Background

Mills Tower Historic District: A Railroad Relic

Discover Iowa's railroad history at Mills Tower Historic District, home to the state's last interlocking tower in Iowa Falls.

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The Mills Tower Historic District in Iowa Falls is a preserved piece of railroad history, featuring the last interlocking tower in Iowa. Explore the early 20th-century signal technology and the stories of the Illinois Central Railroad.

A brief summary to Mills Tower Historic District

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architecture and capture the best photographs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the district on foot.
  • Contact the Iowa Falls Historical Society for tour information.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're already in Iowa Falls, walking to the Mills Tower Historic District is a great option. From downtown, head east towards East Rocksylvania Avenue. The district is located about a 15-minute walk from the center of Iowa Falls, offering a pleasant way to see the town.

  • Car

    If driving, head towards Iowa Falls, IA 50126. From the center of Central Iowa, take US-20 E towards Iowa Falls. Take exit 155 for IA-65 S toward Iowa Falls. Merge onto IA-65 S and continue for about 3 miles. Turn left onto Washington Ave, then right onto 1st St. The Mills Tower Historic District will be on your right, with parking available nearby. Parking is available along the street. Parking violations may result in fines.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Mills Tower Historic District via public transport, find a local bus service that connects to a Greyhound or Amtrak station. Take a bus to Iowa Falls. From the Iowa Falls station, use a local taxi or rideshare service to reach the district. Uber is available in Iowa Falls.

Unlock the Best of Mills Tower Historic District

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Discover more about Mills Tower Historic District

The Mills Tower Historic District, located on the eastern edge of Iowa Falls, encompasses a significant piece of Iowa's railroad heritage. The district is home to six structures, though only three are considered contributing and still stand. The district's history dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, representing a crucial period in Iowa's railroad development. The Mills Tower itself is a prime example of the second-generation utilitarian support structures built by the Illinois Central Railroad (IC) between the 1880s and 1930s. Constructed around 1909, the tower replaced an earlier junction and employed electrically-operated levers, a significant upgrade from the manually operated systems of the time. It controlled switches in the IC yard and the Rock Island (BCRN) crossing. The tower is the only interlocking tower left in Iowa, of nearly seventy that once operated. The district also includes a signal maintainer's and supply house, built around 1912, which served as storage and office space for the switchtender. While other buildings in the district, such as the coal house, oil house, and tool house (circa 1945), and an outhouse (1976), are considered non-contributing. Visitors can explore the tower's original electric control board, a key feature that remains unaltered. A train order signal stands next to the building, offering a glimpse into the past practices of train communication.

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