Ozark Mills
Posted on March 8th, 2011
Nestled among the ancient hills called the “Ozarks”, and hidden away in the most picturesque of riverside settings, the surviving old grist mills of the Ozarks seem lost in a time warp. For over a century, these old mills have embraced the pace of olden times. A day trip visit will immerse you into an atmosphere “betwixt and between”, as Ozarkians might describe it. An atmosphere stuck in a time between the past and the present. As you travel the back roads, through rural hard cleared fields, past worn and weathered homes, crossing streams and forests, you’ll feel that you’ve stepped back into a different era. You’re likely to see deer, and maybe a wild turkey or two. 
You will catch the glint of the sun off of a sparkling stream, and watch the buzzards soaring in the blue skies seemingly gliding effortlessly. You will find great sightseeing and picnicking spots, secluded campgrounds soothed by river sounds, and swimming holes in clear, pollution free, spring water, canoeing, inner tubing, and fantastic fishing.
These mills were once the centers of community life for Ozarkians, sometimes referred to as “hillbillies”. People came from miles to have their corn, wheat, or other grain ground into flour or meal, exchange news, socialize, and even vote. These sites once included blacksmith shops, general stores, and often sawmills or cotton gins run by the water power turning the water wheel.
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For a great day “off the beaten path”, take a day trip to Ozark county and visit four century old gristmills, Dawt Mill, Hodgsons Mill, Zanoni Mill, and Rockbridge Mill. DiscoverBranson.com will be happy to provide route maps, lunch stop recommendations, and will be happy to help you plan for any activities that you might want to include on your trip
The map below shows the best route to the mills from Brnson. Label B is Dawt Mill, Label C is Hodgson’s Mill, and Label D is Rockbridge. Zanoni Mill is in the same vicinity.
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| Phone: 1-800-768-3892 · Address: 1294 State Hwy 248 Branson, MO. 65616 |
