Part of the Clayton County Conservation Board's park system, Motor Mill Historic Site operates as a tent-focused campground along the Turkey River from May through September. The camping area sits in an open field with scattered picnic tables and fire pits, though no designated site boundaries exist despite a pay station marking numbered spots. Campers seeking shade should claim spots along the back edge against the woods, where trees provide cover and hammock-hanging opportunities.
The campground lacks RV hookups and draws weekend crowds who use the adjacent river access for boating, fishing, and kayaking. A historic mill building offers occasional tours, and visitors can drive across an old wooden-plank bridge that spans the river. For additional camping options in the region, consider places to camp around Elkader. The uneven terrain around the mill grounds makes nighttime exploration challenging.
Description
Hidden in the Turkey River valley, the Motor Mill Historic Site is a peaceful natural area that features a six-story limestone flouring mill and four related stone buildings dating from the late 1860’s.
The Motor Mill Trail begins at Turkey River Park in Elkader Iowa and Travels south on the paved shoulder of Highway 13 until it reaches Grandview Rd.
Guided tours of historic Motor Mill are offered each Saturday & Sunday (Memorial Day - Labor Day) from noon-5pm. These guided tours include the 1860's Mill, four related outbuildings, and the Motor town site. Tours have no cost but free will donations are encouraged and appreciated to help with various restoration projects. Tours range in time depending on your touring interests and desires. The visitor's center is open 10am-5pm Mon-Friday (Memorial Day - Labor Day).
Primitive camping is available for $15.00 per night, there are 5 campsites, on a first come first serve basis. You can now reserve your favorite campsite online! ONLINE REGISTRATION
**New in 2023 **The Inn at Motor Mill is now open. You are able to reserve the top two floors of the newly refurbished Inn for your group by visiting the Inn at Motor Mill Registration Page. Looking for a spot to host a meeting or retreat for the day? We also offer day-use rental of this building. Call 563-245-1516 for more information on day-use rentals.
New in 2024 The Stable at Motor Mill has been completed with a new roof, cement flooring, and electric. It is ready to be reserved for your upcoming party. This rustic building is perfect for a small wedding, family reunion, graduation party, etc. Reservations can be made by visiting Stable of Motor Mill
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMotor Mill Historic Site is located in Iowa near Elkader
Public CampgroundCoordinates
42.80700068 N
91.35100075 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 13 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 19 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 39 min from La Crosse, WI
