Old Mill State Park

Old Mill State Park is a small Minnesota state park on the Middle River between Argyle and Newfolden on an ancient beach of glacial Lake Agassiz in Marshall County in the northwestern part of the state.

Old Mill State Park WPA/Rustic Style Historic Resources
LocationMarshall County, Minnesota, Off Co. Hwy. 39 E of Argyle
Nearest cityArgyle, Minnesota
Coordinates48.361364°N 96.570329°W / 48.361364; -96.570329
Area25 acres (10 ha)
Built1937
ArchitectMultiple
Architectural styleNPS rustic architecture
Visitation14,465 (2006)
MPSMinnesota State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style MPS
NRHP reference No.89001667[1]
Added to NRHPOctober 25, 1989

It is a 406-acre (164 ha) park.[2]

History

The park area was originally homesteaded by the Larson Family in 1882. A series of water- and wind-powered mills were soon built in the area. Eventually a steam-powered mill replaced the older technology. The state bought the area in 1937 and rebuilt the steam engine in 1958. Every year as part of the park's special events and interpretive programs, the old mill is run as it had been years ago.[2]

Wildlife

Many species are attracted to the river that runs through the park. Deer and moose are the largest animals that frequent the park. Beaver, raccoon, white-tailed jackrabbits and snowshoe hares are common. A bird migration route runs through the park adding more wildlife especially in the spring and fall. The ground-nesting marsh hawk is a common summer resident. Owls and the occasional eagle have been sighted in the park.[2]

National Register of Historic Places

A 25-acre (10 ha) historic district including eight contributing buildings and structures, built by the Works Progress Administration, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[3] The Larson Mill is listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places.[1]

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. "Park Info: Old Mill State Park". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2009-10-19.
  3. "Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks: Old Mill State Park". Minnesota NHS. Retrieved 2009-10-19.
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