Motor Mill Foundation

In 2004 the Motor Mill Advisory Committee evolved into the Motor Mill Foundation of Clayton County. The mission of the Motor Mill Foundation of Clayton County, Iowa is to protect and preserve the architectural integrity, history, natural beauty and serenity of the Motor Mill site and its surroundings and to develop appropriate uses and interpretation as a regional treasure for the benefit of future generations.

The Inn at Motor Mill once housed customers of the Motor Mill gristmill, later it became a farm home. In 2022 the Motor Mill Inn restoration project began, with the majority of the work being completed in summer of 2023. The upper two levels of the Inn now serve as a reservable amenity that accommodates twelve people comfortably. The bottom floor of the building serves as an office for the Motor Mill Foundation, giftshop, and welcome area for the public to get information on the historic site. 

In the Summer of 2024, the Motor Mill Stable received some restoration. A new roof (historically accurate) and electrical outlets were installed on the structure to make into a reservable event space for the public. 

The Mill at Motor is open for tours thanks to the Motor Mill Foundation’s various volunteers. You get a tour of the beautiful historic site by visiting on a Saturday from Noon – 5:00 PM Memorial Day – Labor Day. Tours include the historic 1800’s mill, related buildings, and town site.  

The Motor Mill Historic Site, a monument to northeast Iowa’s ever changing agricultural industry, includes six preserved limestone structures.  Find the Motor Mill Historic Site as you travel the River Bluffs Scenic Byway; the Turkey River Recreational Corridor-An Iowa Great Place; the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area; and the Great River Road, An All-American Road.

Inn on KWWL Community Thrives