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.
Yates by Night: Evening Birds
Friday, July 5, 2024
7 to 8 p.m.
Free (Register here)
Watch for nocturnal bird species on this easy hike. All ages welcome.
Hands-On History: Historic Games
Thursday, July 11, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free
Learn how the people of Yates Mill had fun by playing historic games with historic toys! For all ages.
Hike with a Naturalist
Friday, July 12, 2024
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Free (Register here)
Enjoy a guided hike around the park. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle.
Park Tales: And Then Comes Summer
Thursday, July 18, 2024
10 to 10:45 a.m.
Free (Register here)
Celebrate summer with Yates Mill’s park staff with their reading of And Then Comes Summer, and partake in fun summertime activities and crafts. Best for ages 6 and under.
Please follow the links below for more information, and to register, if necessary
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:
