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, though July 25, 2026
Sundays, through July 26, 2026
10 a.m. to 1 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.
Hike with a Naturalist
Friday, July 3, 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.
Field Day Fun
Friday, July 10, 2026
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
Get outside and enjoy the summertime weather with guided games and free play time with provided toys. This drop-in program will meet at the amphitheater; please bring water and sun protection. Adult accompaniment is required for all children. For all ages; FREE.
Park Tales: One Frog Song
Friday, July 24, 2026
10-10:45 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Enjoy a reading of this story that features a frog chorus filling the air with grunts and croaks, chirps and ribbits–until a car splashes down the street and all the frogs are hushed. Learn some fun frog facts, and make a fun craft to take home! For all ages (best for ages 6 and under). Registration is required, and children must have adult accompaniment.
Mill History Tours
Friday, July 10, 2026: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Friday, July 24, 2026: 11:30 a.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.
Intro to Invasive Species
Saturday, July 18, 2026
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free
Ages 15+
Want to learn about common invasive species in the state of North Carolina? Join a park naturalist and study what makes these species “invasive,” how they arrived in our area, and how to identify and treat a variety of different invasives. Please bring a water bottle and closed-toed shoes, as the second half of this program will be a walk outdoors.
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:
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