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Bollinger Mill State Historic Site: A Glimpse into Missouri's Milling Past

Discover Missouri's milling heritage at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, featuring a beautifully preserved mill and historic covered bridge.

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Explore the historic Bollinger Mill and Burfordville Covered Bridge, a picturesque reminder of 19th-century life in Missouri. See how grain was ground into flour and meal, and stroll through the oldest covered bridge in the state.

A brief summary to Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Check the Missouri State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and special events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing some walking and climbing stairs if you take the full mill tour.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the shaded picnic area by the Whitewater River.
  • Be aware that the mill is not heated or cooled, so dress appropriately for the weather.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is located off of Highway 34 in Burfordville, Missouri. From Cape Girardeau, take Highway 34 West for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Bollinger Mill Road, and the site will be on your left. Parking is available on-site.

  • Walking

    If you are in Burfordville, the site is easily accessible by foot. From most points in the town, head towards the Whitewater River and the prominent mill and covered bridge. Follow the road to the entrance of the historic site.

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Discover more about Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site offers a captivating journey back to 19th-century Missouri, showcasing the vital role of water-powered mills in early American communities. The centerpiece is the four-story stone and brick gristmill, dating back to 1867, built on the foundation of earlier mills established by George Frederick Bollinger in the early 1800s. Adjacent to the mill stands the Burfordville Covered Bridge, completed in 1868 and one of only four remaining covered bridges in Missouri. Visitors can explore the mill's exhibits, which display the evolution of milling technology throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Milling demonstrations using the original equipment are performed when water levels permit. The first floor and basement are open for free self-guided tours, while guided tours of the entire building are available for a fee. The history of the site is rich and complex. George Frederick Bollinger, who received a Spanish land grant in the late 1790s, established the first mill in 1800. The mill was rebuilt with limestone in 1825, but was burned by Union troops during the Civil War to prevent supplies from reaching Confederate forces. Solomon R. Burford rebuilt the mill in 1867, adding the covered bridge to improve connections to the town. The mill operated commercially until around 1948 and was later donated to the state for preservation. Today, the site provides a glimpse into a bygone era, where the rushing Whitewater River powered the local economy and community life revolved around the mill. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in the shaded areas, exploring the stream bank, and visiting the historic cemetery.

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