At the Judah Baker Windmill, there are stairs down to Windmill Beach, a small sandy beach, only visible at low tide.
1 / 10

Judah Baker Windmill Nantucket

4.5
·41 reviews·Yarmouth, United States

Historic 1791 windmill offering seasonal tours, set beside a tranquil beach on Nantucket's Bass River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons, June-August

Windmill tours are available

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
At the Judah Baker Windmill, there are stairs down to Windmill Beach, a small sandy beach, only visible at low tide.

Judah Baker Windmill Nantucket

Best Time

Afternoons, June-August

Windmill tours are available

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1791 windmill offering seasonal tours, set beside a tranquil beach on Nantucket's Bass River.

4.5
(41 reviews)

"Great windmill with an informative and kind tour guide. Highly recommend!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

The small parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to snag a spot.

📅 Check Tour Schedule

Windmill tours are seasonal and only in the afternoons. Confirm dates and times before your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Judah Baker Windmill Tour

Judah Baker Windmill Tour

Bass River

Step back in time with an informative tour of this historic 1791 windmill. Learn its secrets from kind, knowledgeable guides.

Reddit
Bass River Beach

Bass River Beach

Adjacent to the windmill

Enjoy the serene beauty of this small beach, perfect for a peaceful stroll or simply soaking in the coastal atmosphere.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Seasonal Tours & Parking

The Judah Baker Windmill offers tours seasonally, typically in the afternoons after June 2nd. Parking is limited to about 6 cars, so arrive early or be prepared for a short walk. Reddit

Beach Access & Views

While the windmill itself has seasonal access, the surrounding beach is accessible year-round and offers beautiful views of the Bass River. It's a peaceful spot to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons, June-August
Why
Windmill tours are available
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the limited parking rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

The small parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to snag a spot. Reddit+1

📅 Check Tour Schedule

Windmill tours are seasonal and only in the afternoons. Confirm dates and times before your visit. Reddit

📸 Scenic Photo Ops

Even when closed, the windmill and beach offer picturesque views for photos. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Short Walk to Beach

If parking is full, the beach is still accessible with a short, pleasant walk. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

The small parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to snag a spot. Reddit+1

📅 Check Tour Schedule

Windmill tours are seasonal and only in the afternoons. Confirm dates and times before your visit. Reddit

📸 Scenic Photo Ops

Even when closed, the windmill and beach offer picturesque views for photos. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Short Walk to Beach

If parking is full, the beach is still accessible with a short, pleasant walk. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(41 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Judah Baker Windmill to be a charming historical site with a lovely adjacent beach. While tours are seasonal and parking is very limited, the informative guides and peaceful atmosphere are highly praised. It's a worthwhile stop for a glimpse into Nantucket's past and a moment of coastal tranquility.

"The Windmill wasn't open the day we when. There was a few parking spots in front. Fortunite to get the last spot. A couple was sitting enjoying the views.
I will be back after June 2 to take the tour of the Windmill."

Kristina “Chicklassique” Mateo

"This is a lovely windmill, est. in 1791. There is a small parking area. The windmill was closed at the time so we took a few photos and were on our way."

Carol Ann Jason

"Historic windmill by small beach on the Bass River. Windmill has tours seasonally in the afternoon. Small parking area for maybe 6 cars,but parking is free."

Laura C

What People Like

Informative tours
Historic windmill
Peaceful beach

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Seasonal access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The windmill is located on the Bass River. Driving is the most common way, but be aware of the very limited parking. Public transport options might be available depending on the season, so check local Nantucket transit schedules. Reddit

Yes, there's a small parking area that can accommodate about 6 cars. It's free, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak season. Reddit+1

Biking is a great option on Nantucket! It allows you to easily navigate to the windmill and find parking if the car lot is full. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tours are seasonal and typically offered in the afternoons after June 2nd. It's best to check the official schedule or local listings for exact dates and times. Reddit

While advance booking isn't always required, it's wise to check if reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist season. Reddit

Admission fees can vary. Inquire locally or check official sources for the most current pricing information for the windmill tours. Reddit

Yes, the grounds and the adjacent beach are generally accessible even when the windmill is closed for tours, offering lovely views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the windmill and the surrounding coastal scenery. Reddit

Absolutely! The windmill itself is iconic, and the nearby Bass River beach provides a picturesque backdrop with water and sky. Reddit+1

Photography policies inside the windmill may vary. It's best to ask your tour guide if photos are permitted during the tour. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the Judah Baker Windmill can enjoy a dual experience of history and nature. While tours are seasonal, the beach access provides a great spot for kids to play and explore. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views of the Bass River. Reddit

Be mindful of the limited parking, so consider visiting during off-peak hours or opting for bikes. The informative tours, when available, can be engaging for older children interested in history and how things work. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Judah Baker Windmill offers a picturesque subject for photographers, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The contrast between the historic structure and the natural beauty of the Bass River creates compelling compositions. Reddit

Even when the windmill is closed, the surrounding landscape provides ample opportunities for capturing the essence of Nantucket's coastal charm. The small beach offers a serene foreground for shots of the windmill or the river. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Judah Baker Windmill stands as a testament to Nantucket's rich agricultural past, originally built in 1791. Windmills were crucial for grinding grain, a vital industry for the island's self-sufficiency. Visiting this well-preserved structure offers a tangible connection to the lives and livelihoods of early Nantucket residents. The tours provide fascinating insights into the mechanics of the windmill and its historical significance. Reddit

Experiencing the interior, even for a short while, allows visitors to appreciate the engineering prowess of the time. The guides often share personal anecdotes and historical context that bring the windmill to life, making it more than just a historical monument but a story of innovation and community. Reddit

The Charm of Bass River Beach

Adjacent to the historic windmill lies a small, charming beach on the Bass River. This area offers a more tranquil coastal experience compared to some of Nantucket's more bustling ocean-facing beaches. It's an ideal spot for a quiet walk, enjoying the gentle lapping of the river water, and taking in scenic views. Reddit+1

While the beach is a lovely destination on its own, its proximity to the windmill makes it a perfect complement to a visit. Visitors can combine a historical exploration with a moment of seaside relaxation. The friendly atmosphere mentioned by visitors adds to the overall pleasant experience of this location. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2