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Schech’s Mill, Established 1876 | MN Southeast

Schech’s Mill

The Beaver Creek Valley mill was constructed 1876 by John Blinn. The substantial brick mill is powered by an arrangement of four different water turbines. Master miller Michael Schech, an immigrant from Bavaria, worked at a large mill facility in Minneapolis. Hearing that the Blinn Mill was for sale, Schech and his family jumped at the chance to work for themselves. Schech’s brother operated the mill until the family could relocate to the Beaver Creek Valley.

Geography

Schech’s Mill is located in southeastern Minnesota; situated right next to Beaver Creek Valley State Park.  This section of the country is known as the Driftless Area, a 16,000 square mile area covers portions of Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Noted for its deep river valleys, this area suffers periods of flooding, proving disastrous to stream-side mills.

Flour

I’ve seen all the different kinds of flour in the store, but I guess I never really had given much thought to what the different types where all about.  Ed explained it all, and more, in great detail with demonstrations right before our eyes.  A sample bag of corn meal and flour are provided as part of the tour too.  Cyndie made very tasty cornbread to go with the BBQ ribs we had the following evening – yum yum.  This mill was by far my favorite of the two.  It was a fantastic tour and I highly recommend it to anyone that visits the area.

To say that Schech’s Mill is a hidden treasure is an understatement.  You can feel the history oozing from its walls and milling equipment.  The mill owner/operator, Ed Krugmire, gives an amazing tour.  Having been in his family for 120+ years, he knows every detail about the mill and its history.  It is Minnesota’s only water-powered flour mill still in operation today.

Please visit the Scheck’s Mill website for more details.