Posted in North Carolina Attractions August 07, 2021 by

Historic Yates Mill County Park Is A Little-Known Park In North Carolina That Is Perfect For Your Next Outing

Setting aside some of your leisurely time for a day trip soon? Why not scoot over to the capital city and clock some moments inside a 172-acre nature park and wildlife refuge that features a fully operable grist mill built in 1756? It’s the only one of its kind in the area and a gem to see in person. But the mill isn’t the only reason to visit Historic Yates Mill County Park…

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
But it is a good start!
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You will be in awe of this 256-year-old mill, still standing... and still open to the public (when tours are in progress). Once upon a time, there were more than 70 water-powered gristmills in this county. .
Today, this is the only one that still works
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It's powered by the ever-beautiful 20-acre Yates Millpond. Take a stroll around the lake on the Yates Mill Pond Trail. The trail displays views of the lake while you meander along this one-mile hike.
In total, this county park has four miles of trails carved in to the forest and wetland habitats and crossing both creek and pond.
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Visitors can easily spend half a day just exploring the trails. But there's more to see and do...
The entire property is open for exploration.
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Leave no stone unturned.
And be sure to explore the museum to learn even more about this historic spot that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in February of 1970.
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A 2,200-square-foot exhibit hall starts at the beginning of the story and finishes with the mill's use in education in today's world.
Of course if you really want to hear the information first hand, you'll want to take a guided tour.
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Costumed folks inside and outside the mill are often on hand for guided tours to give live demonstrations of the equipment within the mill. You won't want to miss this!
Historic Yates Mill County Park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to sunset. The mill itself is open during scheduled tour times. Park admission is free.
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Pack a picnic, bring the fishing poles (yes you can fish from the boardwalks!), hike, and explore the day away.
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Historic Yates Mill County Park is open year round and makes a fantastic spot for a solo day trip or one with the whole gang along.

Have you checked out Historic Yates Mill County Park yet? Learn more here!

Want to expand the day trip and take an entire weekend to explore Raleigh? Keep reading: This Weekend Itinerary Is Perfect For Exploring Raleigh in North Carolina.

Address: Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA