bollinger mill state historic site

Bollinger Mill is so much more fun to visit during summer than fighting ice in the parking lot during the winter. This marked our second visit to the mill site this year. The first visit was late in the day on one of the coldest days in the Cape Girardeau area this year.The original mill was built by George Bollinger in this spot in 1800. The mill was situated along the Whitewater River in southeast Missouri. The current mill is the third version and is now a Missouri state historic site.The original mill was replaced with a second mill in 1825. The new mill was built using limestone. It operated until 1861, when it was destroyed by fire. It seemed the family (Bollinger died in 1842) supported the Confederates during the Civil War.Following the Civil War, the land was sold to Solomon Burford. The mill was rebuilt to its current status in 1867. It’s located on the original limestone foundation Bollinger used. Of course, it has gone through some renovations over the years.Burford owned the mill until 1897, when Cape County Milling Company took over operations. The company sold the mill to the Vandivort family in 1953. The family were relatives of Frederick Bollinger. In 1961, it was donated to the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society. The state took over later in the 1960s.Bollinger Mill was used to mill grain. The operation used various styles of mills to refine the grain. Guided tours of the four-story building are offered for a small fee by state parks employees.The tour is worth it. We learned about the process of milling grain – from uploading the grain to the top floor for the initial mill process to the actual grain refining. Depending of the needed coarseness of the grain, millers would use different pieces of equipment.Rolling mills eventually were used to process the grain, which reduced the need for so many employees. The tour displays the various styles of roller mills.The fourth floor also has dust collectors on display. These tools were necessary as the milling process kicked up a lot of dust.Outside the mill is the state’s oldest remaining covered bridge. The Burfordville Covered Bridge was likely completed after the Civil War, according to available information. The bridge was located on a road that connected Burfordville to Jackson (MO) and Cape Girardeau.The route was a toll road until 1906. Farmers grew tired of waiting for the state to lift the toll charges, so they apparently tore down the gates and used the road for free.The bridge has been renovated through the years to ensure safety and aesthetic beauty. The Bollinger Mill and covered bridge area is well worth the 30-minute drive from Cape Girardeau. It is a beautiful area, and has a park for picnicking nearby.

We traveled to see the mill and covered bridge the last weekend of December. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy and rainy all weekend. The mill was cold but dry. Quite interesting to see how a mill operated in the 1800's. The covered bridge was also cold but dry. The bridge is well preserved and maintained.

My husband and I visited this site on Monday afternoon. We paid extra for the full tour and were glad that we did. The covered bridge nearby was also very interesting.

We stopped at the state historic site on our way back home from Tennessee. Well worth the stop. After spending the night in Cape Girardeau, We headed to the park on a Sunday morning,unfortunately, the mill was not open till noon and then only the first floor. The ground were will maintained and the bridge was in very good shape. Kudos to MO Parks staff.

A fantastic historical site! The mill has some wonderful history - pre and post civil war. There are even original "graffiti" markings on the walls. Our guide Holly was great! The facility is free but the tour of the top floors costs $5.00 but was worth it! The covered bridge is the oldest one left in the state. It is only a pedestrian bridge now but lovely to visit. The park is very well maintained and would especially be a great place to go in the Spring or Fall. Please note - the facility is not handicap accessible. You will have to climb stairs to get to the upper levels. It is a great place! Definitely put it on your list of places to visit while in the area.

Bollinger Mill and covered bridge are a must see. The history in both structures takes you back in time. The park adjacent is well kept and has the history of both are detailed on billboards. This covered bridge is the oldest in Missouri and the only one of its kind left in the state. Easy to find, just outside of Cape Girardeau, MO.

We visited Bollinger Mill and Burfordville Covered Bridge with Friends, and loved it. We all took the Mill tour, went up 5 stories, and saw all of the original equipment used to mill flour, cornmeal, etc, then walked through the Covered Bridge and back. Lots of history in one stop.

This is a location in Southeast Missouri that everyone should make the drive to see. Coming to visit here is like taking a step back in time. It looks like everything is just as it would have been during the days when a mill like this was in use. This place is a bit out of the way, but the drive there is scenic and the end result is more than worth the trek. I would recommend this trip for anyone who has an interest in history, agriculture, architecture, or just a fun road trip. You should definitely mark this trip down on your "To Go To" list.

I grew up in Southeast Missouri & yet I had never been to Bollinger Mill. I understand this is the only location in the United States that has a grist mill & a covered bridge right next to each other, so there's that. As a photographer I was really excited when I saw this. You can cross the covered bridge & get a shot on the other side of the bridge, the grist mill & the river. It's just a really special place & well worth a little drive off the beaten path. Coming through on I-55 through Cape Girardeau, MO, it is just a short 20 minute drive & you are there. The staff was friendly & helpful & you can visit the whole site, including the Mill House at no charge. Because a big rain storm blew up whilst we were there, we didn't get to go exploring, but I still give the site a big THUMBS UP.

We love this spot, and always visit on our annual trip to Missouri. It is so peaceful here. Entering the beautifully preserved old mill is walking into another era. You may be greeted by Milly the cat as you explore. Tall trees shade the grassy picnic spot outside. Next door is a covered bridge you may walk across, and beyond an old white house now a friendly antique shop. Bring your camera!

great historic site. has the old mill house and a covered bridge sitting on the same site. toured the old mill house, lots of old pictures and things to look at. love the covered bridge

Has an original Grist Mill and you can take a free tour. Also there is a Covered Bridge built in 1860. Picnic area well kept.

The museum inside the historica ol mill is a learning lesson.There is one of few remaining covered bridges next to the mill over the Whitewater River. Beautiful site. Very nice park for a family picnic.

A great place to go with your kids to show them how life was in the 'good old days'. They had many displays set up to view with old equipment, etc. The mill setting is very pretty with lots of places to take some great outdoor pictures.

Great piece of history. Take a short side trip to enjoy the scenery and quietness.