Small Business Summer Series: The Iola Mill

Yes- I have been here and wrote about this location before! I was enamored with The Iola Mill the first time I set foot in it back in 2014. Since then new owners have taken the reins and have all new ideas for the place, including restoring an old stone building to create an additional outdoor venue. We made sure we were there on opening night to get some gelato and a pizza and support a piece of history that will hopefully remain in Iola for a long time!

Let’s start with the main attraction and what should keep you visiting the Iola Mill over and over again- the gelato! The flavors change weekly. Some delicious options include: Blueberry Basil, Caramel Cashew, Pistastio cookies and creme and they once even featured a collaboration with Central Waters to create a stout infused gelato.

The interior has been expanded from my first tour of the place and now includes an area for pool tables and other games. Their events have followed suite and have also been expanded to include a game night for all ages as well as upcoming concerts, charity events and fun runs! Their October event is a Haunted House inside the Mill that has always intrigued me.

The new owners have also taken up an interest in all the hidden treasures of the original museum that was on this location. Their Facebook page is peppered with posts sharing photos of old paintings and artwork of their beautiful building that has been collected and donated by various artists, as well as newspaper headlines and historical facts.

I am excited to see what all their plans are for the additional buildings outside on the grounds which stretch out along the quaint little lake. An old log house is present as well as an old stone building that was once an engine house and sawmill.

They are currently in works with a mason to re tuck the stone arches over the windows and doorways of this stone building that they plan to restore for a future beer garden venue. (This particular picture is from 2014. If you follow their Facebook page you will see the roof has been removed for repairs).

This Mill is unique in that the mill’s turbine is still operable. Rather than a pond with a water wheel on the outside of the building like you would imagine, the water flows through the building like a secret river under the floorboards. I recall a conversation with the previous owner about it’s capability to be almost self sustainable for electricity.

This reminds me of another Mill undergoing some construction: The Red Mill in nearby Waupaca on the Crystal River. They have been collecting donations for years to restore their original water wheel and it looks like this year is the year! Their little gift shop and ice cream shoppe is worth a stop if you are touring Mills in the area. They also have a riverside walkway with a covered bridge and a famous white chapel in the woods to enjoy upon your visit.

I originally featured this Mill when it was revamped by new owners in 2016 in my Travel Series post about The town of Rural, WI.

Old Mills have such interesting history and a place within their communities. So many have been left to disrepair and been removed over time to make way for new businesses without the foresight to re imagine their purpose. Years ago they began dismantling brick from the Old Mill in my childhood hometown of Bonduel and I assumed it was destined for an unfavorable fate. However, renovations have been happening recently to suggest new life will be given to this old brick building. I have some distinct memories of visiting this Mill throughout my lifetime.

Bonduel Mill as it was in 2016.

Let’s support these small town local businesses! Let’s support the adventure and history of creating a business in an unconventional shell. New construction will always be easier but when you can capture the heart and soul of an old building and really give it a chance to shine- it makes it all worth it!

If you like to see new life given to old souls- Check out these other Amazing Places!