Originally, the Vogelhoeksmolen - a small octagonal polder mill - was located north of Hemelum in the province of Friesland. The mill must have been built between 1855 and 1873. Until around 1947 the polder Vogelhoek, an area of approx. 50 ha, was drained by the mill. After it was out of operation, the mill fell into heavy decay and was finally demolished in 1970. The parts were transported to Adorp, where they were restored and stored in a mill maker's workshop. In 1984 - 20 years after the owner donated the mill to the museum - it was relocated in the Zuiderzeemuseum in Enkhuizen.

The Vogelhoeksmolen is used for flushing the water on the museum grounds. The water needed for this will be drawn from the IJsselmeer. The windmill is equipped with a wooden mortar.

In the year 2000 the wooden shaft broke and the sails came down. The wooden shaft has been replaced by a cast iron one. Since then, the Vogelhoeksmolen has been in frequent use.