Dillard Mill State Historic Site Tour and Hike Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Oct 31, 2026; 9:40 AM (Central)

Organized By: Eastern Missouri Group

Location: Dillard Mill State Historic Site, Davisville, MO 65456

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Annie Russell
   anngrussell@yahoo.com
   (314) 341-0384
Debra Maurer
   maurerdebra@gmail.com
   (314) 303-9646
Diana Miller
   diana.miller3m@gmail.com
   (314) 324-0809

7:15 AM     Meet at Sunset Hills Plaza Parking Lot for optional Ride Sharing.  Park in the large lot south of Lion's Choice.
7:30 AM          We will leave this lot promptly at 7:30 AM
OR
9:40 AM     Meet at the Dillard Mill State Historic Site Parking Lot 
10:00 AM—2 PM    Guided Tour of Dillard Mill
                       Activities led by Site Rangers
                       Hike Trails of the Site

2:00 PM--4:00 PM  Late Lunch/Early Dinner in Steeleville or Cuba, MO (optional) 
                  Return to Sunset Hills Plaza

Directions:    
From the intersection of I-44 and I-270  (99 miles)  

• On I-44 W, drive 68 miles west  
• Take exit 208 onto MO-19 toward Cuba 
• Turn south onto MO-19 towards Steeleville 
• In 8.6 miles, turn right onto Pine Street to stay on MO-19  
• In 10 miles, turn left onto MO-49 
• In 10 miles, turn right onto Dillard Mill Road 
• In 1.6 miles, enter the historic site. The parking lot is to the left.  

Parking:     Available
Bathrooms: Pit toilets at parking area

Description:
Come join us on this fun outing at beautiful Dillard Mill State Historic Site. We’ll experience guided tours and activities led by site rangers, hike the trails, explore the grounds and enjoy a late lunch/early dinner (optional) in nearby Steeleville or Cuba.  

Dillard Mill State Historic Site 
One of Missouri’s best-preserved water-powered grist mills is the bright red two-story Dillard Mill in Crawford County overlooking the confluence of the Huzzah and Indian Creeks.  The current mill is built on the original site of Wisdom’s Mill, built in the 1850’s.  The mill operated until 1956.  In 1974, the L-A-D Foundation purchased the mill and partnered with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to preserve the site. It is now operated by Missouri State Parks.
 
Mill View Trail 
Length:  1.9 mi  Type:  Loop    Rating:  Moderate to Hard. Rugged.
Elevation Gain:   311 ft  
A scenic view from a bluff overlooking the picturesque Dillard Mill and pond is the reward for hiking Mill View Trail. The trail goes up a steep grade and loops through an area of glades and upland forests. Parts of the trail are made of wooden and stone steps and there are bluffs and drop-offs next to the trail. A bridge crosses one stream and may be slippery even in dry weather. There is also a water crossing at Huzzah Creek without a bridge and during periods of high water, this part of the trail is inaccessible. By continuing straight on the trail, a .13-mile spur leads to Dillard Mill. A creek crossing can be accessed by turning left. White connector 1 is available to shorten the hike.

If coming, please RSVP on the EMG website. 
All participants must sign a waiver.  A $1 per person donation is requested.  
Bring:  Hiking poles, binoculars, waterproof shoes w/spare dry shoes and socks, water and snacks.   
Other: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds but not in the mill.  Guns are prohibited.

Websites:   
https://mostateparks.com/historic-site/dillard-mill-state-historic-site
 
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/missouri/dillard-mill-view-trail
 
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g44285-d2265012-Reviews-Dillard_Mill_State_Historic_Site-Davisville_Missouri.html

Level: Moderate