Potter's Mill

Potter's Mill is a limestone and timber structure along Big Mill Creek, built to harness water power for grain processing. The building contains original equipment and mechanisms that show how the milling operation worked.

Construction began in 1843 under Elbridge Gerry Potter and John Gammel as the first gristmill in Iowa. The building was later modified with a steam engine after it survived a major flood in 1896.

The mill served as the center of grain processing for the region and reflects local agricultural traditions. Visitors can still see how this facility shaped the area's economic development.

The site is accessible year-round and allows visitors to walk through the grounds on their own. The location now functions as a bed and breakfast with an on-site restaurant for dining.

The mill was built with a limestone foundation, an unusual material choice for mills of that era which typically used wood or brick. This solid construction helped it survive natural disasters and remain standing today.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 42.25083,-90.42667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44