Cleveland is full of history but, every so often, it is well worth venturing outside of the metropolitan area to get a taste of Ohio as it appeared in yesteryear. Dunham Tavern is Cleveland’s oldest building, but few buildings in the area can even rival its age… there is, however, one historic mill near Cleveland that has been restored to working condition. Are you ready to step back in time? Gas up the car, because we’re heading on a road trip to the 1830s.

To travel from Cleveland to the old grist mill in Loudonville, you have to first take an hour and a half road trip.
Google Maps
There are a few different routes you can take, depending on which part of Cleveland you are traveling from. For an interactive map, click here.
Depending on your route, you might want to add Cuyahoga Valley National Park or the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to your road trip.
J. Todd Poling/Flickr
These fascinating local landmarks are pretty much along the way, but there are other quirky attractions worth stopping at, too. Ohio Station Outlets is also along the way, and historic Medina, Ohio isn't too far off course, either.
Once you arrive in the Loudonville area, you'll find yourself drawn to the historic Wolf Creek Grist Mill.
Wolf Creek GristMill/Facebook
Located off of OH-3 on the watery stretch of Pine Run, this historic structure is striking. Though Ohio historically had many mills, it seems a select few have survived to this day.
In 1831, the land on which this building sat was owned by Isaac Wolf. His tenant, another gentleman by the name of Isaac, built the mill in that year.
Wolf Creek GristMill/Facebook
Isaac Meanor, the mill's builder, named it Wolf's Mill for his landlord. By the time a grandson of Isaac Wolf came into possession of the property, flowers were planted and picnic tables were placed around the mill to make it more visitor friendly.
Eventually, the mill was renovated and was billed as a resort... but, alas, this short-lived success did not last.
Wolf Creek GristMill/Facebook
It fell into disrepair quickly, sitting abandoned in the Ohio wilderness. Eventually, someone disassembled the mill and rebuilt it (piece by piece) at its current location. It would take another few decades before this building would be restored to its full glory, however.
Finally, around 1998, a nonprofit organization was formed to save the dilapidated building from demolition.
Wolf Creek GristMill/Facebook
Repairs were made, and the building slowly came back to life. Now known as Wolf Creek Grist Mill, this circa 1830s piece of local history is finally operating once again.

Related Stories

Road Trip From Cleveland To Quilt Country For A Stay At The Hotel Millersburg

Road Trip From Cleveland To Quilt Country For A Stay At The Hotel Millersburg

 5 Treasure-Filled Medina County Antique Shops That Merit A Day Trip From Cleveland

5 Treasure-Filled Medina County Antique Shops That Merit A Day Trip From Cleveland

 Road Trip From Cleveland To Zoar To See Where American Soldiers Staved Off The British Against All Odds

Road Trip From Cleveland To Zoar To See Where American Soldiers Staved Off The British Against All Odds
Other buildings, like the Fromme Cabin, have been moved to the site of the mill, as well.
Wolf Creek GristMill/Facebook
The Fromme Cabin is now used as a visitor's center, and boy, is it full of charm. Though the 55-acre volunteer-run park offers much to see, visitors remain charmed by the simplicity of this site.
Many of the buildings on site, including an 1880s sawmill, mill equipment, and several log cabins, are still undergoing restoration.
Julie OBrien/Google Images
All in all, these sites successfully recreate a circa 1880s farmstead as one may have looked in this part of Ohio. As the restoration process continues, it is likely that this historic site will grow to include additional buildings in the future.
Visitors love exploring this site on weekends between noon and 5 p.m.
Wolf Creek GristMill/Facebook
Hike the trails around the mill to take in the majesty of the surrounding parkland. This charming landscape in the Mohican area is open to the public between May and October, as volunteers are available. Want to make a difference? You can donate to this nonprofit museum on their website.
And, of course, visitors can't get enough of special events at Wolf Creek Grist Mill.
BuckeyeAdventures/TripAdvisor
Events like Oktoberfest are always a hit. For more upcoming fun, visit their website here.
History abounds at this incredible local landmark.
Wolf Creek GristMill/Facebook
Want to help bring history to life? The mill museum has a wishlist to help improve the grounds. Volunteer your time or donate that old antique equipment that's been sitting in your shed forever. There are many ways to get involved here!
Prepare to fall in love with this slice of old school Ohio.
Earl Dale/Google Images
Connect with Wolf Creek Grist Mill on Facebook to plan your trip.

When this historic mill near Cleveland was built, Ohio was a young state. Times have changed significantly but, thanks to the efforts of an incredible group of volunteers, the buildings around Wolf Creek Grist Mill seem frozen in time.

Can’t get enough of old school Ohio? Visit some of the most historic landmarks near Cleveland for more adventure and these attractions and hidden gems.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
10,000 South, OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA