Pickwick Mill
Explore a remarkably preserved 1850s working flour mill with six stories of original machinery and an impressive waterwheel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Pickwick Mill
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a remarkably preserved 1850s working flour mill with six stories of original machinery and an impressive waterwheel.
"Such a fun and unique stop, worth the climb through six stories of history!"
💰 Cash for Admission
Remember to bring cash! Admission is $10 per adult and they don't accept cards. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Be Ready for Stairs
The mill has six floors with stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a climb! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Waterwheel
Exterior
Witness the impressive 20-foot overshot waterwheel in action, a testament to 19th-century engineering.
Six Stories of History
Interior
Explore all six floors of this remarkably preserved and operational 1850s flour mill.
Interactive Scavenger Hunt
Interior
Engage younger visitors with a fun scavenger hunt activity that makes learning about milling history exciting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King at Pickwick Mill
Navigating the Six Stories
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Cash for Admission
Remember to bring cash! Admission is $10 per adult and they don't accept cards. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Be Ready for Stairs
The mill has six floors with stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a climb! :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Take the Guided Tour
The free guided tours are excellent! Guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the mill's history. :microphone:
🍂 Fall Colors & Mill
Combine your visit with leaf peeping in the fall; it's a scenic stop off Highway 61. :maple_leaf:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Cash for Admission
Remember to bring cash! Admission is $10 per adult and they don't accept cards. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Be Ready for Stairs
The mill has six floors with stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a climb! :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ Take the Guided Tour
The free guided tours are excellent! Guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the mill's history. :microphone:
🍂 Fall Colors & Mill
Combine your visit with leaf peeping in the fall; it's a scenic stop off Highway 61. :maple_leaf:
🎨 Art Inspiration
The mill is a popular spot for plein air painters. Bring your art supplies or just enjoy the scenery! :art:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pickwick Mill as a fun, unique, and historically significant stop. The preserved machinery, the impressive waterwheel, and the knowledgeable guides are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the cash-only policy and the stair climbing are noted, most find the experience well worth it for its educational and engaging nature.
"Such a fun and unique stop. $10 admission for adults- cash only. We did the guided tour for free which the young lady did a great job on and you could tell she was excited to help us. Watching the water wheel was super cool. Video showing all the machines running was cool. We went through all 6 floors. If walking is not your skill the stairs would be quite difficult. Only open seasonally, but super neat as there was not many mills around and intact."
Emily Ahern
"Given the fact that most mills were destroyed by fire and that this is a capable working mill this is absolutely worth the stop. So glad we added this to our day in Winona. The six stories makes this an incredible build. The water wheel is such a treat. It is also interesting why wheat isn't a common crop in Minnesota!"
Blayne Erdelac
"Beautiful place, has massive number of the original equipment as well as other recreations. Very knowledgeable guide, Great history."
Sarah Chouinard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pickwick Mill is located about 5 miles off Highway 61, situated between La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Winona, Minnesota. It's a scenic drive, especially during the fall foliage season.
Yes, there is parking available at the mill. It's a convenient spot for visitors arriving by car.
Driving is the most practical way to reach Pickwick Mill, as it's located in a more rural area. Public transportation options are limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Pickwick Mill is $10 per adult. It's important to note that they only accept cash for admission.
Pickwick Mill is open seasonally. It's highly recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours and dates before your visit.
Currently, tickets for Pickwick Mill are cash only at the entrance. There is no option to purchase tickets online in advance.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the $10 adult admission is considered very reasonable for the experience offered. Group rates might be available upon inquiry.
The mill has six stories with stairs, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. While the ground floor may be accessible, exploring all levels requires climbing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore six floors of original and recreated milling machinery, witness the impressive waterwheel, and learn about the history of flour production. Guided tours are available and highly recommended.
Yes, Pickwick Mill is a working mill! It has been restored to be fully operational, allowing visitors to see the milling process in action.
Absolutely! Pickwick Mill offers a scavenger hunt activity that children, like a 7-year-old granddaughter, find very engaging and fun.
A thorough tour of all six floors, including a guided tour and exploring at your own pace, can take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Taking the free guided tour is a must for understanding the mill's history and machinery. Afterward, explore the different levels at your own pace.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Pickwick Mill offers fantastic photographic opportunities, from the historic architecture and machinery to the scenic surroundings and the waterwheel.
The exterior shots featuring the waterwheel and the mill's facade are iconic. Inside, the intricate machinery and the scale of the six floors provide unique perspectives.
Pickwick Mill is a popular spot for artists. Many visitors enjoy plein air painting and sketching the historic site. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art & Photography Enthusiasts
Many visitors enjoy plein air painting sessions here, capturing the historic atmosphere. The surrounding natural beauty, especially during the fall, adds another layer of appeal. Don't forget your camera or sketchbook!📚 History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Pickwick Mill
During its peak, especially during the Civil War, the mill operated 24 hours a day, producing an impressive 100 barrels of flour daily. This level of production highlights the mill's importance to the region's economy and food supply. The sheer scale of the building and the complexity of the machinery are a testament to the ingenuity of its builders and the era's technological advancements.
Visitors can explore each of these six floors, gaining a deep appreciation for the mechanics and labor involved in flour production. The preservation efforts have ensured that much of the original character and functionality remain, offering an immersive historical experience. The mill's ability to be a working mill today is a rare and valuable aspect that sets it apart from many other historical sites.
A Glimpse into Minnesota's Agricultural Past
The mill's strategic location, about 5 miles off Highway 61 between La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Winona, Minnesota, also speaks to the transportation networks that supported such industries in the 19th century. Its preservation is a crucial element in understanding the economic and social fabric of southeastern Minnesota during that period.
For those interested in genealogy or local history, the mill serves as a tangible link to the past. It’s a place where the stories of farmers, millers, and the community that depended on this vital industry come alive. The experience is a hands-on history lesson that resonates with visitors of all ages.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit