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 on weekends at designated times from March through November, with money raised from these tours supporting the operation of the mill. 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.
Hike with a Naturalist
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, 10-11:30
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, 10-11:30
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.
Free
Join one of our naturalist staff members on a guided hike around Historic Yates Mill County Park to see what we can find! Staff will identify plants and animals we see and will share some of the best places for seeing wildlife. Come prepared to hike at least a mile by wearing close-toed shoes and bringing a full water bottle. Suggested for ages 8 and up; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the park office.
To register for the Dec. 14 hike, click here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wakeparks/activity/search/detail/7623
To register for the Dec. 15 hike, click here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wakeparks/activity/search/detail/7624
To register for the Dec. 20 hike, click here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wakeparks/activity/search/detail/7625
Yates Mill Ponderings: Bird Names
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024
1 to 1:45 p.m.
Free: Register here
Some of our birds are getting new names in the coming years in favor of more descriptive names for identification. Come learn which birds will change and see if we can come up with our own names! Join our 45-minute presentation and feel free to stay afterwards for a Q&A with our presenter. Yates Mill Ponderings, a wintertime program series, offers more in-depth looks into topics of scientific and historical interest. Best for ages 8 and up. FREE. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Hands-On History: Ornaments
Saturday, December 21, 2024
1 to 3 p.m.
Free (no registration 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. Weather permitting, this program will meet in the mill yard by Historic Yates Mill. For all ages; registration is not required as this is a drop-in program.
History Hike at Historic Yates Mill
Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024
2-2:45 p.m.
Free: register here
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 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.
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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.
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