Motor

The Motor Mill

State: Iowa County: Clayton County Founded: 1869 Abandoned: 1900s Peak Population: Unknown

Motor was a milling town built by John Thompson. The centerpiece is the massive six-story limestone flour mill (1869), along with an inn, cooperage, and icehouse. Floods and railroad politics doomed the town. It is now a beautifully preserved historic site.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Summer/Fall

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1 hour

Quick Facts

  • 6-story limestone mill
  • Bridge replica reconstructed
  • Never got the railroad

Location

Address: Motor Mill Historic Site, IA

Coordinates: 42.8, -91.3667