St. Croix 360

River stories to inspire stewardship.

  • Share News
  • Event Calendar
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Support

Six-Month Run Approved for Arcola Mills

The historic site will be open as a National Park Service visitor center between May and October this year.

By Greg Seitz | March 19, 2013 | 2 minute read

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Telegram
Arcola Mills main house, built in 1847

Arcola Mills main house, built in 1847

The steady progress of opening the Arcola Mills historic site to the public continues, with a significant leap in 2013. The May Township board recently approved a plan to open the river-side property between May and October this year.

The site was initially opened to the public for the month of October in 2011, and again for September and October 2012.

The Country Messenger reports that the six-month stint is seen as a final step toward possibly making the site open permanently:

In 2013, the Visitors Center will operate May 6 through October 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. It would be closed to the public Tuesdays and Wednesdays  — a change from previous years’ trials.

Park Ranger Jonathan Moore said the change from seven days to five was in response to visitor counts, which showed a decrease in visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

As in past years’ trials, the visitors center will be staffed by volunteers and one Park Ranger during hours of operation.

Continue reading…

The big concern continues to be traffic on Arcola Trail, which is narrow and gravel for most of its length, and used primarily by residents.

Arcola Mills’ entrance is located near the north end of the road, and visitors are encouraged to travel to the site via Highway 95 and the short stretch of the trail, rather than from the south, all the way up Arcola Trail.

The Park Service is going to ask the Minnesota Department of Transportation about the possibility of adding a sign on Highway 95 at the south end of Arcola Trail directing drivers to continue on the highway to the north entrance.

The site’s closest neighbor told the township board, as reported by the Messenger, “I think it’s an asset and I would strongly support the National Park Service being there. I think it’s a great way to educate people about the river and how to be good stewards of the community and to respect it.”

Arcola Mills features an 1847 mansion built by lumber-business brothers John and Martin Mower. At the time, it was the hub of small logging village at the site. The site today includes the house and other buildings, including the original lumber mill.

Related articles:

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Features

Two inches and 6,000 gallons: A swollen century on the St. Croix River

Cold comfort

New preserve will let students, community, and anglers experience the Kinnickinnic River

St. Croix 360 is now 100% supported by readers.

Click here to contribute →

 

Latest News

Progress reported on effort to establish National Heritage Area for St. Croix River region

Afton State Park Phenology Feb. 19 to March 4, 2021

Spring is coming: Officials provide first St. Croix River flood forecast of season

Tax dollars work for water: Legacy Amendment funds will help protect St. Croix River

Watch: A guy’s goats keep him company while he swims the icy St. Croix

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

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 past support 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 contribute 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.