Discover Milheeze through several historical layers: the Maria Chapel dates back to 1938, the Sint Willibrordus Church combines a 19th-century building with older parts, and the archaeological traces at Oude Bakelsdijk go back even further. There is also a cycling route that starts at the church. The natural highlight is the Stippelberg in the Peel, with its trails, streams and varied landscapes.

Building history and traces at Oude Bakelsdijk

The Maria Chapel was built in 1938 to mark the priestly jubilee of J. Simonis. Its style belongs to the Delft School; in cultural and historical terms, it is considered an expression of Catholic devotional culture. The chapel therefore offers a distinct focus for understanding Milheeze’s buildings: its occasion, date of construction and architecture are closely connected.

The Sint Willibrordus Church was built in 1844/45 on the foundations of the Antonius Chapel, with some of the walls reused. The church also has a 15th-century west tower. Its original Smits organ dates from 1856. Several historical periods thus converge in one building: the older chapel, the 19th-century church and the even earlier tower.

Another dated chapter is the history of the Laurentia Mill. Following a restoration, it was officially reopened on 10 September 2022. This date is part of the mill’s history; it refers to its reopening at that time.

Oude Bakelsdijk also connects local and regional history. This centuries-old thoroughfare runs through the Peel between Milheeze and De Rips. There are traces of Stone Age settlements along the road near Milheeze. A burial mound from the Late Bronze Age or Iron Age may also be located there. This brings together confirmed settlement traces and the explicitly tentative interpretation of the burial mound.

Stippelberg and routes

Stippelberg is a 1,000-hectare nature area in the Peel; Natuurpoort Nederheide is located in the middle of it. Around the Natuurpoort, extensive forests, ponds, drifting sands, heathland and grand avenues shape the landscape. This offers a natural focus distinct from Milheeze’s historic buildings.

The Esperloop, Snelle Loop and Peelse Loop streams flow through the Stippelberg area. Relatively rare streamside plants grow along the banks of the Esperloop, including marsh marigolds and black sedge. With a little luck, you may also spot a common goldenring dragonfly by the water. The plants are found along the banks; the dragonfly is a possible sighting, not something you can count on.

Natuurpoort Nederheide serves as a starting point, rest stop and endpoint for walks or cycling trips through the Stippelberg. These trips pass streams and the nearby Bakelse Plassen lakes. Its different roles as a start, stop and destination make the Natuurpoort a reference point for various stages of a journey, without specifying a particular trip duration.

There are several ways to choose a route in and from Milheeze. The “De parels van de Peel” cycling route starts at the Sint Willibrordus Church. It follows a quiet, green cycle path along Leemskuilendijk and past various farms. A green walking route in Milheeze consists of 80 percent unpaved paths. For the walk, the path surface is a specific feature; for the cycling route, it is the stretch along Leemskuilendijk and the farms along the way.

Discover more destinations: Handel, De Mortel, De Rips, Gemert, Elsendorp, Bakel.

Return to the regional travel overview: Gemert-Bakel.