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…
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. .
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.
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In total, this county park has four miles of trails carved in to the forest and wetland habitats and crossing both creek and pond.
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.
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.
