Bollinger Mill is a great example of early-American craftsmanship, in producing a grain product by harnessing waterpower. This mill, still being restored at the time of this writing, is toured on several levels. It is intended to restore it to a working mill sometime in the future.

The lower two levels are self-guided and free. There are plenty of examples of how the mill operated, and things that could be made from mill products. A guided tour is available for the upper level, which shows the more intricate ways that a mill actually worked.

One of the nicer things about this park is the scenery. The mill still sits in a rural countryside setting. A covered bridge crosses the river that the mill used, and you can get great photos from both sides.

On the downside, this park is about 15 miles northwest of Interstate 55, at Cape Girardeau, MO. You have to go through the city of Jackson, MO to get to it, so the trip will take about a half hour each way. In short, it's not a quick jaunt off I-55 to reach it.

The mill is well worth a stop if you have the time. It's not a spectacular sight, but it is a nice way to spend a relaxing afternoon, or learn about the old ways of American ingenuity in pioneer days.