If you're a history, architecture or engineer buff, you'll find The Old Mill's structure and interior intriguing. If you're looking for relaxation, the sound of water over the dam will sooth you. The Old Mill's a great location from which to launch your bicycling, fishing, and kayaking adventures, to host family gatherings, to attend the University of Northern Iowa or Wartburg events or to shop Cedar Falls, Waterloo or Waverly, Iowa.

Enter the apartment under the red porch roof. Unique architectural accents from grain milling days entice you to marvel at the high ceilings graced by maple floor joists that are braced by black walnut columns and saddles in this clean, comfortable living space. Original, massive, 13 1/2-by-12 inch, mortise-and-tenon constructed beams provide the framework for this 5-story mill (three levels can be rented) with a limestone foundation that is 4 feet thick at its base. Sunlight streams through 6-pane windows removed from the mill prior to 1985; then reinstalled in 2011 above the interior doors of the bedrooms and full bathroom.
Relax in the 1,200 square foot, 2-bedroom , 1.5 bath, street-level apartment furnished with antiques and decorated with mill artifacts. The larger bedroom has a queen bed and walnut gentleman's dresser with mirror and marble inset between the handkerchief drawers. The smaller bedroom has a full bed with antique spoon-carved commode. Both have river views. Red accent walls remind you of barns from earlier days.

The full bath has a tub/shower combination and large vanity with single sink. The half bath has a pedestal sink, toilet and washer/dryer. Towels, linens, hair dryer, soap and shampoo are provided.

The living room is furnished with a comfy leather couch, two recliners, and a futon that makes into a full-size bed with extra thick mattress.
Walnut columns divide the living and dining areas, and the kitchen is open to both with plenty of cabinets and counter space. The dining room's antique-oak table seats four to six with an eclectic mix of captains chairs and walnut chairs with caned seats.

The kitchen is fully equipped and has basic, complimentary provisions including:
coffee, tea, hot cocoa, flour, sugar, spices, waffle mix, syrup and cooking oil; plates, mugs, glasses, flatware; casserole dishes, baking and muffin pans. You can enjoy preparing popcorn or a four-course meal using the microwave, blender, electric glass-top range, oven, refrigerator and crock pot. A dishwasher makes your clean-up easy.

You don't need to leave your cozy place for breakfast as the coffee pot and toaster are within easy reach. If you prefer not to cook, friendly staff await you at the cafe and pub a short walk across the river bridge.

WiFi is at the mill!

Your private entrance overlooks the Shell Rock River, a tiny perennial garden and a sidewalk to the river's edge. Off-street parking for vehicles, including recreational vehicles, is on-site just steps from the porch entry.

Remnants of milling days, including massive turbines and partial millstones, are lawn ornaments in the mill's park-like setting. You may walk up the mill's outside stairs to a deck 25 feet above the river where you can gaze at an adjacent, three-arch bridge built in 1916 which is on the National Register of Historic Places, the upstream rubble dam, and mesmerizing sunsets. A pool below the dam is spawning territory for walleye in early spring, as well as a popular fishing spot year round so bring your fishing rod. Adjacent to the mill is a city park overlooking the dam which has a shelter that can be rented. The shelter has picnic tables, adjacent deck, modern restrooms and electric outlets. Beyond the park is a boat launch area for small craft, kayaks and canoes to go upstream.

Listen to nature calling as you relax on the private patio overlooking the river, flanked by a rustic bridge railing and millstones. A grill, tools, picnic plasticware, even the picnic basket are provided for your convenience. You may glimpse blue herons, Baltimore orioles, cardinals and migratory species like the colorful cedar waxwing. During winter chickadees, nut hatches, woodpeckers and an occasional hawk land in nearby trees. Eagles sometimes perch on ice above the dam as they enjoy their morning meal. At night you may catch a glimpse of a deer, raccoons, beaver or otter in the yard.

A favorite day for the owners involves launching kayaks at Heery Woods Park near Clarksville, Iowa (home of 2018 American Idol winner Maddie Poppe) about 8 miles away. Then floating down the Shell Rock River, picnicking and skipping rocks along the way. Kayaks are taken out above the dam at the park next to the mill. At the mill we mount our bicycles, ride the Rolling Prairie Trail back to Heery Woods where we retrieve the transport vehicle. What a wonderful way to combine relaxing with nature and exercise!

Canoe and kayak rentals are available 6.5 miles away in Waverly, IA. Bring your bicycles! More than 100 miles of hard-surfaced trails in the Cedar Valley are within 25 miles of the mill at Cedar Falls and Waterloo, IA. Check out Waverly's Rail Trail to Denver or Readlyn, Iowa, or the Rolling Prairie Trail which is less than one mile from the mill's front door in Shell Rock.

Come and stay in the comfort of our small town's landmark where grain was milled in the late 1800s through 1978. The mill is located two miles from The Avenue of the Saints, a four-lane highway which connects St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota.

NO PETS. NO SMOKING.
For this vacation property under ID # 1056730, the mill's first floor (street level) is the rental unit.
•Private entrance.
•Two-night minimum stay.
•Weekly rates available.
•Maximum six persons.
NOTE: The deck-level studio apartment of The Pals' Old Mill is available separately under ID #1136016 (sleeps 6). Rent both levels for a gathering of friends or family! The inner stairway can be unlocked for direct access between the two levels.

AMENITIES
Central air & heat controlled within the space
Keurig single serve coffee maker
Drip or perk coffee pot
Belgian waffle maker
Grill (propane with electronic ignition)
Deck
Patio
Iron & board
Kitchen fully furnished
Dishes & utensils
Linens & towels provided (Bring your own beach towels)
Off-street parking
Washer & dryer
Hairdryer

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & SERVICES - MOST WITHIN ONE MILE
ATM
Bank
Beauty salons
Bicycle Trails
Cafe & pub
Campground
Canoe & kayak rental (6.5 miles)
Churches
Convenience store with food including breakfast sandwiches, pizza & gas
Fishing
Golf within 10 minutes
Library
Medical Clinic (Hospital within 10 minutes)
Municipal swimming pool
University of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls, Iowa, within 20 miles.
Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, within 10 minutes.
Casino, large waterpark, wrestling, art & science museums less than 30 miles.