More than 150 years ago Little Chute was settled by Dutch Catholics. The early settlers called the site" La Petite Chute" meaning little falls. The Dutch Catholic population across America is estimated to be 25,000 according to the Catholic Encyclopedia. The Fox Valley remains the center of that colonization, and nearly 1/3 of Little Chute Residents claim Dutch Ancestry.

The village's grandest tribute to their heritage is currently in the works - a full-size windmill planned for construction downtown within the next couple of years. The project will ensure that the village remains a draw for shoppers in the region. The Windmill figure is the village's official sign. After more than 10 years in the planning, the windmill is finally becoming a reality; spearheaded by the late Gerard Van Hoof who helped establish a company for the group and set up the necessary real estate transactions. The windmill will be located on 3 lots on W. Main and Monroe. The group has contracted with Verbij Hoogmade B.V. in the Netherlands to build the 1.2 million structure. The base of the structure will stand about two stories tall. The rest of the wooden windmill, including the 40-foot sails, will be constructed in Holland, then shipped here along with a crew to assemble it. Initial construction is expected to begin within the next year and taking about 18 months to complete. The fully operational windmill will be the only one of its kind in the state. While windmills can serve various functions, from sawmills to water pumps, this one will grind grain to reflect the areas history.