🌤 Weather at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–78 °F | 64–90 °F | 36–83 °F | 25–51 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Marble Hill, 6 mi away, elevation 390 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Missouri History — 1800s water-powered grist mill with adjacent Burfordville Covered Bridge — the oldest covered bridge in Missouri (1858) and one of only four remaining covered bridges in the state!
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Missouri |
| Entry Fee | Free admission! |
About Bollinger Mill
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site in Cape Girardeau County preserves a four-story stone grist mill (1867) and the adjacent Burfordville Covered Bridge (1858) — Missouri’s oldest surviving covered bridge. The Whitewater River powered the mill, which ground wheat and corn for the region. The covered bridge — one of only four surviving in Missouri — uses the Howe truss design and spans 140 feet. Together they form one of Missouri’s most photographed historic scenes.
Things to Do
Photographing the iconic mill-and-covered-bridge combination, touring the four-story stone mill, walking through the 1858 covered bridge, picnicking, and visiting this quintessential Americana scene.
Visiting Today
The four-story stone mill and 1858 covered bridge form one of Missouri’s most iconic photographic scenes. The mill pond is popular for fishing. The site hosts a popular annual Heritage Day festival. Located near Cape Girardeau on the Mississippi River, it combines beautifully with a Southeast Missouri road trip.
Getting There
Located on Highway 34 near Burfordville in Cape Girardeau County. Open year-round; the covered bridge and mill are best photographed in autumn. The site is 15 miles north of Cape Girardeau, with easy access from I-55. Trail of Tears State Park is 20 miles east.
Insider Tips
Mill and covered bridge: Bollinger Mill (1867) sits beside the Burfordville Covered Bridge (1868) — one of only four remaining covered bridges in Missouri. Pro tip: The mill and bridge together are one of the most photographed scenes in Missouri — especially with fall foliage or fresh snow. Mill history: The original 1800 mill was destroyed in the Civil War — the current stone mill replaced it.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Foliage with the mill and bridge — iconic Missouri. Winter: Snow on the covered bridge. Spring: High water and mill photography. Summer: Creek wading near the bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many covered bridges are in Missouri?
Only four covered bridges survive in Missouri — down from hundreds in the 1800s. The Burfordville Covered Bridge is the oldest (1868), built with a Howe truss design. Missouri’s bridges disappeared to floods, decay, and modernization. The four survivors — Burfordville, Sandy Creek, Locust Creek, and Union — are all state historic sites, preserved as irreplaceable examples of 19th-century engineering.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Trails of Tears State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Trail of Tears State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Wildlife & Nature
Bollinger Mill SHS — preserves a four-story stone grist mill (1867) and the Burfordville Covered Bridge (1868) — the oldest covered bridge in Missouri. The Whitewater River powers the mill. Great blue herons fish below the dam. Kingfishers dive from branches.
Nearby Attractions
Burfordville — adjacent. Jackson — 10 miles east. Cape Girardeau — 15 miles east. Trail of Tears SP — 10 miles south.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
