Historic Yates Mill County Park, at 6420 Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, is a 174-acre wildlife refuge and an environmental research center.
The centerpiece is the Historic Yates Mill, which is the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County. The mill is on the National Register of Historic Places and was restored to working order in 2005.
Admission to the park is free. Tours of the historic gristmill are offered for free on weekends at designated times from March through November.
Visit the park’s website for information about guided mill tours. You can also enjoy other programs at the park (click here for details) or you can explore the park on your own. Read on to see what’s coming up, as well as to learn more about the park and the mill.
Jump to a list of upcoming events, or keep reading to learn more about the park.
The water-powered gristmill has been operational for more than 200 years. There were once 70 gristmills in Wake County, and this is the only one that is still in operation.
Gristmills are used for grinding corn, wheat and other grains into flour. A stream of water is guided into a waterwheel. This provides the power to rotate large millstones that crush the grain into smaller pieces. You’ll find gristmills near a source of running water, like a waterfall, or a dam.
Modern mills, on the other hand, use electricity to spin heavy steel or cast iron rollers.
In rural areas, before there were towns, gristmills were gathering spots for fishing, swimming and picnicking.
Today, you can fish at Historic Yates Mill County Park. There are also walking trails, gardens, a picnic area, and interpretive exhibits and trails.
Public Programs at Historic Yates Mill County Park
Find the most current list of public programs on Yate Mill’s website. Here’s some of what’s coming up. Follow the links to register or to get more information.
Meet Santa at Yates Mill
Saturday, Dec 6, 2025
10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
Free
No registration
Meet Santa inside the historic gristmill during Yates Mill Associates’ (YMA) free event! Volunteers will be available to take photos with your cameras or phones. While at the park, you can also make holiday crafts, play historic games, buy gifts from YMA’s craft sale, and more. Due to limited space, entry into the mill will be staggered to allow each family a private moment with Santa. Available on a first-come, first-served basis; simply come to the park visitor center to sign up for an available space. YMA welcomes donations at this event, to help its work preserving the mill.
History Hike
Sunday, December 7, 2025
2 to 2:45 p.m.
Free (register above)
Join park staff for a hike to the gristmill and to the site of the miller’s residence (which is no longer standing) to learn about the history of some of the people who have lived and worked on the land that is now a park. Learn about the old water mill, and discover artifacts that help tell stories of some of the people who lived, worked, or visited here. This program will be completely outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. FREE; for all ages (best suited for ages 7 and up). Registration is required for all participants.
Yates Mill Ponderings: State Birds
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
1-2 p.m.
Free (register at link above)
Choosing a state symbol is a chance to say something special about your state. State symbols can represent the state’s culture, conservation efforts, or interesting stories! When it comes to state birds, seven different states (including North Carolina) have selected the Northern Cardinal. In fact, only 18 states have a unique state bird! Join us to discover some of the cool stories behind different state birds and to discuss a more unique option to represent North Carolina! Best for ages 8 & up. Join our 45-minute presentation and feel free to stay afterwards for a Q&A with our presenter. Pre-registration is encouraged, though you can also sign up in-person for any available spaces on the day of the program.
Hike with a Naturalist
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
9:30-11 a.m.
Free (register at link above)
Join one of our naturalist staff members on a guided hike around the park to discover the plants and animals that live here! Come prepared to hike at least a mile on natural surfaces by wearing close-toed shoes and bringing a full water bottle. Suggested for ages 8 and up. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Please arrive at the park office five minutes early for program check-in.
Exploration Station: Winter Waterfowl
Dec. 1 to 31, 2025
All operating hours
Free
Winter is duck season! This time of year, we have more ducks on our pond than any other time of year. Come check out our educational display and pick up a brochure all about our local winter waterfowl. This self-guided table will be inside the park’s A.E. Finley Center.
Park Tales: Time to Sleep
Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Enjoy this warm-hearted story about animals of the forest settling down for their winter nap. But, like children who must go to bed for the night, they each find a way to put it off just a little bit longer. Then make a fun craft, and go on a short hike! For all ages (best for ages 6 and under); adult accompaniment is required for all children. Registration is required.
Hands-on History: Ornaments
Monday, Dec. 22, 2025
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free (registration is not required)
How did people live while Yates Mill was operating as a business from the mid-1700s to the mid-1900s? Join us for a drop-in, hands-on activity to make an ornament to experience life from long ago. This program will meet inside the park’s visitor center. For all ages; registration is not required as this is a drop-in program.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
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