauty, overlooking the tidal waters where Orleans' maritime heritage comes alive daily with boats, wildlife, and stunning water views.

THE WINDMILL'S JOURNEY THROUGH ORLEANS

1720s - Original Construction: Built in South Orleans to serve the growing community's grain processing needs
Multiple Relocations: Like many Cape Cod windmills, moved several times as land use changed
Final Move to Town Cove: Relocated to current scenic waterfront location for preservation and public access

The main focus is the windmill, however the surrounding area is beautiful and the view of the water is typical Cape Cod. This combination of historic structure and natural setting makes it unique among Cape Cod's windmill sites.

GETTING THERE & TOWN COVE PARK

Address: Town Cove Park, Route 28, Orleans (between Route 28 and Town Cove)
GPS Coordinates: 41.7897° N, 69.9897° W

From Route 28: When in Orleans you can't help but see the windmill driving through town of Orleans because of its location adjacent to the main road through Orleans Rt 28. The windmill is clearly visible from Route 28 with easy access into Town Cove Park.

Parking & Access:

FREE parking in Town Cove Park
Multiple parking areas within the park
Easy walking access to windmill
Accessible pathways for wheelchairs and mobility devices
Safe pedestrian access from main road

TOWN COVE PARK EXPERIENCE

Park Setting: This is pleasant green area with an interesting history. Located between RT 28 and Town Cove it is easy to see

What You'll Find:

Scenic Waterfront: Direct views of Town Cove tidal waters
Wildlife Viewing: Excellent bird watching, especially during migrations
Picnic Areas: Tables and benches with water views
Walking Paths: Easy trails around park and waterfront
Boat Watching: Active harbor with recreational and fishing boats

Water Activities Nearby:

Kayak Launch: Town Cove provides access to Nauset system
Fishing: Popular spot for shore fishing
Boating: Harbor access to larger Nauset system
Tide Pooling: Explore marine life during low tides

WINDMILL TOURS & HISTORICAL PROGRAMS

Expert-Led Tours: Join John Knowles, mill historical expert, to tour an authentically restored windmill with knowledgeable guides who understand both the technology and local history.

Tour Schedule: Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. during operational season (typically spring through fall)

What Tours Include:

Detailed explanation of 1720s windmill technology
History of the windmill's multiple relocations
Stories of Orleans' colonial and maritime heritage
Insights into how windmills supported Cape Cod communities
Technical details about restoration and preservation efforts

PHOTOGRAPHY & SCENIC OPPORTUNITIES

Unique Photo Combinations:

Windmill with Water: Historic structure with beautiful cove backdrop
Harbor Activity: Boats and windmill in same frame
Seasonal Beauty: Spring flowers, summer activity, fall colors
Golden Hour Magic: Sunset light reflecting on water with windmill silhouette
Wildlife Integration: Birds, seals, and marine life with historic backdrop

Best Photo Locations:

Waterfront side: Shows windmill with Town Cove behind
Park pathways: Multiple angles through landscaped areas
Route 28 perspective: Classic roadside New England scene
Harbor views: From water looking back at windmill and town

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

For Tours and Activities:

Saturday mornings: When expert tours are typically available
Weekday visits: Quieter park experience, better for photography
Spring/Fall: Comfortable temperatures, beautiful seasonal contexts

For Natural Beauty:

High tide: Town Cove at full water level, boats active
Low tide: Explore tidal areas, different perspective on harbor
Early morning: Peaceful water, good light, wildlife active
Late afternoon: Golden hour lighting, boats returning to harbor

Seasonal Highlights:

Spring: Wildflowers, migrating birds, pleasant temperatures
Summer: Full harbor activity, warm weather, extended daylight
Fall: Spectacular foliage, comfortable weather, harvest season feel
Winter: Dramatic winter harbor scenes, peaceful atmosphere

NEARBY ORLEANS ATTRACTIONS (Within 10 minutes)

Historic Sites:

French Cable Station Museum: Where such important messages were relayed as Charles Lindbergh's historic communications
Orleans Historical Society: Local history exhibits and programs
Meeting House Museum: Colonial-era religious and community history

Natural Areas:

Nauset Beach: Famous surfing beach and barrier island
Skaket Beach: Cape Cod Bay beach with beautiful sunsets
Paw Wah Point Conservation Area: Walking trails and water access

Dining & Shopping:

Orleans village center: Historic downtown with shops and restaurants
Waterfront dining: Several restaurants with harbor views
Local markets: Fresh seafood and Cape Cod specialties

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Perfect for Children:

Easy Access: Level park with safe pathways
Educational: Historic structure sparks curiosity about colonial life
Nature Learning: Tidal pools, birds, and marine ecosystem
Space to Play: Open park areas for running and exploration
Picnic Opportunities: Tables and scenic spots for family meals

Accessibility:

♿ Fully accessible park pathways
♿ Accessible parking close to windmill
👶 Stroller-friendly paths throughout park
🦮 Well-maintained surfaces for mobility assistance

SEASONAL EVENTS & COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Community Events: Town Cove Park regularly hosts Orleans community events, festivals, and celebrations that often feature the windmill as a centerpiece.

Educational Programs:

Orleans Historical Society programs
School group visits and educational tours
Photography workshops focusing on historic structures
Colonial history presentations

Volunteer Opportunities: The Orleans community actively maintains and preserves the windmill through volunteer programs and historical society initiatives.

LOCAL INSIDER TIPS

Best Visiting Strategy:

Combine windmill visit with Orleans village exploration
Check Orleans Historical Society website for special events
Visit during different tidal conditions for varying water views
If you are walking from your motel, it is a nice historical side trip

Hidden Gems:

Walk waterfront paths for multiple windmill viewing angles
Best wildlife viewing during early morning or late afternoon
Town Cove offers excellent sunset views with windmill silhouette
Harbor area provides insights into Orleans' ongoing maritime culture

Photography Secrets:

Use tidal waters as natural reflector for windmill images
Harbor boats add authentic Cape Cod context to photos
Different seasons provide dramatically different scenic contexts
Golden hour creates spectacular silhouettes against water

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Recommended Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour for windmill and park exploration

Perfect Combinations:

Historic Orleans: Jonathan Young Windmill → French Cable Station → Orleans village
Waterfront Day: Windmill visit → harbor walk → waterfront dining
Multi-Windmill Tour: Orleans windmill → Eastham Windmill (15 minutes) → other historic sites

CONTACT INFORMATION

Orleans Historical Society: admin@orleanshs.org · P.O. Box 353, 3 River Rd, Orleans, MA 02653
Orleans Town Office: (508) 240-3700
Park Information: Available through Orleans Parks & Recreation Department

Last Updated: [9/27/2025]
Report Changes: business@mustseein.com

Discover Orleans' maritime heritage at this beautifully situated historic windmill, where colonial history meets scenic waterfront beauty in one of Cape Cod's most charming park settings.