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.
Mill Open House
Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026
Sunday, March 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2026
1 to 4 p.m. each day
Free (no registration required)
Discover Historic Yates Mill during this free, drop-in program. The doors to the mill will be open, and historic interpreters will be available to talk about the history and inner workings of the mill and to answer questions. Stay for as long or as little as you like! Please note that space inside the mill is limited, allowing up to 20 visitors at a time.
Drop-In Science: Birds of a Feather
Saturday, March 21, 2026
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free
With the start of spring bird migration season this month, it’s a good time to show off our collection of bird specimens! Come by anytime during this drop-in program and learn about our local birds, and feel free to bring feathers from your own collection and see if the expert staff can ID them! For all ages; registration is not required as this is a drop-in program. FREE.
Nature Journaling: Spring
Saturday, Mar 28, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Join this guided nature journaling practice to welcome spring by learning about historical perspectives on nature and the basics of nature journaling. Bring your creativity, a notebook (optional), walking shoes, and an appreciation for the natural world. Recommended for ages 8 and up (adult accompaniment required for all children); registration is required.
Mill History Tour
Fridays, March 13 & 27, 2026
1-2 p.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. each day
Free (register at above link)
Discover Historic Yates Mill – a place of business, community, and exciting local history! Take a guided walk to the mill, then explore the inner workings of the mill itself. Pre-registration is encouraged, though you can also sign up in the visitor center on the day of the tour. Limit: 20 people.
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More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
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