With so much upstate lumber business and tons of waterways, it’s no surprise that Wisconsin has its fair share of century-old mills. These beautiful, historic structures are usually settled among trees, making fall a perfect time to go check them out while taking in some changing leave colors. The cool weather will entice you to hang around a while and enjoy the beauty and history. Here are seven great mills to check out this time of year.
- Old Rock Mill - Maribel
Travel Wisconsin
Flickr/Keith Ewing This well-preserved mill in Manitowoc County was used for just more than 100 years.
Flickr/Keith Ewing On the Niagara Escarpment, it sits on Devils River. Located at 16612 County Road R, Maribel, WI 54227.
- Beckman Mill - Beloit
Flickr/oldonliner
Flickr/oldonliner This restored 1868 grist mill sits on a 50-acre county park.
Flickr/Ken Mattinson They still do grinding demonstrations and the dam and mill pond add to the gorgeous location. Located at 11600 S Co Rd H, Beloit, WI 53511.
- Red Mill - Little Hope
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Facebook/RedMillWaupaca This miss near Waupaca worked for more than 100 years on the Crystal River. The grist mill was built in 1855 and closed in 1959. Now it’s home to a shop for gifts, ice cream and coffee.
Facebook/RedMillWaupaca Located at N2190 County Rd K, Waupaca, WI 54981.
- Herrling Sawmill - Greenbush
WIDNR
TripAdvisor Located on the Wade House property, Herrling Sawmill operated from 1854 to 1910 processing lumber. The state historical society rebuilt the mill in 2001 and now their staff does demonstrations showing how the mill worked. Located at W7965 WI-23, Greenbush, WI 53026.
- Hyde’s Mill - Ridgeway
Flickr/Dave
Flickr/Dave This gorgeous spot is a photographer’s dream. Built in 1850, it also has a wood water wheel and plenty of artifacts still surround it.
Flickr/Michael Leland If you can stay in the area, return to the mill at night for a totally different but equally spectacular view. Located at 6875 Mill Rd 53582; Ridgeway, Wisconsin 53582..
- Cedarburg Mills - Cedarburg
Flickr/A&ALoescher
Flickr/Al Thompson This area just north of Milwaukee was home to several mills. In the late 1890’s, the woolen mill here was the largest one west of Philadelphia. Now it’s in a quaint, suburban town with tons to see and do. Located at W62N580 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012.
- Messer/Mayer Mill - Richfield
Facebook/Richfield Historical Society
Facebook/Richfield Historical Society Major restoration is happening at this mill, which is fascinating in its own right. The mill closed in the 1950’s and it was left more or less exactly the same for the following six decades. Located at 4399 Pleasant Hill Rd, Richfield, WI 53076
Have you visited these or other picture-perfect Wisconsin mills? Let us know about them in the comments.
Travel Wisconsin
Flickr/Keith Ewing
This well-preserved mill in Manitowoc County was used for just more than 100 years.
On the Niagara Escarpment, it sits on Devils River. Located at 16612 County Road R, Maribel, WI 54227.
Flickr/oldonliner
This restored 1868 grist mill sits on a 50-acre county park.
Flickr/Ken Mattinson
They still do grinding demonstrations and the dam and mill pond add to the gorgeous location. Located at 11600 S Co Rd H, Beloit, WI 53511.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Facebook/RedMillWaupaca
This miss near Waupaca worked for more than 100 years on the Crystal River. The grist mill was built in 1855 and closed in 1959. Now it’s home to a shop for gifts, ice cream and coffee.
Located at N2190 County Rd K, Waupaca, WI 54981.
WIDNR
TripAdvisor
Located on the Wade House property, Herrling Sawmill operated from 1854 to 1910 processing lumber. The state historical society rebuilt the mill in 2001 and now their staff does demonstrations showing how the mill worked. Located at W7965 WI-23, Greenbush, WI 53026.
Flickr/Dave
This gorgeous spot is a photographer’s dream. Built in 1850, it also has a wood water wheel and plenty of artifacts still surround it.
Flickr/Michael Leland
If you can stay in the area, return to the mill at night for a totally different but equally spectacular view. Located at 6875 Mill Rd 53582; Ridgeway, Wisconsin 53582..
Flickr/A&ALoescher
Flickr/Al Thompson
This area just north of Milwaukee was home to several mills. In the late 1890’s, the woolen mill here was the largest one west of Philadelphia. Now it’s in a quaint, suburban town with tons to see and do. Located at W62N580 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012.
Facebook/Richfield Historical Society
Major restoration is happening at this mill, which is fascinating in its own right. The mill closed in the 1950’s and it was left more or less exactly the same for the following six decades. Located at 4399 Pleasant Hill Rd, Richfield, WI 53076
Want to find more fall fun? Check out The 12 Best Backroads In Wisconsin For A Long Scenic Drive.
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