River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction
Iowa cities and colleges within 10 to 25 minutes: • Cedar Falls -University of Northern Iowa • Waverly - Wartburg • Waterloo, Iowa - Hawkeye Community College and John Deere Museum Cultural and sporting events abound.
WiFi is on-site & free! Off-Street parking free. Rent the 1867 Old Mill's second-floor, studio apartment unit. Relax in rustic surroundings with the comfort of modern amenities. Enjoy a mix of cozy, eclectic, antique and handcrafted furnishings and a fully-furnished kitchen. Marvel at The Old Mill's 1867 craftsmanship and mortise and tenon construction. Spectacular wooden beams, columns, timbers and ceiling joists were left exposed when the building was repurposed. Flooring was salvaged to frame the doors and windows. Just imagine the architectural and engineering prowess that created Shell Rock's landmark.
Escape big city life for smalltown friendliness and "Iowa nice" which are refreshing characteristics of Shell Rock, Iowa. Recreational opportunities abound from outside the door to within 35 miles in county and state parks, lakes, and on Cedar, Shell Rock and Wapsipinicon Rivers: • Canoeing and kayaking. • Hiking and biking on 100+ miles of bike trails - most are hard surfaced. • Fishing - Walleye, bass, catfish and more. • Golfing within 10 to 30 miles.
Use The Old Mill as your base for daytrips to Northeast Iowa's scenic landscape including Amish country; the quaint Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa; dairies or a buffalo ranch; train exhibits. Explore area historical or agricultural museums. Return to The Old Mill for a campfire or cozy relaxation with sounds of the river to lull you to sleep.
LOCATION: 103 N Cherry Street, Shell Rock, Iowa. Easy access from Iowa Highway 3. Located two miles west of the Avenue of the Saints, i .e., Highway 218, which connects St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota. OR Located 50 minutes/43 miles east of I-35 on Iowa Highway 3.
DECK UNIT's 2nd FLOOR ACCESS: >Ascend outside stairs near the patio (19 easy steps with handrail. No elevator.) and a walkway to the deck. >Glass sliding doors lead into the living area. Blue carpet reminds you of the river.
AWESOME VIEWS INSIDE AND OUT >A "tree house" view overlooks the river bank two stories below. Glimpse eagles or blue herons soaring above the river. In summer the tree canopy blocks the view of the shelter house at the adjacent city park. >Water tumbles over the rock rubble dam upstream. Below the dam is spawning territory for walleye in early spring. People fish year around. >Sunsets are stunning.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT: Refrigerator, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher. Keurig, Ninja coffee and latte maker plus a 30-cup drip coffee pot. Tea kettle. Blender. Belgian waffle maker. Electric skillet. Crock pot. Stand mixer. Utensils, silverware, linens, cookware, dinnerware, and bakeware. BBQ tools. Dish soap, hand soap, detergent.
COMPLIMENTARY: Coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Keurig pods. Basic spices, sugar, flour, oil and vinegar staples. Waffle mix, syrup, butter. LET US KNOW if you have special dietary needs or restrictions.
IN TOWN: >A hometown bar/grill as well as a steakhouse are a short walk across the bridge. Summertime Ice Cream shop with pizza. >24-hour convenience store: breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, daily specials, pizzas and pastry items, heat and eat meals. Full line of hot and cold drinks. ATM. Gasoline. Propane tank exchange. >Community outdoor pool open in summer. College wellness center with indoor pool open year round, guest passes, 5.8 miles from mill. >Frisbee golf four blocks from mill. >Walking and biking trail along river two blocks from mill. Another paved, 26-mile trail, less than two miles from the mill. Additional rail trail in Waverly. >Playground equipment is behind the elementary school, diagonally across the street.
