My Life In The Ozarks: Alley Springs - Alley Mill

Visiting Another Place Of Interest

The story of Alley is a tale of nature, people, and a century-old mill sitting at the heart of a beautiful Ozark scene. Weather this is an annual trip you've made since your childhood, or your first, take time to soak up the splendid scenery and get acquainted with Alley's lively past.

Cold, clear waters rise from deep within Alley Springs at an average daily flow of 81 million gallons. The spring basin is funnel-shaped with a depth of 32 feet. Tiny snails and colorful minnows live among clusters of watercress. Mink, muskrat, and banded water snakes may be observed swimming in the spring.

A short hiking trail along the spring displays a thriving abundance of life. Slick rock walls are adorned with hanging gardens of columbine and lush ferns.

A mill was vital to community life, where grain was ground to provide daily bread. The present building was constructed in 1894 by George Washington McCaskill as a merchant mill and was equipped with modern machinery that utilized steel rollers for grinding.