Chatham’s Godfrey Windmill

If you’ve ever strolled through Chase Park in Chatham, chances are you’ve spotted the tall, shingled silhouette of the Godfrey Windmill. More than just a picturesque backdrop, this 18th‑century smock windmill tells the story of how early Cape Codders harnessed the wind to grind grain long before electricity arrived on the scene.

At a Glance

• What: An 18th-century smock wind-powered grist mill (built 1797 by Col. Benjamin Godfrey), fully restored and operational for demos.
• Where: Chase Park, 125 Shattuck Place, Chatham, MA (about ¼-mile from Main & Cross Streets).
• Why it matters: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Ref 78000421, listed Nov 30, 1978).
• Originally stood on Stage Harbor Road; donated to the Town and moved to Chase Park in 1955–56.
• Smock mill form (octagonal body, rotating cap/roof to face the wind).
• Restoration 2009–2012; rededicated May 19, 2012; now operational for occasional grinding demos.

A Windmill with a Story

The Godfrey Windmill was built in 1797 by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey. Originally located near Stage Harbor, the mill was moved to its present spot in Chase Park in 1955. It was constructed as a “smock mill,” a style known for its eight-sided body that tapers toward the top, capped with a rotating roof to catch prevailing winds. This design allowed early Chatham residents to grind their own corn and wheat, vital to daily life in a remote seaside community.

Step Back in Time at Chase Park

Today, the windmill sits proudly on a grassy hill in Chase Park, just a short walk from Chatham’s bustling Main Street. Surrounded by trees and walking paths, it’s a peaceful spot for a picnic or a pause. But step inside during the summer and you’ll be greeted by volunteer millers who bring the building to life with live grinding demonstrations and stories of how the mill worked in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Tours and Demonstrations:

• Open mid-June through early September

• Typically on select afternoons; guided tours show the mill’s wooden gears, grinding stones, and the techniques used by early Cape Cod millers.

A Living Piece of History

Restored in the 1950s and lovingly maintained ever since, the Godfrey Windmill is considered one of the best-preserved historic windmills on Cape Cod. Visitors can see how the massive wooden gears interlock, how grain was hoisted, and even how the sails were adjusted to keep up with changing winds.

The structure itself is a testament to hand craftsmanship, built with mortise-and-tenon joints and wooden pegs rather than modern nails. Every part of the mill had a purpose—from the rotating cap that aligns with the wind to the millstones that slowly turn grain into flour.

Events and Activities

In addition to summer tours, the park around the windmill often hosts:

• Art shows and craft fairs

• Concerts and festivals

• Community picnics and family photo shoots

It’s a favorite stop during the Fourth of July week and the town’s seasonal celebrations.

Why You Should Visit the Godfrey Windmill

1. History up close – See how early Chatham residents used wind power centuries before renewable energy was a buzzword.

2. Location – Just a short stroll from Main Street, it’s an easy addition to a day of shopping, dining, and beach-going.

3. Great for families – Kids love watching the giant sails turn and learning how the big gears grind grain.

4. Scenic views – The hilltop location makes a perfect photo opportunity.

Plan Your Visit

• Where: Chase Park, Shattuck Place, Chatham, MA

• When: Tours and grinding demos run in summer, usually mid-June through early September. Hours vary by day, so check with the Chatham Visitor Information Booth when you arrive.

• Admission: Free (donations appreciated)

• 2025 tours: Mon/Wed/Fri, June 30 – Aug 29, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed Fri, July 4. Open daily during Festival of the Arts (Aug 15–17, 11–3), including a Corn Grinding Day (weather/wind permitting). Free; donations appreciated.

• Tip: Tours can be canceled for rain or high humidity to protect the mill’s timbers. Check the day off at the park signboard or with volunteers.

Accessibility

• Grounds: The park paths around the windmill are generally level lawn/packed surfaces with short distances to parking and restrooms.

• Inside the mill: Expect stairs/ladder-style steps between levels typical of 18th-century mills; interior access may not accommodate wheelchairs or strollers. Volunteers on site can advise alternatives. (Based on the mill’s historic multi-level design and tours across floors.)

• Facilities: Comfort station in Chase Park; open seasonally.

Park Etiquette & Safety

• Follow Town Parks & Recreation rules (hours, permitted uses). No damage, littering, or unauthorized events; vehicles must obey posted parking limits. Dogs leashed and cleaned up (Town rules apply).

• Please don’t climb on the sails/structure and follow volunteer/miller instructions during demos (moving machinery). (Common-sense safety consistent with volunteer guidance.)

• Weather: High wind or rain may pause operations to protect the mechanism.

Getting There & Parking

• Address for GPS: 125 Shattuck Place, Chase Park (windmill is visible from the lot).

• Parking & amenities: On-site parking, picnic tables, and a seasonal comfort station (restrooms) in Chase Park.

• Walk from downtown: From Main & Cross St, follow Cross St → Shattuck Pl to the park entrance (same approach visitors use for the Chatham Labyrinth).

Nearby orientation: see our Downtown Chatham guide and Parks & Playgrounds pages for more ways to plan your stop.

Visiting the Godfrey Windmill is like stepping back 200 years. It’s a beautiful reminder of how Chatham’s early settlers adapted to life on the Cape, and it continues to inspire visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or simply curious, add a stop at the windmill to your Chatham itinerary; it’s a perfect mix of charm, craftsmanship, and Cape Cod breeze.