Arcola Mills

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Arcola Mills, site of an 1847 lumber milling community, is located 6 miles north of Stillwater, MN on

Arcola Mills, a thriving lumber milling community in the late 1800's is now a place of historic and natural wonder. Situated on the nationally designated 'Wild and Scenic' St. Croix River just 6 miles north of Stillwater, Minnesota on Highway 95. Arcola Mills allows the visitors to step back in time while communing with the splendor of one of the area's greatest natural resources.

10/14/2026

Arcola Mills during the Katharine and Dr Henry Van Meier era.
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www.arcolamills.org

10/12/2026

Habitat restoration is a community effort, relying on volunteers and resources to rejuvenate ecosystems. Volunteers contribute by planting native species, removing invasive plants, and monitoring wildlife. Financial donations and grants fund equipment, materials, and expertise. These efforts restore habitats and foster community responsibility. Together, we can rebuild resilient ecosystems for wildlife and future generations.
A big Thank you to the group from 3M that assisted with planting pollinator plants on the 9th. To all the volunteers that arrived at Arcola Mills on the 10th to complete the plantings for this round of the HELP Grant from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.
www.arcolamills.org

10/07/2026

The Haiku Birdsong Box at Arcola Mills offers key insights into bird migration and habitat health. As seasons shift, bird identifications and songs decrease, indicating migration to warmer climates. However, the presence of Sandhill Cranes, Canadian Geese, and Bald Eagles shows our habitat is thriving. The Birdsong Box has identified over 150 species, highlighting our rich biodiversity and the environment's role in supporting migratory birds.
www.arcolamills.org

10/06/2026

Arcola Mills needs your help for 3 hours on October 10th.
Join Great River Greening at this long-time restoration project site, a mature St. Croix River bluff forest with areas of high diversity in the understory including some documented rare species. Arcola Mills Historical Foundation has received funding through BWSR to enhance pollinator resources and vegetative diversity across the site.
Volunteers will be planting trees, shrubs, and understory herbaceous plants (plugs). We will focus on planting in pods/clusters for future monitoring and maintenance needs. Alternate tasks: fencing planting areas, installing tree tubes invasive removal.
You need to register at the following link:
https://www.givepulse.com/event/902965-20261010-river-bluff-restoration-at-arcola-mills-stillwater?fbclid=IwY2xjawUyUwFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMW1BUlN5UHR1OUJseG9wZmpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeCPevPDieEy30v_9uEW1NVl7zLceCzo0KuhOgAu3YIZu8wHK4_6KJcNiocSs_aem_CxmihjCxBiij8yswM0N2-g

09/28/2026

Photo: The oldest photo we have of the Mower house. Thanks to the MHS photo collection. I believe that is Gratia sitting on the porch. Photo taken in the late 1800’s.
In 1843 Martin Mower & Partners purchased Arcola. In 1844 they started building the sawmill, finished building it in 1846. That year Martin bought out his partners and his brother John bought into the business moving his family to Arcola Mills. In 1847 the mill started sawing lumber. In this year they built a home for John’s family. The grade 1 lumber was loaded on to a large raft and sold to John’s contact in St Louis. The house was built out of the grade 2 lumber that was not sold and note the house is still standing.
www.arcolamills.org

09/24/2026

Part 2 of a series: Arcola Mills Through a Lens.
Enjoy and Donate to maintain this historic and nature center.
www.arcolamills.org

09/22/2026

Arcola Mills need your help for 3 hours on October 10th.
Join Great River Greening at this long-time restoration project site, a mature St. Croix River bluff forest with areas of high diversity in the understory including some documented rare species. Arcola Mills Historical Foundation has received funding through BWSR to enhance pollinator resources and vegetative diversity across the site.
Volunteers will be planting trees, shrubs, and understory herbaceous plants (plugs). We will focus on planting in pods/clusters for future monitoring and maintenance needs. Alternate tasks: fencing planting areas, installing tree tubes invasive removal.
You need to register at the following link:
https://www.givepulse.com/event/902965-20261010-river-bluff-restoration-at-arcola-mills-stillwater

09/19/2026

At Arcola Mills you take a walk through nature and have a discussion. Nature responds in song while the streams wash away your stress.
www.arcolamills.com

09/16/2026

The Arcola Mills Habitat Restoration now in its 4th year is making a making everyone smile. We want to thank all the companies that handle the major work, the volunteers that put in many hours of work, and the experts that advised us with their knowledge.
Arcola would not have been able to turn this vision into reality without these grantors & partners seeing our commitment to this vision.

MN DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program
MN BWSR – HELP Grant
Washington Conservation District
Carnelian-Marine-St Croix Watershed District
Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa
Tropical Wings Foundation
Stillwater Rotary Club
Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum-Plant Conservation Program

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Photo Credit: Jacob Michaud-Stillwater / Jake is putting Arcola Mills habitat results on film.

Address

12905 Arcola Trl N, PO Box 313
Stillwater, MN
55082

Website

http://www.ArcolaMills.org/

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