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.
Upcoming Events at Historic Yates Mill County Park
Park Tales: Rabbit’s Spring Adventure
Monday, March 13, 2023
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (follow above link to register; join waitlist if full)
Hop along with Rabbit as we read a children’s book. Then explore the beauty of spring and do a fun spring-related craft! For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); fee: FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. For all ages (best for ages 6 and under); FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment.
Hike with a Naturalist
Friday, March 24, 2023
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free (follow above link to register)
Join one of the park’s naturalist staff members on an unstructured nature hike around Yates to see what we can find! Come prepared to hike at least a mile by wearing close-toed shoes and bringing a full water bottle. Meet at picnic area near the large field and bridge. Suggested for ages 8 and up. FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment.
Saturday at the Mill Tour
Saturday, March 11 & 18, 2023
1 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
$5 for adults; $4 for seniors (age 60+); $3 for kids (ages 7-16); free for children ages 6 and younger
Register at above link
Want to get inside Historic Yates Mill? Join us for a half-hour tour to view the main power drive and milling machinery while exploring the mill’s history and aspects of its preservation. For all ages
Mill Heritage Tour
March 12th and 19th, 2023
2 p.m.
$5 for adults; $4 for seniors (age 60+); $3 for kids (ages 7-16); free for children ages 6 and younger
Register at above link
Discover Historic Yates Mill – a place of business, community, and exciting local history! Watch a brief video, then explore the inner workings of the mill itself.
Corn Grinding Tours
Saturday March 25, 2023: 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, March 26, 2023: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
$5 for adults; $4 for seniors (age 60+); $3 for kids (ages 7-16); free for children ages 6 and younger
Register at above link
Step back in time with our historic interpreters at Historic Yates Mill County Park. Witness the power of water as it turns the milling machinery, and watch the millstones at work grinding corn into meal. Please note that the last tour on Saturday morning starts at 11:40 am and the last tour on Saturday and Sunday afternoon starts at 3:40 p.m.
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