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Pine Creek Grist Mill: A Step Back in Time

Discover Iowa's pioneering past at the Pine Creek Grist Mill, a beautifully preserved 19th-century treasure nestled in Wildcat Den State Park.

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Nestled in Wildcat Den State Park, the Pine Creek Grist Mill is a beautifully preserved 19th-century mill. Built in 1848, it offers a glimpse into Iowa's pioneering past, showcasing the intricate process of milling grains and the ingenuity of early settlers.

A brief summary to Pine Creek Grist Mill

  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the operating hours before visiting, as the mill is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • Explore the hiking trails in Wildcat Den State Park for scenic views and unique rock formations.
  • Visit the nearby Melpine Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse from the 1880s, for a glimpse into early education.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Iowa Highway 22, turn onto Wildcat Den Road. Follow Wildcat Den Road for approximately one mile until you reach the Pine Creek Grist Mill, located within Wildcat Den State Park. Parking is available near the mill. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    From within Wildcat Den State Park, follow the marked trails to the Pine Creek Grist Mill. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so choose a trail that suits your fitness level. The walk offers scenic views of the park's geological formations and natural beauty. No fees are required.

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Discover more about Pine Creek Grist Mill

The Pine Creek Grist Mill, located within Wildcat Den State Park near Muscatine, Iowa, stands as a testament to the state's rich agricultural history. Constructed in 1848 by Benjamin Nye, one of the first permanent settlers in the area, the mill served the growing needs of local families who required a way to grind their crops into flour and meal. It is considered the oldest working mill on its original site between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Nye's entrepreneurial spirit led him to build a sawmill and a gristmill, along with the county's first store and post office. The current mill was constructed using timber from his own mill, demonstrating the self-sufficiency of the era. The mill operated using water power and later incorporated a steam engine to ensure consistent operation. Over the years, the mill changed hands and underwent several upgrades, including the installation of roller mills. The Missel family, the last private owners, ran the mill until 1923. Today, the Pine Creek Grist Mill is a well-preserved example of a mid-19th-century grist mill. Visitors can explore the mill's inner workings, witness demonstrations of the milling process, and gain insight into the lives of early settlers. The surrounding Wildcat Den State Park offers scenic hiking trails, geological formations, and other historic sites, including the Melpine Schoolhouse and the Pine Mill Bridge. The Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill provide staffing and tours, ensuring the mill's history is shared with future generations.

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