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: The Great Backyard Bird Count
Friday, February 13, 2026, 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Register
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Register
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Register
Monday, February 16, 2026, 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Register
Free (register at links above)
Join one of our naturalist staff members on a guided hike around the park to contribute to one of the world’s largest citizen-science projects! Come prepared to hike at least a mile by wearing closed-toe 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.
Life on the Land: A Guided Hike with a Park Historian
Saturday, February 7, 2026
2 to 3 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Join park staff for a walk around the pond 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.
Drop-In Science: Birds of a Feather
Saturday, February 14, 2026
2 to 4 p.m.
Free
Since this weekend is the Great Backyard Bird Count, 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 to see if the expert staff can ID them! For all ages; registration is not required as this is a drop-in program.
Park Tales: Group Hug
Friday, February 20, 2026
10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Join park staff in reading a story about a forest of friendly animals who learn the contagious happiness that hugs can bring. Then make some fun, related crafts to share with someone you love! For all ages (best for ages 6 and under); adult accompaniment is required for all children. FREE. Registration is required for all participants.
Yates Mill Ponderings: Wildlife Photography
Saturday, February 21, 2026
1-1:45 p.m.
Free (register at link above)
Join park volunteer and hobbyist photographer David Dorman for a look at his approach to wildlife photography at Historic Yates Mill County Park and other natural areas. He will share easy-to-understand tips on photo composition and camera settings, and where to find a wide variety of wildlife in central and eastern North Carolina. This 45-minute presentation is recommended for ages 8 and up, and participants are welcome to stay afterward for a question-and-answer session with the presenter. Pre-registration is encouraged. FREE
History Hike
Sunday, February 22, 2026
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
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