Dating from 1893, Alley Spring Mill, or just Alley Mill, is one of the most picturesque places that I have found in Missouri. Deep in the woods of the southern part of the state in Shannon County, it sits near a spring, so the water is still a vibrant blue color when it flows through the mill. It reminds me of Dillard Mill, which I visited back in May of 2011.
The pond near where the water comes of the bedrock is almost perfectly still.
But then it rushes down the headrace into the mill.
On the other side, after the water would have gone through turbines (water wheels became obsolete over the course of the Nineteenth Century), it passed into the tailrace.
The water is so clear that it glows green as it passes over various aquatic vegetation in the tailrace. It is quite the sight to see, and none of these photos have been altered.
What a beautiful part of Missouri. I’d love to visit. Thanks Chris for highlighting this area.
Is the Mill close by Eminence where you could find a restaurant or two? I noticed what looked to be a nice Mexican restaurant. Thanks.
Eminence has a large number of restaurants for a town of 600. We ate at the Mexican restaurant, which was good. Nice patio for social distancing.