Then And Now, New Life For A Flour Mill/Power Plant

Iowa River And Power Company

I often walk to the Iowa River and cross the fairly new walking and bike bridge. Usually it is a beautiful walk and even with the flood waters there is still something that draws me there. You cross the bridge at the Iowa River Dam which was originally built in 1843 and was the largest dam along the Iowa River. The mills built along that stretch used the power produced by the damn, in particular the Coral Mill which eventually closed around 1900. In 1902 the City of Iowa City bought the property and constructed a power plant which operated until 1964.

In 1964 the Iowa City Power Plant was sold to the City of Coralville for $1.00 and the city sold it to others who used it for storage until 1976. Conversion of the structure into a restaurant began in February of 1977. The Iowa River and Power Restaurant officially opened October 24, 1977. During the years is has undergone several renovations. At one time in the 1980s a portion of the building housed the Blue Moon Lounge. Currently that portion is Flannigan's Bar and Grill.

You can dine inside the restaurant with a breathtaking view of the river  

Or if you like dining al fresco you can sit on the patio, even when the flood waters are rushing past.

 In 2006 the new walking bike bridge was built across the Iowa River on top of the dam. It replaced a catwalk that went across on top of the dam that was seldom used and not too safe. At a cost of 1.7 million dollars the bridge spans 350 feet, linking Coralville and Iowa City.

 Coralville has constructed a brick approach and Gazebo on their side.

There is also a 350 foot approach on the Iowa City side.

It is at this site that patrons of the Iowa River and Power Company Restaurant can enjoy the rivers beauty from inside the restaurant or on the patio.

What was once a simple flour mill is today one of Iowa's best know eating places.