LAWN ORNAMENTS - PARK SETTING: • Three huge turbines • Partial millstones • Gears, pulleys, milling equipment, and a wagon lift from the mill • Perennial plantings •Patio with gas grill. •Fire ring. Gather wood along river. • Double lot, park-like setting. • Adjacent park above the dam has a shelter that can be reserved with a deck, picnic tables, restrooms May- October, electricity plus plenty of parking for friends or family reunion.
The Old Mill is a wonderful place to combine relaxation with nature and exercise! Come unwind for a long weekend or get away for a week. For rainy days, books, cards, puzzles and board games are provided. Sunny day equipment includes bat, ball, gloves, tennis racquets and croquet set.
Mill Property ID #1136016 is the studio apartment on the second floor: - referred to as the deck or balcony level of the mill's 5-story structure. - is 1,200 sq ft, open concept. Tri-fold screens for privacy. - sleeps 6 adults if beds are shared. Twin or full Air mattresses, sleeping bags, available for children and teens. Maximum adults = 6. Maximum occupancy 8.
The studio apartment has: • its own 75- gallon water heater, furnace and air conditioner. • separate thermostat to control heat and air. •full bath with pedestal sink, clawfoot tub and separate shower; walnut cabinet with bath linens, hair dryer, toiletries, first aid items. •dining table with leaves to seat 6 to 12 guests.
NOTE #1: Unit may not be suitable for active toddlers due to stairs and open areas UNLESS constantly supervised. NOTE #2: LET US KNOW if you need a card table or TV trays.
NOTE #3: THIRD FLOOR SLEEPING LEVEL: If you rent the 2nd floor studio apartment unit, the 3rd-floor sleeping level can be rented for $120 per night. The 3rd floor is accessed by stairs inside the 2nd floor unit. -- ADD $120 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests, + 4 children or a combination, with a MAXIMUM OF 6 ADULTS OR 6 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN AGE 17 AND UNDER. (added as additional beds/lodging). PLUS $25 per stay per adult guests #5 & #6 with 6 adults maximum. No extra charge for children under 18. Air mattress, fainting couch and a small couch could sleep children. One queen, one double, two twin beds are dorm-style with privacy curtains or a screen.
SEE MILL'S SEPARATE LISTING FOR: VRBO PROPERTY ID #1056730 This is the mill's two-bedroom apartment unit on the first floor (street-level).
RENT BOTH #1056730 (1st floor) and #1136016 (2nd floor): To sleep 12 adults if beds are shared.
ADD THE 3RD-FLOOR to ID #1136016 (second floor studio apartment unit) for: Dorm-style, sleeping area to sleep an additional 6 adults maximum + 2 children (if two beds are shared) with full bath. (OR a combination of adults + children = 8 guests but no more than 6 adults or 6 children.)
THE OLD MILL'S "House Rules" ARE SIMPLE: No pets. No smoking. No candles. No fireworks. No illegal activity. Return items and furniture where you found them. Spray the shower after use. Follow check-in and check-out instructions. Take good care of the gem we've entrusted to you. Relax & Enjoy!
From Daryl & Diana Pals, Old Mill Proprietors NOTE #1: If you rent both 1st and 2nd floor units, the adjoining door is unlocked for easy, inside, stairway access between the two levels. NOTE #2: The Mill was built in 1867. As hard as we try to keep out dust, it is impossible. IF YOU ARE HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO DUST OR GRAIN, The Old Mill may not be for you.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River
Shell Rock
1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River
Not childproofed. Constant supervision under 5 yr.
default
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and weddings
Owner's consent prior to event. Small gatherings.
default
Pets
No pets allowed
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside, on porches or deck.
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Call Daryl or Diana when you depart to check-out.
If you moved it or got it out, please return it to its spot.
Exception: pillows and blankets, used kitchen, bath and bed linens . We want to wash anything you used.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No candles or incense. No fireworks on premises.
Spray stall/bath walls after showering.
Follow check-in and check-out lists.
