Alley Spring and Mill
Eminence, MO
A red 1894 roller mill beside a deep blue spring pool on the Jacks Fork. One of the most photographed spots in the Ozarks.
Alley Spring and Mill lies about 6 miles (10 km) west of Eminence on State Route 106 in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri. The present mill was built in 1893-94 by George Washington McCaskill as a merchant mill; it was larger than most mills in the Jacks Fork area and replaced an older mill that stood by 1868. Originally unpainted, it was later painted white with green trim before taking on today's red.
In 1902 John Knotts bought the 80-acre site and added a well-stocked store and a blacksmith shop. On a tour you see the back porch and the first and second floors; the basement and attic are not open to visitors.
Time-sensitive (as of October 2026, per the NPS): the campground with river access and the "Bluff Hole" swimming area can close temporarily for paving; in summer roads and loops in the park can close and reopen at short notice. Campgrounds must be reserved through recreation.gov.
- Nearest town
- Eminence, MO
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.1535, -91.4418
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Alley Spring CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Alley Spring and MillTentsCaravans
- Shawnee Creek CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Alley Spring and Mill
- Timbuktu CampgroundMotorhome stopover11 mi from Alley Spring and MillMotorhomes
- Timbuktu Walk-In CampingCampsite11 mi from Alley Spring and MillTents
- Loggers Lake CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Alley Spring and Mill
- Cedar Grove CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Alley Spring and MillTentsCaravans
All campsites in Missouri · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Alley Spring and Mill?
Alley Spring and Mill is in Eminence, MO, at GPS 37.1535, -91.4418. It is about 17 mi from Akers.
Can you camp near Alley Spring and Mill?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Alley Spring Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Alley Spring and Mill?
Alley Spring and Mill is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Missouri Ozark springs and shut-ins.
What is there to see near Alley Spring and Mill?
Places worth a stop nearby: Round Spring (9 mi), Rocky Falls (14 mi), Big Spring (28 mi) and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park (42 mi).
When is the best time to visit Alley Spring and Mill?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)