Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

Tucked along the banks of the Whitewater River in Cape Girardeau County, Bollinger Mill State Historic Site preserves two of Missouri’s most photographed historic structures on just 43 acres. The centerpiece is the four-story stone mill, built in 1867, which once ground grain for settlers across southeast Missouri. Standing beside it is the Burfordville Covered Bridge, one of only four remaining covered bridges in the state and the oldest still standing on its original site.

The mill’s thick limestone walls and the bridge’s massive wooden trusses make this one of the most striking historic pairings in the Midwest. Step inside the mill to see original milling equipment and interpretive displays that bring 19th-century rural life into focus. The covered bridge, a 140-foot Howe truss design, is worth walking through slowly — the craftsmanship is remarkable.

The grounds along the river are ideal for picnicking, photography, and quiet walks. Fishing is popular in the Whitewater River, and birdwatchers will find plenty to spot among the riverside trees. This is not a large park with extensive trail systems — it’s a focused historic destination best suited for a half-day visit.

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and the best light for photography, especially early morning when mist rises off the river. Summer brings lush green surroundings but also heat and humidity typical of southeast Missouri.

No camping facilities are available on-site, but nearby Trail of Tears State Park offers full campground amenities just 20 minutes away.

Explore Nearby

• Shawnee National Forest — National Forest in Illinois
• Mary’s River Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Illinois
• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Parks Bridge — Covered Bridge in Tennessee
• Crowley’s Ridge Parkway — Scenic Byway in Arkansas