About Willow | WS Chamber

Welcome to Willow Springs

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Willow Springs and the Missouri Ozarks are blessed with scenic beauty that you likely won’t be able to top, no matter how much you travel. Nestled in the beautiful Ozarks countryside are numerous old-time flour and gristmills, which at one time were the center of life, the heart of small communities peppered throughout the region. The history and beauty are well worth the drive to visit these historical sites.

Noblett Lake

Noblett Lake Recreation Area, originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps on the shore of a 26 acre lake, is a particularly scenic spot that offers picnicking, fishing, bird watching, canoeing and electric motor boating. The picnic pavilion is set in a forest of oak and pine trees, on the Salem Plateau. Primitive camping is available below Noblett Dam and at the old loop known as Sugar Hill across from Noblett trailhead

Falling Spring

Falling Springs mill is south of Highway 60 at Winona in Shannon County, off Highway 19. Just across the Oregon County Line on Highway 19, look for a small – very small – brown sign on your left that simply says “Falling Spring.” The Falling Spring area was a homestead community, settled first around 1851. Back in those days, the old Thomasville road connected Midco to Thomasville, and 10 to 12 wagons per day would camp near the cool spring. In 1851, Thomas and Jane Brown homesteaded the property, and built their cabin – now known as the Thomas Brown cabin, which is still standing. The area was an excellent homestead site, providing for all their basic needs of water for livestock and personal use, plus plenty of trees to provide shelter. The Brown cabin was the first of four homes built in the milling community. The mill itself was built between 1927 and 1929, and was used to grind corn for feed, to saw out shingles and firewood, and to generate electricity. The first mill had a wooden wheel; later, it was enclosed with saw board siding. The mill’s present overshot wheel came from the Johnson Spring mill, approximately 3 miles down Hurricane Creek from Falling Spring.

Hodgson Mill

From the parking lot on Highway 181 where it crosses Bryant Creek, you can feel the cool breeze from the natural air conditioning provided by the spring under Hodgson Mill. The spring pumps about 24 to 28 million gallons of cold, clear water each day and is known as Bryant Creek. A mill had been on site since the 1830’s, with the second mill burned down in the Civil War. Alva Hodgson built the current three-story mill in 1897, and the community eventually included a large store, and a post office. The mill later was operated by Alva’s brother, George, as Alva went on to build and operate Dawt Mill. Then, the Wood and Aid families purchased the mill and owned it until the late 1990’s. The mill’s current owners have been working to restore the facility, which was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Open through mid-October, the mill now houses a gift shop of Ozarks crafts, including authentic Ozarks rocking chairs made by Amish crafters in Seymour, and crafted gourds from a local artist. The famous Hodgson Mill flour and corn meal products are now made in nearby Gainesville, but still bear the Hodgson Mill name.

Alley Spring

One of the area’s favorite attractions is Alley Spring, off Highway 106 in Shannon County. The current mill at Alley was constructed between 1893 and 1894 as a merchant mill. It was larger than most on the Jacks Fork, and replaced an earlier mill that had been built in 1868. It was originally unpainted, then later painted white with green trim. It eventually was painted the red color it is today. The mill itself ground wheat or corn, with the community outside bustling with as much activity as inside. The mill’s flow of 81 million gallons per day powered the roller mill. Outside, farmers would gather by the cool water to wait for their turn in line. They would visit with friends and neighbors, or take advantage of the blacksmith shop, general store and baseball diamond. The community also included a post office and a school that saw as many as 42 pupils in 1903. Church services also were held in the schoolhouse. Alley became one of Missouri’s first resorts, known as Crystal Spring Town Site in 1912. In later years, the park was home to an operational Ozarks still, which demonstrated how old-timers made moonshine. Though the park no longer includes that feature, there is plenty to do, with the Alley Mill Museum open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camping, fishing and canoeing are available nearby.

