Motor Mill Historic Site

Motor Mill Historic Site Absolutely incredible, beautiful, and fascinating are only a few words our visitors have used to describe their visits to Motor Mill.
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Come see for yourself the historic beauty and craftsmanship that the Mill is known for. Guided tours of historic Motor Mill are offered each Saturday (May 28-Sept 3, Sept 17, Oct 1, and Oct 8) from noon-5pm. These guided tours include the 1860's Mill, four related outbuildings, and the Motor town site. Tours have no cost but free will donations are encouraged and appreciated to help with various r

estoration projects. Tours range in time depending on your touring interests and desires. Volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in becoming involved directly with the Mill. We also offer a periodic newsletter entitled Milling Around. To subscribe to Milling Around or to become a volunteer call 563-245-1516, email [email protected], or simply Facebook message.

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck…This little guy is cute, but he has sure been a troublemaker, gnawing on the wood ...
06/19/2026

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck…
This little guy is cute, but he has sure been a troublemaker, gnawing on the wood inside the mill.

This Baltimore Oriole was spotted at Motor Mill! The word “oriole” comes from the Latin word aureolus, which means “gold...
06/13/2026

This Baltimore Oriole was spotted at Motor Mill! The word “oriole” comes from the Latin word aureolus, which means “golden one.” A fitting name for such a strikingly colored bird!

Pileated Woodpecker fledgling at Motor today has been talking up a storm all day.
06/08/2026

Pileated Woodpecker fledgling at Motor today has been talking up a storm all day.

06/08/2026

Our Mill had 4 turbines instead of a water wheel, but this video from Benholm Mill, UK, shows how a flume directs water to power a mill and run the machinery inside. The biggest difference was that our flume would have brought the water inside our mill through our stone arches to direct it into the 4 turbines in the basement. Very interesting.

Congratulations to Chris Schoen for his award in Excellence in Archaeology and Historic Preservation!
06/05/2026

Congratulations to Chris Schoen for his award in Excellence in Archaeology and Historic Preservation!

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06/02/2026

A 1860s mill complex in Iowa that keeps surprising - a rebuilt iron bridge, stacked stone walls with moss, and friendly staff who know the stories.

The Clayton County Museum Crawl starts today! Come visit the Inn at Motor to pick up your Museum Crawl Passport to begin...
06/01/2026

The Clayton County Museum Crawl starts today! Come visit the Inn at Motor to pick up your Museum Crawl Passport to begin the adventure. The Motor Mill Inn Welcome Center is open 10-5 daily. Passports are also available at any of the participating locations.

The Inn Welcome Center is now open daily from 10-5.Mill tours are available on weekends from 12-5.If you would like to e...
05/29/2026

The Inn Welcome Center is now open daily from 10-5.
Mill tours are available on weekends from 12-5.
If you would like to explore the Mill outside of these hours, stop by the Inn any time it is open.

05/27/2026

Address

Elkader, IA
52043

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 12pm - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+15632451516

Website

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