Give Now

Motor Mill Foundation Endowment

At a Glance

  • 29 MM Volunteers contributed 1192 hours in 2023
  • The Motor Mill welcomed 1663 visitors in 2023.
  • Received $125,000 from the Rural Heritage grant.

About Us

In 2002, the CCCB looked to the public for guidance and assistance to develop a long-range plan for the entire Motor Mill Site. As a result, the Motor Mill Advisory Committee was formed in March of 2002. The Motor Mill Advisory Committee, made up of a diverse group of volunteers, began to develop a mission statement and set goals. 

Mission

The mission of the foundation is to protect and preserve the architectural integrity, history, natural beauty and serenity of the Motor Mill site and its surroundings and to develop appropriate uses and interpretation as a regional treasure for the benefi

Basic Information

Email

cccb@claytoncountyia.gov

Phone

563-245-1516

Address

29862 Osborne Rd. (mailing) 23002 Grain Rd. (physical) Elkader, IA 52043

Director

Jenna Pollock

Director Email

jpollock@claytoncountyia.gov

Success Story

Motor Mill has been featured in several articles as one of Northeast Iowa's must-see historic locations. One of the Mill's most notable recognitions would be its debut on the cover of a 2012 edition of Visit Iowa Magazine. This was a huge accomplishment and led to Motor Mill becoming a prominent poster child for Northeast Iowa and its various historic sites. Today, the Motor Mill Historic Site totals 155 acres; 95 on the north side of the Turkey River and 60 acres on the south side. The CCCB maintains a hiking trail on each side of the river and a canoe ramp, campground, and picnic area on the north side.

In 2022 the Motor Mill Foundation completed the restoration of the historic Inn. In July 2023 the Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the rehabilitated Motor Mill Inn. The Inn once served as a residence for the founder of the Mill, John Thompson. Today visitors to the historic site are able to reserve the top two floors and spend the night at the site. In June of 2024 the Motor Mill Inn stable project was complete. The roof of the structure was restored, and new lighting and electricity was added to the building.

The Motor Mill Foundation has been working toward improving the interpretive opportunities in the mill and surrounding buildings at the site. This July (2024) the foundation added a new addition to the welcome area (1st floor) of the Motor Mill Inn! A 3-D rendering of the Motor Mill landscape was made for visitors to envision the historic site in a new perspective. Support the foundation and all of their efforts by making a financial contribution today!

Fund Details

Fund Name

Motor Mill Foundation Endowment

Year Founded

2016

Type of Fund

Learn More about fund types

Support This Fund

Motor Mill Foundation Endowment