Soper's Mill
Soper’s Mill is a 16-acre historic site on the Skunk River. Bird watching, geocaching, and several other activities are possible however we do not have picnic tables or grills available. Recreational opportunities include canoeing, kayaking, stream fishing, hiking, and forest/upland hunting (see additional information below).
Soper's Mill is open to pedestrians and off-road bicyclists only from Soper's Mill to Bear Creek.
Soper's Mill is part of the Skunk River Greenbelt. The Skunk
River Greenbelt features 620 acres with deer, furbearers, and small game.
Some greenbelt properties are posted "No Hunting." Other areas
are easements and not available for public hunting. Observe boundary
signs. Trapping is allowed in the public hunting areas. No target
shooting is allowed. Only
non-toxic ammunition is allowed.
All state hunting laws apply. Hunters must
possess the proper license(s). Please remember to get permission
when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on
public land. For a complete listing of all state hunting
regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or
contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. Pets shall be
deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by
a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or
attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting
areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from
March 15 to July 15 and must be kept under control at all times.
Public Hunting Brochure
Public Fishing Brochure
Skunk River Greenbelt Trails Map
Water Trail – South Skunk River Map
SCC Rules and Regulations
HISTORY
The original namesake mill was reportedly built within the
park’s boundaries in 1856 as a sawmill that was replaced with a grist mill just
years later. Under numerous owners, the successful mill continued grinding
large quantities of buckwheat meal and flour, running at full capacity day and
night to scarcely meet demand.
By the 1890s, mill operations ceased due to a water supply
too low to provide sufficient power to run the machinery. The site became a
popular area for fishing, picnics, and celebrations in the years to follow. The
dam washed away in 1909 and remains were torn down in the 1930s, although the
area remained a local favorite for outdoor recreation that has continued to
present day.
In 2005, this area was improved with the installation of a
rock riffle utilizing the aid of a State Fish Habitat Grant. With certain water
levels, it is very common to see paddlers navigate through the rock riffle just
to portage their craft back upstream to repeatedly enjoy the rock riffle and is
equally popular with anglers. While some users believe this riffle is the site of
the historic mill, it has only existed since the early 2000s.
Location
Soper’s Mill–North (56501 170th St., Ames, 50010) East of river
Soper’s Mill–South (56364 170th St., Ames, 50010) West of river at intersection of 170th Street and 563rd Avenue
Operating Hours & Seasons
Park Hours are 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
Closures
This area is open year round.
