St. Croix 360

River news, inspiration, and stewardship

  • Share News
  • Events Calendar
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Donate

Riverway visitor center at Arcola Mills rejected — for now

May Township has rejected a proposal to allow the historic site north of Stillwater to be operated by the National Park Service.

By Greg Seitz | July 9, 2012 | 1 minute read

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
The main house, built in 1847.

The main house at Arcola Mills, built in 1847.

Historic Arcola Mills will not be opened to the public as a St. Croix National Scenic Riverway visitor center, yet. A proposal was voted down this week because of parking and traffic issues. According to the Star Tribune, all parties involved are committed to making the idea a reality soon.

The National Park Service (NPS) won’t be opening a visitor center on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River this summer because of concerns over traffic and parking.

The agency’s proposal to establish a presence at Arcola Mills, a historic site north of Stillwater, was denied Thursday by the May Township board. The decision overturned a planning commission recommendation that the town allow a trial period to gauge traffic and other concerns.

“I’m not terribly discouraged by the denial,” said Ray Marshall, who chairs the foundation that oversees 55 acres, including an eight-bedroom Greek Revival house. “I believe that everybody on the township supports the idea of Arcola and the NPS going forward together.”

The township board invited NPS and Arcola to make a new presentation in August, he said. Neighbors who spoke at town meetings supported the idea, “but they think it has to be done in a way to minimize problems that are going to result,” Marshall said.

Continue reading…

The site was opened to the public for the month of October last year as an experiment. The trial was a big success, with people visiting from throughout the region to tour the 55-acre grounds and enjoy beautiful fall colors.

Related articles:

Comments

  1. Diane says

    July 10, 2012 at 12:17 am

    what is there to say but “yeah” or ‘boo’?.

    Reply

Comment Cancel reply

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Features

Farmer and conservation group work together to protect St. Croix River bluff

Watch an ice fisherman catch a 120-pound sturgeon on the St. Croix

Registration open for annual six-day paddle down the Namekagon River

Latest News

Swans Chillin’: White on White

Stillwater farmers find balance between growing food and St. Croix stewardship

Teachers on the River workshops scheduled this summer

Hudson firefighters rescue man from truck sinking through ice

“Wildly Successful Farming” benefits people, wildlife, lakes, and rivers

Supported By:

St. Croix 360 Seeks Sponsors

Support St. Croix River news and connect with 10,000 passionate river fans each month.

More information »

About

St. Croix 360 builds support for river stewardship, and connects people and organizations. It is an independent news source produced by Greg Seitz, with support in part from the St. Croix River Association.

Donate to St. Croix 360 today »

Story of 360

One of the biggest challenges facing the St. Croix River is harmful blooms of algae in in the lower river, due to excess nutrients in runoff. The goal is to restore the river by reducing phosphorus levels to 360 tons/year. Learn more »

Share Your News

St. Croix 360 is powered by a broad community of St. Croix River-loving people. Please visit our submission page to send tips, press releases, and other news.

Submit an Event

Lower St. Croix: St. Croix 360 partners with online calendar St. Croix Splash.

  • Submit your events to Splash.
  • Share it with St. Croix 360 for promotion.

For events elsewhere in the watershed, contact St. Croix 360 directly.

St. Croix 360 Syndication

To help increase awareness of the St. Croix River, news organizations and other outlets are free to share St. Croix 360 content, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Republish St. Croix 360 stories »

Partners

  • St. Croix River Association
  • St. Croix Watershed Research Station
  • ArtReach St. Croix
  • You and all St. Croix 360's readers!
Handcrafted in May Township, Minnesota. Please donate today »
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.