Dawt Mill

The mill and resort are located off Highway PP on the North Fork River and have long been a popular spot for canoeing and fishing. The water is clear and calls to visitors to the mill and general store, where you can find Dawt Mill souvenirs, river necessities and a cold drink. Canoeing is available between March and November; convention facilities and rooms also are available. The mill also is operated sometimes on the weekends to demonstrate the grinding process to those visiting what used to be the bustling village of Dawt. At the turn of the century, Dawt had a grocery store, post office, blacksmith shop, saw mill, cotton gin, roller mill, a church and a few houses. A mill was operated on the property as early as 1866. The property changed hands numerous times in the early years, and a patent for the land was given by President Grant in 1874. Between 1897 and 1900, Alva Hodgson, who had built Hodgson Mill a few miles away on Bryant Creek in Sycamore, purchased the land. Hodgson rebuilt the dam, and built a three-story roller mill, powered by a turbine on the west side of the mill. People from as far away as Arkansas traveled to have their grain ground and cotton ginned. After World War II, mills across the Ozarks began to close, but Dawt was the exception. By the early 1960’s, however, the mill was operated infrequently. The property changed hands numerous times before 1995, when the present corporate owners purchased the property, and added many of the current amenities.

Rockbridge Mill

Traveling along Highway 76, go west to Highway 95, then south to Highway N, then just up the road to Rockbridge. Learn more about Rockbridge by visiting them online at www.rockbridgemo.com

Topaz Mill

Located in Douglas County, off Highway E south of the junction of Highway 76 and 181, Topaz Mill is privately owned. The owners, however, are friendly and welcome visitors.

Willow Springs has several parks to enjoy the outdoor beauty of the area. Whether you are looking to enjoy an outdoor picnic, a few minutes of fresh air and nature, a walking track, playground equipment or a family reunion or outdoor gathering there is something that will fill that need in the local parks!

Booster Field

Booster Field - 812 Main St - This is where it all happens, summer softball leagues, mighty mite football, and the Farmers Market. There is also a children's playground, tennis courts, basketball court, concession stand and a pavilion on the premises.

Walking Trail

The Willow Springs Walking Trail - 812 E Main - Lace up your sneakers and grab your walking buddy. The Willow Springs Walking Trail is the perfect place for you to walk your way to a healthy lifestyle.

Earl Shipley Park

Earl Shipley was the first man in Howell County to join the American Expeditionary Force, though he was touring in North Dakota with the circus. In 1919, Earl Shipley returned to circus life after his discharge from the Army. In honor of Earl Shipley “the Dean of the Clowns” Willow Springs named a park after him. Earl Shipley Park, located near the railroad tracks at the end of Ferguson Street, features a caboose, symbolizing the town’s rich railroad history.

Veteran's Municipal Park

Veteran's Municipal Park - 1019 N Walnut- Relax under the shady pavilion while the children play on the playground. Make a date to play tennis on the courts. Plan a Saturday BBQ at the out door grill. Take in some of your favorite music at the amphitheater. Don't forget to check out the skate park!

Steve Norman Park

Located in downtown Willow Springs next to Privette Law Offices the gazebo and grounds are maintained by the Willow Springs Rotary club and offer a beautiful green space to enjoy a break in your day!

Water Park & Pool

Willow Springs Water Park - 1004 Corn Ave - This is no ordinary city pool! Enjoy the refreshing thrill of our water slide, float along the lazy river, entertain the kiddies at the children's play area with fountains, a small water slide, and wading pool. There is also a lap pool/community pool. Concessions are available on site with picnic tables available for outdoor seating.

Star Park

Located in downtown Willow Springs at 213 E Main St. between the Historic Star Theatre and Coulter Heating & Cooling, this park offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy a take out meal from local restaurants with the newly renovated picnic tables. Known as "Star Park" this is a space that was donated by US Bank to the Willow Springs Community Foundation. That building that had stood here was built around 1900. Garret Graham of Pomona owned the building which housed Simpson's Donut Shop in 1982. Graham was also a jeweler and the building had been home to a print shop in the 1920's.The large willow trees offer the inspiration for the city's name and offers some shade and relaxation in the middle of downtown Willow Springs.