For each overnight guest 5 days before arriving, give:
Full name
Age
City\state of residence
Vehicle make, model, color, year
License plate # / state
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1136016vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Owner's consent prior to event. Small gatherings.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Shell Rock
Located in Shell Rock, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Waverly Municipal Golf Course and Prairie Links Golf Course & Event Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock Bend Wildlife Management Area. Travelling with kids? Consider McElroy Communication Arts Center, or check out an event or a game at Walston-Hoover Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and cycling.
Benny Gambaiani Public Library - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Shell Rock Historical Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
Shell Rock County Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Getting around
Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 8 min drive
Taco Bell - 9 min drive
VFW - 11 min drive
Scooter's Coffee - 9 min drive
Casey's General Store - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?
As of 12 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction on 15 Jun, 2026 start from S$146, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
What time is check-out at River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction located?
This family-friendly Shell Rock holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Benny Gambaiani Public Library and Shell Rock Historical Museum. Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock County Park are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Such a unique place to stay! Very friendly owners! Will for sure stay again!
Colton T.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr, 2026
Thank you!! Do come again to enjoy the Old Mill's charming, eclectic, comfy atmosphere. Watch the anglers cast their lines into the river or wander to the river's edge. Better yet, bring your fishing gear! Relax to sounds of the river tumbling over the dam. We look forward to your return.
It was well stocked with kitchen supplies, snacks, etc. and the hosts checked with us often to see if we needed anything.
Angela I.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Apr, 2026
Thanks for choosing The Old Mill. Its history lends itself to such a unique lodging experience. Answering your questions was part of the "hospitality package."
Thanks for choosing the second floor unit of The Old Mill. Hope you caught a glimpse of the night sky or a sunrise or sunset from the deck overlooking the river. The water's so clear this time of year. Come back when you can relax and unwind to the sounds of the river flowing over the dam.
LOVE this place. The deck overlooking the town and the river just added to the quaintness and peacefulness of the location.
Sara S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct, 2025
Return when you can kick back, relax, grill and explore the river. The ambience is rustic but clean. The Old Mill is definitely unique with its huge, exposed wooden bbeams.We hope it was worth your drive.
There was a variety of games, and I found everything I needed in the kitchen for cooking meals. We loved the waffle maker and the mix provided. Our hosts responded quickly when we contacted them with questions and were very helpful.
Amy A.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr, 2026
Thanks for your review. We strive to provide a down-to-earth, feels like home experience with odds and ends you might need. Some guests say, "Just bring your clothes. Everything you need is here."
We're delighted to share The Old Mill's unique, eclectic setting.
Host was so welcoming and answers all questions right away! A blizzard hit during our stay and the home was warm and cozy. We were able to have Thanksgiving as a family with our college student, and the kitchen was great to cook in. Our boys love history and enjoyed all the books and pieces of history throughout the home. Very thoughtful hosts, and very clean home.
Nicole F.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Dec, 2025
Thanks for your kind review. We strive to tailor The Old Mill to age and preferences of our guests, if we know them. Hopefully, the mill will be your home-away-from-home on your next visit to your college student. No snow! We discount 10% on your 2nd stay, 15% on the 3rd and 20% on your 4th and following visits.
A very unique property. Spacious and clean. Nice amenities and we loved the complimentary snacks, coffee and pancake/waffle mixes.
David H.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov, 2025
Thanks for choosing our historical, unique Old Mill for your homecoming landing spot.
Yes. Gather those college classmates and rent one, two or three floors of the mill for a friendly getaway. The Old Mill currently can be booked two months out through Vrbo.
NOTE: On your second stay, you receive a 10% discount on the lodging portion. Remind us if we forget!
We're delighted you came & experienced the unique atmosphere The Mill offers. Antiques are part of the decor, as well as old equipment, pulleys hanging from the ceiling, flour auger, bag stencils, etc.
Do return and stay longer!
