The picturesque area, located on the Spoon River, has had a variety of crafters and demonstrations from its start on the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive. The area once had a covered bridge – a replica of the bridge stands on the west side of Helm Park. Vendors, crafters, demonstrations, and music are ongoing traditions in the area. Handmade crafts are still highly sought after in Duncan Mills with most vendors making handmade items such as woodcarvings, crocheted scarves, soap, jewelry, and more. Entertainment includes long-time dulcimer musician Steve Endsley and other special guests. Food is always a favorite in Duncan Mills also. Family style food features biscuits and gravy, pork chops, beef and noodles, loaded baked potatoes and more. Family Bakery covers dessert where you can choose any kind of fruit pie you can imagine, cookies, breads, and other treats.
Duncan Mills has a rich history with roots tying to the earliest start of the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive. According to early published records, “Duncan Mills, a small village on the bank of Spoon River, is located in Isabel Township. The township takes its name from Point Isabel, the jut of land just south of the mouth of the Spoon River, where early settlers crossed the Illinois River. It was on the south bank of Spoon River not far from Point Isabel that the first Fulton County settler, Dr. Davidson, known as the hermit, was found by others who came, and he moved because ‘things were getting too crowded.’ Duncan Mills is picturesque. The mills were built in the 1830’wby George Duncan and the village was platted in 1867. The mill was burned by an arsonist in 1870 and the expense of rebuilding it threw George Duncan’s son in bankruptcy, so the mill ran only a few years longer. In our fast-paced world, for these two weekend folks can slow down a bit, enjoy history, sites, food, and hospitality. Stop by Duncan Mills, you won’t be disappointed.
