MPR’s Tim Nelson profiles the State Fair’s Ye Old Mill as preparations are made for it’s 100th year in operation. For some the ride is romantic; for others it is simply three-and-a-half minutes of peace, solitude, quiet amongst the hustle and bustle.
The ride is a 971-foot concrete trough, with 15 inches of water at the start, and 35 inches at the end. It holds about 60,000 gallons. There are 11 boats and the building that houses the machinery and staff is a tobacco barn.