Loved the little extras that they put out for the guests, this makes the house different than other places we have stayed
Tia B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jun, 2025
The mill's atmosphere is rustic, eclectic, with the comforts of home like complimentary snacks, Keurig coffees, tea, wafflemaker and mix, a can of soup, if staying "home" is what you want.
The sunrise or sunset on the river is icing on the cake!
We're delighted you chose The Old Mill for your landing spot while you were in the Waverly area. Thanks.
Extremely helpful, friendly. Most vrbos i pack a tote of things they never have or dont have enough of (griddle for pancakes, enough towels..)this has it all!!!ice-cream maker, any cooking item you can think of and enough towels!!!Amazing comfy beds and pillows! Check in was easy, communication was incredible. Highly recommend you check it out
Monica W.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2025
Guests often say just pack your clothes, the rest is at The Old Mill. If guests provide details in advance, we strive to arrange The Old Mill to meet your group's needs. Ladies crafting? Family game night? We'll put an extra leaf in the table or provide a card table or TV trays.
Thanks, Monica, for your kind words and for treating our treasure with care.
We absolutely loved staying here. Everything was provided for us, a fantastic view, such a cool atmosphere, we recommend staying! The Pal's are wonderful! Restaurants are about 10 minutes away to Waverly, every place we went too was amazing!Book this place!! 5 out of 5!
John F.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul, 2025
Thank you for your enthusiasm. Guests claim all you need to bring are your clothes. You can add town's landmark to "historical place" when describing the mill. Thank you for choosing The Old Mill.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dawn
8 May, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Very quaint and beautiful surroundings. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. I would stay here again and recommend it to my family and friends.
This is our second Thanksgiving staying at the Old Mill. Cozy, full of history, beautiful river views! Diana was great at communicating and personalizing our stay. Thank you for another wonderful stay!
Leanne R.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Dec, 2024
Thanks! Our goal is to personalize The Old Mill's accommodations to meet our guests' interests and family circumstances. We delight in doing so for our return guests, especially those with ties to Wartburg or the University of Northern Iowa. Do choose the mill as your home-away-from home in our area.
We had a wonderful stay at the Mill. Such a great place with everything needed to be able to enjoy spending time with our family!
Brenda B.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jun, 2024
We're delighted to meet your expectations. We personalize your visit when we can with information you have givrn. We strive to be a welcoming, relaxing, rustic space for friends and families.
We've stayed here several times and always enjoy it. The Mill is very comfortable and it has everything you need. Diana and Daryl are great to deal with. It is a great place to stay!
Jodi K.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Dec, 2022
Hi. Thanks for your kind words. We're always delighted to make The Old Mill a cozy getaway for visiting family or friends. Let's chat to see how the 3rd floor sleeping level worked for you. We look forward to your return.
The Pals' Old Mill Bed & Bath Proprietors
We were in the area for a wedding and this was the perfect place to stay with extended family. Very unique property in nice location!
Deborah m.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May, 2022
The Old Mill does provide great space inside and out, in both rental units, for family gatherings. Thanks for experiencing the mill's awesome ambience.
We hope to be back and bring family. lots of room, gorgeous location, very little street noise, tremendous views, and a great launch pad to explore N.E. Iowa. The hosts are very accommodating and responsive.
myron l.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov, 2023
We're grateful for your patience when an unexpected issue beyond our control arose. Do return with your family. The first floor sleeps six if beds are shared (Property ID 1056730) with a two-bedroom arrangement. The second floor studio unit, open floor plan, is where you stayed with the awesome view from the deck/balcony (Property ID 1136016). It also sleeps six. The 3rd floor may be rented with the second floor for an additional nightly fee. Six to eight guests may be accommodated there with a full bathroom and a sitting area.
You and your family are welcome guests. You certainly earned a bonus for your next stay.
Second time at this property and we had another great stay. This place is very homey and they have everything you need. Thanks so much and we hope to stay again soon!
