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Alley Springs

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pbpd81
pbpd81
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4 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

Alley Spring and Mill

  • October 2, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Jose Kevo from Middle-of-Nowhere, Missouri
Alley Spring and Mill

Gracing travel brochures for as long as I can remember, historic Alley Spring and Mill is one of Missouri's most photographed treasures. Archaeologist proof has determined this area was attracting visitors 10,000 years ago. Today's significance stems from the mid-1800s community which settled in the river valley.

The walking tour begins at a cluster of information and photo displays. Split-rail fences hem a central lawn which contains the restored school and blacksmith shop, playing second fiddle to the main attractions.

Crossing over a small bridge, the stately mill is concealed by shade trees but there's no mistaking presence. Gentle roars stirred the breeze from Alley Spring, which gushes more than 81-million gallons of water daily. Natural power was first harnessed for grinding grain in 1868. The present structure was completed in 1894.
The mill is no longer used for production, but is still in working order.

Demonstrations are given at 10am and 2pm during summer. Otherwise, visitors can inspect machinery throughout the second floor museum, which also includes historic artifacts from the region. The Missouri Department of Conservation operates an impressive gift shop on the first floor. But for all that waits in the darkened, stuffy interior, the natural surroundings are guaranteed to imprint the best memories.

A back porch looks directly into the turbine pit where waters were channeled for powering the mill. Colorful perspectives can be gained from different vantage points, but no one should miss walking around Alley Spring.

There are two trail options. A 1.8-mile uphill trek circles the upper realm with overviews of the spring and mill. An easier route loops around the spring at ground-level. Close-up encounters with the vivid waters and life sources they nurture were highlights of the visit.

-- The Alley Mill and Spring is located on Highway 106, 3-miles west of Eminence. It's open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm during summer, and on weekends in spring and fall. The complex also includes a NPS-Campground and picnic areas.

--In addition to mill exhibits, other programs enjoyable for all ages include the old schoolhouse, which has class in session with math and spelling bees, and century-old recess games at 10:45am and 2:45pm. How settlers cultivated crops is discussed in the scarecrow corn patch at 1pm, weather permitting.

From journal Current Affairs

Alley Springs

  • August 27, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by pbpd81 from Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Alley Springs

Alley Springs offers a 100-year-old grist mill on the beautiful crystal clear mill pond. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the mill is open from 9am to 4pm for tours at no charge. The tour is not guided but the clerk was very knowledgeable about the workings of the mill and was more than happy to answer any questions. The mill is no longer in working order but restoration efforts are in the workings. The day we were there a large group of young children were visiting and the park representative was showing them how to play some old fashion home made games. There is also an old one-room schoolhouse next to the mill. It is normally only open Friday and Saturday in the afternoons. It still contained the desk students used, and that day there was an exhibit outside of homemade toys.

From journal Visiting the Heart of the Ozarks

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