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.
Hands-On History: Toys and Games
Friday, July 4, 2025
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free
Drop-in on this hands-on history lesson and learn how the people of Yates Mill operated as a business from the mid-1700s to the mid-1900s through fun activities, toys, and games! This event is open to all ages.
Hike with a Naturalist
Saturday, July 19, 2025
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Free
Register here
Join one of Yate Mill’s naturalist staff for a guided hike around the park. Learn about the native plants and animals that live there. Be prepared for a hike about a half mile long on natural surfaces. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a full water bottle. For all ages, but ages 8 and up recommended.
Hike with a Naturalist
Sunday, July 20, 2025
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Free
Register here
Join one of Yate Mill’s naturalist staff for a guided hike around the park. Learn about the native plants and animals that live there. Be prepared for a hike about a half mile long on natural surfaces. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a full water bottle. For all ages, but ages 8 and up recommended.
Park Tales: The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
Friday, July 25, 2025
10 to 10:45 a.m.
Free
Register here
Registration required. Open to all ages, but ages 6 and under are recommended. Join Yates Mill Park staff in this delightful story-time reading and learn about strawberries and other native berries and seeds that provide food for our wildlife! This event will include a walk in the park looking for wildlife food and a craft that you can bring home.
Yates by Night: Dazzling Dragonflies
Friday, July 25, 2025
6 to 7 p.m.
Free
Register here
Join Yates Mill and learn about dragonflies and what makes them so unique! All ages welcome, but ages 6 and up are recommended.
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:
