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Missouri
60

Missouri State Parks

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USA Parks
Missouri
Southeast Region
Alley Spring and Mill
Campsite Availability
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Alley Spring and Mill Alley Spring and Mill in the Fall © John Braddy
Photo was taken on Nov 7th, 2017, just past peak Fall color season
Alley Spring and Mill Alley Spring Mill © Greg Matchick
Old red mill at Alley Spring State Park which once harnassed the power of the spring.
Alley Spring and Mill Rocky Falls © Paul Frame
Rocky Falls near Alley Springs State Park
Alley Spring and Mill © Paul Frame
Alley Spring and Mill © Paul Frame
Alley Spring and Mill Jacks Fork River © Paul Frame
Bluffs on the Jacks Fork River near Alley Springs Park.
Alley Spring and Mill Alley Springs Mill © Paul Frame
PIC of spring and mill.
Alley Spring and Mill Alley Spring and Mill © John Braddy
Alley Spring and Mill with out the crowds. Taken Nov 7, 2017 just after the peak Fall color season.
Alley Spring and Mill Alley Springs © Paul Frame
This is a PIC of the spring at the mill.
Alley Spring and Mill © Paul Frame
Alley Spring and Mill Alley Spring © John Braddy
Photo of spring taken 11/07/2017. The lighter blue color is directly above the cone of the spring.
Alley Spring and Mill School House © Ken Robinson
Taken July 18th, 2007
Alley Spring and Mill © Lori ODell
Alley Spring and Mill © Lori ODell
Alley Spring and Mill Alley Spring Spillway © Greg Matchick
Morning mist rises from the spring behing the spillway at Alley Spring State Park
Alley Spring and Mill © Lori ODell
Alley Spring and Mill Life from the Spring © Ken Robinson
Taken July 17th, 2007
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ALLEY SPRING AND MILL
ALLEY SPRING AND MILL
Eminence, Missouri   65466
(lat:37.1545 lon:-91.4415) map location

Phone: 573-323-4236
Alley was home, farm, and school for people who lived here a century ago. Dances, baseball games, and roller skating were all part of Alleys busier days. John Knotts purchased the 80 acre site in 1902 and diversified the enterprises to include a well-stocked store and blacksmith shop.

A mill was vital to community life, where grain was ground to provide the daily bread. The present building was constructed during 1893-1894 by George Washington McCaskill as a merchant mill. It was larger than most mills in the Jacks Fork area and replaced an earlier mill on this same site that was built by 1868. Originally unpainted, it was first painted white with green trim, then later the famous red color associated with Alley Mill today.
Other Park Areas
Nature of the Area
The Back Porch
Located under the back porch is the turbine pit. In it sat a thirty five inch Leffel turbine. Belts from the turbine brought power into the basement. A control wheel on the porch allowed the miller to control how much water entered the turbine and thereby control its speed. This ability to control the speed was one of the innovations that made turbines preferable to the old water wheels.

Basement
This is where all power was transmitted to the machinery. Elevators and belts operated from a driveshaft running the length of the building. This section of the mill is not open for public visits.

First Floor
Whole grain corn or wheat entered the mill here. The grain was put into bins, then elevated to chutes that were connected to milling machines. These are the large iron and wood machines near the back of the room. Here the grain was ground, picked up in another elevator, taken back up and dropped down into the next machine. This process allowed the grain to be ground repeatedly to a fine flour suitable for baking. Bins for storage were also located on this floor, as well as the miller's office.

Second Floor
Sifting was the main activity here. The large cube shaped machine was called a swing sifter. It shook the ground grain through a series of sieves to achieve a uniform consistency. The rectangular machines were an earlier way to do the same thing. In these machines, flour was filtered or sifted through silk.

The Attic
Belts that operated the second floor machines were located here. The attic is not restored and is not open for public visits. Alley Mill is an example of over 100 historic structures found within Ozark National Riverways. By protecting this landmark, we are preserving the heritage of all Americans. Please help by respecting all historic and archeological artifacts in the park. It is illegal to remove artifacts, including arrowheads, from Park Service or other Federal lands. It is also disrespectful to the memories of those who went before us. Please leave them for the next person to enjoy.
Boating
In Missouri, visitors can enjoy a variety of boating options at this popular tourist destination. Canoeing and kayaking are among the most common activities here due to its location near Jacks Fork River. The river's calm waters make it suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Additionally, there is also an option for float trips that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape while leisurely floating downriver on rafts or tubes.
Fishing
In this Missouri location, anglers can enjoy river and spring fishing. Species include smallmouth bass, goggle-eye rock bass, and rainbow trout.

The Jacks Fork River offers excellent opportunities for fly-fishing enthusiasts seeking to catch brown or rainbow trout.

Families with children might prefer the easier access of smaller creeks where bluegill are abundant.

For those interested in night fishing under a starlit sky, catfish provide an exciting challenge in these waters.

Remember that some areas require special permits; always check local regulations before casting your line.



Picnicking
Alley Spring and Mill offers scenic picnic spots by the spring, historic mill or along Jacks Fork River.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can explore the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, offering numerous trails of varying difficulty levels. Be aware that some paths are rugged.

The park's terrain is diverse and challenging with steep inclines, rocky surfaces and narrow passages. Safety gear is a must-have.

For those seeking less strenuous routes, opt for paved roads within the park boundaries which offer scenic views as well.

Mountain biking on designated horseback riding trails provides an adventurous option but requires careful navigation to avoid collisions or accidents.

Remember: cycling isn't allowed in wilderness areas nor hiking-only tracks; always respect trail designations to ensure everyone's safety & enjoyment.

Check local weather conditions before setting out - sudden changes could make certain pathways treacherous especially during wet seasons.

Lastly, cyclists should be mindful of wildlife encounters while exploring these natural landscapes - maintain safe distances at all times!

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 11 Handicap parking by Donna_W
park review stars; one to five We recently visited the park and had a wonderful time. It is breathtaking We are returning in a couple of weeks with friends who are unable to walk the distance from the main parking lot to the spring. Is there parking on the second, more northern, road into the park and is there a sidewalk from there to the spring
April 5 Great park by Joseph_L_S
park review stars; one to five Alley spring is a great historic site. Ive been here numerous times. My wife and I visited the mill on 4/3/21. The bridge going from the handicapped parking lot, to the mill needs a board replaced. Its the board nearest the parking lot. Its decayed. My wife stubbed her toe on the rotted board, and fell. We just want to make sure that other guests dont make the same mistake. Thanks again for maintaining our state treasures
August 3 week at alley springs
park review stars; one to five I just want to thank all the people and the rangers at alley springs the week of 7/59 thru 7/30. My brother got sick and everyone came to help. Thanks for all you did.
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Missouri
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Missouri State Parks

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