Arcola Mills

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.

06/05/2026

www.arcolamills.org

06/04/2026

In 1847, the 12 room Arcola Mansion was built by lumbermen Martin Mower and his brother John and his wife Gratia from lumber sawed at their mill within sight of the house.
In 1937 the property was purchased by Dr. Henry and Katharine Van Meier. At this time the 1st restoration of the mansion was started.
In late 1999 Arcola Mills Historic Foundation started the 2nd restoration. This restoration was more involved as the foundation had eroded over time. The Mansion was lifted and the foundation replaced.

06/01/2026

Nature at Arcola Mills is a part of our future and has been a part of its history
At every stage of life, nature is a powerful way to support and restore mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that being in natural spaces can reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve brain function. Individuals, families, organizations, and communities can improve mental well-being by incorporating nature into their lives and work.
Nature enhances mental wellbeing
Nature improves physical health
Nature enhances focus, creativity, and learning
Nature promotes social connection and reduces loneliness
Nature supports stronger communities
Now we understand what Katharine meant when she said Arcola Mills was a place where people had the freedom to express their creativity.

05/30/2026

ARCOLA MILLS
Full of memories from 179 years of history and living

05/27/2026

Nature and the spiritual renewal are part of Katharine's wishes.
Join us to keep habitat restoration continuing.
www.arcolamills.org

05/25/2026

The oldest wood-frame house in Minnesota. The Arcola Mills mansion built in 1847 by the lumberman John and Martin Mower and restored in the 1930 by Dr Henry and Katharine Van Meier. Its historic beauty and charm can be seen at any angle.
www.arcolamills.org

05/21/2026

The historic property of Arcola Mills sits along the St Croix River. The land encompasses over 3,000 feet of St Croix River frontage, all part of the St Croix National Scenic Riverway. Arcola Stream flows into the St Croix and is part of an ongoing water monitoring for the St Croix water quality program.

05/18/2026

Join our effort to protect the native, rare and endangered plant life and habitat.
www.arcolamills.org

05/11/2026

To the many that view the St Croix River as a place of paradise, fun, fishing, and boating you may be surprised at its history. I view the St Croix River as the umbilical cord of Minnesota. In its early years it was the fishing grounds and travel way to the indigenous people for centuries. In 1837 a treaty changed that by opening the vast pine forest for logging. It was not long after you started to see sawmills being built on the St Croix. Arcola Mills was the 3rd sawmill built on the St Croix River. At this time the river was used to build an industry that built a state. The photo shows how the river became a transport route to fuel the lumber industry. This also brought lawsuits as merchants could not get supplies up river for months on end.
www.arcolamills.org

05/10/2026

Today we celebrate all mothers including the two Mothers of ARCOLA MILLS.
Gratia Mower, wife of John Mower and mother of 5 children. As important as that was to her it didn’t define her. Gratia is the definition of a pioneering woman traveling from Maine in 1840 across country and up the Mississippi to arrive at Arcola in 1847. Mother having 2 children in route to Arcola and 3 more born at Arcola. Educator, she was a strong force to set up Arcola school. Entrepreneur, to solve the problem of getting supplies she worked with Martin to set up the general store at Arcola, along with many other projects. Liaison Gratia was the negotiator with the native neighbors trading supplies for moccasins and furs and game. Hostess, Gratia planned and hosted many events involving clients to Governors.

Katharine Van Meier a mother of 2 was a remarkable woman who played a pivotal role in preserving a piece of history and fostering a creative community. In the 1930s, she and her husband, Dr. Henry Van Meier, discovered a property that Katharine famously described as “It’s a mirage.” Her vision and determination were instrumental in the 1.5-year process of purchasing and restoring the mansion, rescuing it from decay. With a deep appreciation for the arts and literature, Katharine served on the Stillwater Library Board for many years and envisioned the property as a haven for creativity. She transformed the estate into an artist colony by acquiring and placing whimsical cabins around the grounds, creating an inspiring environment for artists, writers, and families alike. Her enduring legacy is the donation of the estate to the Arcola Mills Historic Foundation, ensuring its preservation and use as a sanctuary to nurture the human spirit amidst the beauty of nature.
www.arcolamills.org

Address

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

Website

http://www.ArcolaMills.org/

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