Exploring historic mills is like stepping back in time to witness the beauty of American craftsmanship. The intricate history, the fascinating science behind the machinery, and the idyllic settings make them charming destinations for travelers seeking a glimpse into the past. Here are some of our favorite mill stops in the heart of America:
Old Mill, Little Rock, Arkansas
The Old Mill in Little Rock, Arkansas, is famous as one of the last remaining places shown in the classic film, Gone With the Wind. This mill is a historic recreation of a 19th-century grist mill. The entire park is postcard-worthy. Guided tours are available with reservations, but regular visits to the park are free and open to the public from 8 am - sunset.
Old Mill Location: The Old Mill is in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park at 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Vermeer Mill: Pella, Iowa's Tallest Windmill
Pella, Iowa, is famous for its windows, its Dutch heritage, and being home to one of the tallest working windmills in North America. Vermeer Mill is a 5-story working grain mill. Visitors may tour the mill and watch as grain is turned to flour, and may even purchase a bag as a souvenir. This is just one of the Dutch attractions in the quaint town which is also home a historic Dutch village, bakeries, meat shops, boutiques, and theater. Pella is also host to two famous festivals: Kerstmarkt at Christmastime and Tulip Time in May. Learn more about Pella and our tips for touring the town here.
Vermeer Mill Location: 714 E 1st St, Pella, Iowa.
Hodgson Mill in Ozark County, Missouri
We love exploring Missouri's State Parks and hidden gems. The historic mills of Missouri are a favorite fall adventure for our family with the most popular insta-worthy mill being Hodgson Mill. The mill can be found 17 miles northeast of Gainesville on Hwy. 181 in Dora, Missouri. The mill was built by Alva Hodgson in 1894, replacing the original mill on Bryant Creek that had burned down. The mill operated until 1977, it was powered by spring-fed water that, according to park signage produced 28,900,000 gallons of water a day and remained 58 degrees year-round. The site operated a cotton gin, sawmill, and factory. No longer in operation, the historic site is well maintained and remains one of the prettiest sites in the Ozarks for a photograph.
Hodgson Mill Location: 5 Merrimack St, Dora, Missouri (17 miles northeast of Gainesville on Hwy. 181).
The Old Mill Restaurant of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are favorite tourist cities. Beloved as one of the most scenic entrances to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and home to many family-friendly attractions. Gatlinburg is also famous for Tennessee's home cookin' and you can enjoy the best cobblers, chicken, dumplings, and Southern sides at the Old Mill Restaurant.
Old Mill Restaurant Location: 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
War Eagle Mill, Rogers, Arkansas
War Eagle Mill in Rogers, Arkansas, is a favorite stop for tourists. Visitors are invited to tour the mill and learn how it still operates today grinding organic grains into flour and cornmeal. Demonstrations are offered at 11 am and 1 pm daily. The mill is also home to a gift shop and restaurant.
War Eagle Mill Location: 11045 War Eagle Rd, Rogers, Arkansas
Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Lodge in Rockbridge, Missouri
Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Lodge is a favorite for flyfishing and glamping in their comfortable cabins. The site is also home to the Rockbridge Grist Mill Club, where guests may dine in an old pub set in the 1800s grist mill. The menu features appetizers and drinks. The mill is located riverside overlooking a scenic waterfall.
Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Lodge Location: 4297 Co Rd 142, Rockbridge, Missouri.
Book your stay at Rockbridge Trout & Game Lodge.
Mill City Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis' economic history is built around flour milling. Mill City Museum is an interactive museum in Minneapolis that tells the story of mills in Minnesota. Visitors learn about the life of mill workers, and the progression of technology over the years, and have a chance to experiment in the baking lab. This is an educational destination worth a visit.
Mill City Museum Location: 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Alley Spring Mill, Eminence, Missouri
Alley Spring Mill, is a National Historic Site and part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This historic red mill is one of the prettiest sites in the Ozarks in the fall. Visits to the mill are free and you may take a self-guided tour to learn how the mill was used to grind wheat to flour. There are hiking trails around the mill and an overlook. This is a favorite place for fall photos. Learn more about Alley Mill and attractions in Eminence, Missouri, including wild horses, here.
Alley Spring Mill Location: 12185 Alley Hollow Road. Eminence, Missouri
Bonus Mills for your Road Trip:
Zanoni Mill in Missouri is no longer operational, but it is another stop in the Ozarks. Location: 9331 State Highway 181, Zanoni, Missouri
Dillard Mill State Historic Site, Missouri offers tours of the grist mill on the Huzzah River. Location: 142 Dillard Mill Road. Davisville, Missouri
Have you visited a scenic old mill on your American road trips? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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