The Red Mill at Alley Spring


Alley Spring is a very special place in Missouri. Water comes up from deep underground.
It pours out from beneath a giant rock wall. The water forms a big, bright blue pool.
Every day, lots of cold water flows out. The water flows into a calm stream.
Long ago, people built a big red mill next to the spring. They painted the mill bright red.
The mill used rushing water to make its wheel turn. Farmers brought corn and wheat to the mill.
The turning wheel crushed the grain to make flour. Families used the flour to make bread.
Today, the red mill still stands by the spring. People visit to see the bright red building and blue water.
It is a fun place to learn about nature and the past. You can walk on the path and see the clear spring.
- stream:
- A small, narrow river of moving water.
- mill:
- A building with machinery for grinding grain into flour.
- grain:
- Seeds from crops like wheat or corn used for food.
- flour:
- A soft powder made by grinding grain, used in baking.
- path:
- A track or trail made for walking.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Vocabulary
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Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Where does the water at Alley Spring come from?
- 2What color is the pool formed by Alley Spring?
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About this informational passage for Lower Elementary
“The Red Mill at Alley Spring” is a informational reading passage about Alley Spring and Historic Red Mill, written for Lower Elementary. It takes about 1 minute to read (142 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.