Jodi K.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Nov, 2021
You're most welcome. The Old Mill's not fancy, but it is unique. We strive to anticipate our guests' needs and provide extra clean surroundings with the comforts of home. See you next year!
We had a great stay this weekend. The mill was so quiet and peaceful. The owners were wonderful to work with and there was nothing that we needed that they hadn’t already thought of.
Nancy J.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug, 2022
Thanks to you & your sisters for blessing us with your weekend getaway. Our aim is to provide guests with clean, comforts of home with the nostalgia of visiting "grandmother's" house. Our hospitality includes sharing tips and hints when you first walk in the door to being available for questions. We're delighted The Old Mill was a respite for you.
Unique and cozy property. Host provided everything that we needed.
William S.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jan, 2024
Thank you for choosing The Old Mill for a unique lodging experience.
About the host
Hosted by Diana & Daryl Pals
We are intrigued by old structures and strive to protect them. Our first restoration projects included restoring a barn and its two-story farm house that one person said should be "dozed." We disassembled a carriage house in town, numbered the boards, moved it and reassembled it on the mill property. Our latest venture has been restoration of a Queen Anne-style house. In our spare time we enjoy nature, bicycling, kayaking, and restoration of antiques. We believe the mill's awesome ambiance should be shared with others. We lived in the mill from 2002 through 2015.
Why they chose this property
Why did we buy this property in Shell Rock? The mill was here! It was waiting for a new opportunity in its long life. The challenge was to take it from a shell with minimal electricity and no plumbing to an insulated, habitable residence while retaining the charm of the massive wooden beams. The previous owner purchased the mill after the business of milling animal feed closed in 1978. He focused on saving the mill from demolition by straightening it, then working from foundation to roof replacing mortar, windows, doors, siding and shingles. We did the "easy" work - drywalling, tearing up flooring, patching floors where all the belts and chains passed through, building walls, cabinets, insulating, painting and various other chores. Visitors remind us of the mill's fascinating character which we now take for granted. As a child, Daryl traveled across the bridge with his parents to visit relatives in a nearby town. He would stand up to see the mill. No car seats then!!
What makes this property unique
Stay in a mill built in 1867 where craftsmanship surrounds you. •Walls enclose the spacious bathroom & separate utility room with washer and dryer.
Architectural features: •Massive beams, columns & their supports. •"Floating" joists. Pulleys hang from ceiling, • Ceiling 14 feet above the living room area & beds. • Drywall & custom kitchen cabinets emphasize the wooden beams. •Sliding glass doors frame the river scene. •Inside those doors, original mill flooring patched where grain chutes & belts passed through the floor. This leads to stairs that access levels above & below. (The third floor level can be added onto the second floor studio apartment. The first floor apartment are not part of this deck-level rental unit.) Windows and doors throughout the mill are framed with wood flooring salvaged from this level. BENEFIT #2: Escape big city hustle & bustle! Enjoy nature. Relax by the river or on it! Walk onto the deck above the river. It will take your breath away! Listen to the rush of the river over the dam. First thing in the morning, gaze out at the river as it tumbles by, sparkling in the morning light. Watch dazzling sunsets. Experience Iowa's varied landscape and small town friendliness from the mill's comfortable, convenient location. Kayak, canoe or fish just steps away from the mill. River boat launches for small craft are within 1, 5 or 15 minutes. If it is not high-water, you can carry your kayak to the adjacent park, launch, paddle upstream and float back without getting in your vehicle. No kayak? Crawdaddy Outdoors rents them 6.5 miles away. Over 100 miles of hard-surfaced trails are within 1 to 25 miles. A short one is two blocks away along the river at Rasmussen Park! An eight-mile trail is one mile north. Motorcyclists can enjoy the abundance of scenic county highways in the area. Swim year round - summer @ town pool & all year @ "The W' six miles away. BENEFIT #3: Wartburg College & University of Northern Iowa are within 6 & 22 miles.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests