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 and Sundays through October 31, 2025
1 to 4 p.m.
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.
Paint the Parks: En Plein Air Art Celebration
Aug. 7 to Oct. 11, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free
For two months this spring, local artists set up their easels across Wake County’s parks and preserves, capturing their beauty and character through outdoor painting. Now you’re invited to experience their work firsthand at a traveling art exhibit that will visit several parks throughout 2026 as part of the 50th anniversary of Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space. Enjoy more than 40 unique pieces of art in this exhibit, which will be available inside the park’s A.E. Finley Center.
Hike with a Naturalist
Friday, October 9, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Join one of the naturalist staff members on a guided hike around the park to discover the plants and animals that live here! Come prepared to hike at least a mile on natural surfaces 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. Please arrive at the park office five minutes early for program check-in.
Mill History Tours
Friday, October 2 and 30, 2026
1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Discover Historic Yates Mill – a place of business, community, and local history! Join a historic interpreter at the visitor center for a guided walk to the mill, then explore the inner workings of the mill itself during this guided tour. 10 spaces are available online for pre-registration, while an additional 10 spaces are available for drop-in registration in the visitor center on the day of the tour. Best for ages 7 & up. FREE.
Nature Journaling
Saturday, October 10, 2026
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Join this guided nature journaling practice to welcome fall 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. For ages 8 and up (adult accompaniment required for all children); registration is required. FREE.
Drop-In Science: Animal Skulls, Skins & Specimens
Monday, October 12, 2026
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
Here at Historic Yates Mill County Park, there is quite the collection of “spooky scary skeletons.” Come to our visitor center during this drop-in program and see (and maybe touch) some of the animal skulls, pelts, and full taxidermy mounts of our local wildlife! For all ages; registration is not required as this is a drop-in program. FREE.
Boo! The Park at Night
Sunday, October 18, 2026
2 to 2:45 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Have you ever wondered what happens at Historic Yates Mill County Park after the gates close? Join park volunteer Dave Dorman for a behind-the-scenes look at the park’s hidden nighttime wildlife. This interactive talk will be held in the park’s auditorium, and participants are welcome to stay afterward for a question-and-answer session with the presenter.
Because the park is closed after dark, this trail camera project required special permission and coordination with park staff, providing a rare opportunity to document the park’s nocturnal animals.
Learn the basics of trail cameras, hear a few lessons learned, and enjoy a collection of photographs and video clips of the fascinating wildlife that comes alive after sunset. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is encouraged. FREE.
Corn Grinding Demonstrations
October 24 and 25, 2026
1 to 4 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
See the historic gristmill in action! Hear the splash of water on the waterwheel, and join our historical interpreters for a tour inside the mill, where you can watch the millstones at work grinding corn into meal. Please note that space inside the mill is limited, allowing up to 20 visitors at a time. No registration is required for this drop-in program.
Park Tales: If You’re a Monster and You Know It
Friday, October 30, 2026
10 to 10:45 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Come practice your spooky monster moves as we read If You’re a Monster and You Know It, by Rebecca Emberley. Then make some Halloween-themed crafts! For all ages (best for ages 6 & under). Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment.
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:
Leave a Reply