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, through May 30, 2026
Sundays, through May 31, 2026, 2026
Monday, May 25, 2026
1 to 4 p.m. each day
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.
Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center: Open House Tour
Friday, April 24, 2026, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
Free
Did you know North Carolina has fantastic fish, marvelous mussels, and stupendous snails that need our help? Come discover these incredible freshwater creatures and learn how we’re working to save them! At the Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center (YMACC), NC State University staff are dedicated to protecting rare and endangered freshwater animals that live right here in North Carolina’s rivers and streams. These surprising natural treasures are counting on us—come see why they’re worth saving! This is a free, open-house style tour of the lab that is based in the visitor center at Historic Yates Mill County Park; no registration required.
Hike with a Naturalist
Friday, May 1, 2026
Friday, May 15, 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.
Handcrafting History: Make a Pincushion
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Learn basic hand-sewing techniques while creating a traditional-style pincushion using reclaimed wool and simple stitching methods. You will also explore the history of everyday sewing tools and how handmade items like pincushions were once essential in homes for mending and making. This program is designed for adults and teenagers; teenagers do not have to be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. FREE.
Park Tales: The Little Red Hen
Friday, May 22, 2026
10-10:45 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Relive the beloved story of the Little Red Hen, who made a delicious cake using wheat she had ground at a mill like Yates Mill! Then make a chicken hat craft to take home, and join staff for a brief exploration of the park’s historic gristmill. Best for ages 6 & under. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. FREE.
Guided Canoe Paddle
Monday, May 25, 2026
10-11:30 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Go for a guided paddle around our pond in one of our canoes. You’ll start with a quick lesson on basic canoeing and paddling, then the group will paddle together up a creek. The last 45-60 minutes will be free-paddling on the pond. If you have a valid fishing license and your own equipment, you can use this time to fish in the pond. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are provided (no outside boats are permitted). This program is dependent on suitable weather conditions and water levels. For ages 10 and up (with an accompanying adult); FREE. Each canoe can hold a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 4 people (800-pound total weight limit). Registration is PER BOAT. If you only need 1 boat, please register just 1 member of your group. Please call if you have questions.
Mill History Tours
Fridays, May 8 & 22, 2026,
1 p.m. & 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.
Corn Grinding Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026
1-4 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. FREE.
These will be the first corn grinding tours since June of 2024, because the miller retired and the waterwheel needed to be replaced.
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More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
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