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.
Hike with a Naturalist
Friday, January 2, 2026, 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Register
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Register
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Register
Free (register at links above)
Start 2026 off right by joining one of our naturalist staff members for a guided hike 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. FREE.
Exploration Station: Winter Wonderland
January 7 to 31, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free
Winter has its own beauty! Stop by the Historic Yates Mill’s A.E. Finley Center to view some of our favorite photos of the park in winter, including geese walking on a frozen pond, the historic mill covered in snow, icicles hanging from the forebay, animals playing in the snow, and more. This self-guided table will be available from Jan. 7 to 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the visitor center. Free.
Life on the Land
Saturday, January 10, 2026
2 to 3 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Join park staff for a walk around the millpond and a discussion about local history. Learn about the way that people have lived and worked in rural Wake County for more than 300 years. This program will be completely outdoors, so please dress for the weather and be prepared to walk about a mile. For all ages (best suited for ages 10 and up). Registration is required. FREE.
Park Tales: Little Owl’s Snow
Friday, January 16, 2026
10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Join park staff in reading this story about Little Owl’s joy experiencing the magic of winter and his first snowfall. Learn about the different owls that call North Carolina home, and make a fun craft to take home! Best for ages 6 & under. Registration is required for everyone, and adult accompaniment is required for all children. FREE.
Yates Mill Ponderings: Water Animation
Saturday, January 17, 2026
1-1:45 p.m.
Free (register at link above)
How do film animators make water flow? Dive into the depths of water animation, its history, and its environmental impact in this lecture with a member of the park staff. After the program, feel free to stay for a short Q&A or take a walk to admire how our very own millpond water flows. 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. FREE.
History Hike
January 24, 2026: Register
January 25, 2026: Register
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.
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
Please check out our big list of free and cheap kids’ events in the Triangle or look at a quick list here:
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