Arcola Mills Volunteer Day

What to Bring:

• Hat and gloves
• Dress in layers
• Sturdy shoes for outdoor work
• Water bottle
• Yard tools if available
• Sunscreen and bug spray

Additional Information:

• Snacks and additional water will be available.
• Both indoor and outdoor work options are provided.
• Tours of the mansion will be available.
• For questions, email Kerri at kkolstad@comcast.net.

Message from Fitzie Heimdahl: “We hope you can join us for our volunteer day. We invite the community to also check out the progress on Arcola Mill's $143,000 habitat restoration project. Snacks provided!”

Hosted by: Arcola Mills Historic Foundation

About Arcola Mills The Origins

In the early 1840s, John and Martin Mower moved to the St. Croix River Valley to capitalize on the Midwest's logging boom. They established Arcola, a small village centered around a lumber mill. By 1847, they had built a grand Greek Revival-style home, a general store, a boat-building operation, carpentry and blacksmith shops, a schoolhouse, and housing for mill workers. The Mower house and the original sawmill chimney are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lumber from Arcola Mills is said to have built homes, villages, and cities as far away as St. Louis.

The Revival

In the mid-1930s, Dr. Henry Van Meier and his wife Katharine purchased the abandoned Mower house and its surrounding 50+ acres. It became their summer house until Dr. Van Meier’s death in 1979. During their 50 years there, they installed nine eclectic cottages, creating a haven for artists, writers, and students.

Today

The Arcola Mills Historic Foundation's mission is to preserve and enhance Arcola Mills as a historic site and environmental asset. The mansion, built in 1847, has been restored to much of its original character. The original lumber mill remains along the riverfront, with future restoration planned.

Explore the Mansion, Grounds & River

The restored mansion is the centerpiece of the Arcola Mills site. Visitors can learn about the Native People, the Mower and Van Meier families, and the history of the site. Hiking trails and river access provide opportunities for reflection and renewal along the St. Croix River.

Fitzie Heimdahl Fitzie, raised and residing in the St. Croix Valley, is deeply involved in the area's arts, culture, history, and environment. As a historian, preservationist, and environmentalist, Fitzie has a special connection to Arcola Mills. Fitzie works at the Wisconsin Historical Society and enjoys hiking, biking, exploring new places, visiting historic sites, and trying new foods.

Kerri Kolstad – Board Secretary Kerri, through her business Wahoo! Adventures, encourages people to "Get Outside and Play." Joining the Arcola Mills board was a perfect fit for her. She lives in White Bear Lake with her husband Dave and dog Addy, and has spent over 25 years paddling the river. Introduced to Arcola Mills in 2011, Kerri is excited to engage more deeply and share the mansion and lumbering history with others.

For more information, visit Arcola Mills.