In Bārbele parish, in the fold Iecava river, “Ausekļu dzirnavas” (Ausekļu mill) – a recreation space and a museum of vintage farming and household items meticulously was developed and step by step since 2005. A site with a long history where the “Ausekļu” water mill was first launched on the Iecava River in 1896 and operated until 1950.
As the site began to be sorted out, a unique message written by the builders of the first mills for generations to come was found at the old mill foundations - a clear sign that the work started on the mill must continue.
There is now a farmyard with renovated water mills – an opportunity to see the process of milling grain (rough milling, pearl barleying and groating) and relax in the banquet hall, museum buildings – Trīne’s barn, Forge, Wind mill, Barn, Bread house, cart-house, Steam engine barn – containing many interesting and specific exhibits.
In 2013 “Ausekļu dzirnavas” were awarded with the cultural heritage badge “Latvian heritage” by the Association “Rural Traveller” – an award for maintaining Latvian traditions in a modern tourism offer. The museum is known near and far for organizing events – “The Festival of the seedlings” and “The Reaping Festival”.
