Background

Mills Tower Historic District: A Railroading Relic

Explore Iowa's railroading past at the Mills Tower Historic District, featuring the state's only remaining interlocking tower.

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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 technology that controlled the region's rail traffic.

A brief summary to Mills Tower Historic District

Local tips

  • Contact the Iowa Falls Historical Society for tour information and to ensure the tower is open during your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the district involves some walking.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architecture and surrounding landscapes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're already in Iowa Falls' downtown area, walking to the Mills Tower Historic District is a good option. Head east on Rocksylvania Avenue for about a third of a mile. The walk from the center of Iowa Falls takes about 15 minutes. There are sidewalks along the route.

  • Ride-Sharing

    Ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Iowa Falls. Request a ride to the Mills Tower Historic District at East Rocksylvania Avenue, approximately 1/3 mile east of the old freight house. Fares vary, so check the app for current rates.

  • Driving

    If driving, head towards Iowa Falls, IA. From the center of Central Iowa, take US-20 E toward Iowa Falls. Continue on US-20 for approximately 30 miles. 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.

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 what was once the Illinois Central railroad yard. The district offers a glimpse into the history of Iowa's railroads, showcasing early 20th-century rail technology. The district is home to six structures, though only three are considered contributing and still stand. The primary feature, Mills Tower, is the only interlocking tower remaining in Iowa, of nearly seventy that once operated. Built around 1909, the two-story frame tower housed offices on the first floor and a control room on the second. The tower employed electrically-operated levers, a step up from the manually operated levers of earlier towers. These levers governed switches in the IC yard and the Rock Island crossing. Visitors can still see the original electric control board inside the tower. Outside, a large train order signal stands on the north side, along with a smaller metal pole used to deliver train orders to engineers. The district provides an immersive look into the operations of a vital railway junction.

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