A Delightful Surprise
Our visit to the Historic Yates Mill was a delightful surprise for several reasons. First, it felt like we were way out in the country when we were only 5-miles south of downtown Raleigh.
Second, the surroundings were a beautiful piece of nature with hiking trails, forested areas, and gently flowing water.
Our third, and biggest surprise, was finding out the restored old mill was fully operational.
Close-up view of the wheel turned by water spilling over the dam.
Because our visit to Yates Mill was a spur-of-the-moment side trip, I had not researched the site ahead of time. So, I did a little digging into the mill’s history and this is what I found.
Location:
4620 Lake Wheeler Road
Raleigh, NC 27603
Visitor's Center:
(919) 856-6675
Hours:
Park - 8am-sunset, daily
Finley Ctr - 8:30a-5p, daily
Fees:
Park - No fee
Mill Tour - $3-5
Website:
Yates Mill Park
Front side and entrance to the Mill. Pond is to the right. Ramp to the creek and water wheel are on the left.
The Mill's Long History
My research revealed info that made the 265-year old mill even more impressive. Here’s a brief timeline:
-- Built in 1756 by Samuel Pearson.
-- Mill remained in Pearson family ownership until 1819.
-- Several others owned the mill before Phares and Roxanna Yates purchased property in 1863.
-- The Yates family sold the mill in 1947.
-- A.E. Finley (corporation) operated the mill, grinding corn until 1953, closing due to lack of business.
-- Property was purchased by North Carolina State University (NCSU) in 1963.
-- Yates Mill Associates (YMA) formed in 1989 to preserve the Mill.
-- In 1997, Wake County approved a master plan for turning the area into a county park, along with mill restoration.
-- The 174-acre Historic Yates Mill Park and Finley Center opened to the public in April 2006.
-- Over 100,000 visitors tour the park annually.
Water spills over the dam from the mill pond.
The Historic Yates Mill Restoration
Initial mill restoration began in 1975 with NCSU architecture students. In addition to completing mill restoration drawings, the students spent time cleaning up the property. They also built the blacksmith shop, across from the mill, using old barn wood.
Blacksmith's shop built by NCSU students. Be sure to read the information sign on the shop.
For years afterward, the mill fell further into disrepair until local history lovers established a group in 1989. The Yates Mill Associates’ goal was to preserve history and restore the mill to operational use.
Now, generations of milling equipment is in use (grinding cornmeal) or is on display, teaching about the process.
Thanks to both NCSU and the YMA, along with Wake County entities, the Yates Mill is fully operational. It is the last of 70+ water-powered gristmills that once serviced the area.
Look hard and you can barely see the Mill Pond Trail across the pond.
Relax or Learn While at the Park
Now that you’ve learned a bit of Mill history, let me tell you what else you can do when you visit the park.
Relax on the Nature Trails
Do you love long, peaceful walks? You will enjoy the 1-mile Mill Pond Trail. According to the locals, it’s a nice place to stretch your legs. Along the winding trail you will find benches for resting, boardwalks crossing the pond, and pond overlooks.
For those who enjoy longer hikes, several miles of trails are part of the 174-acre park. (See this MAP for more information about the trails.)
Part of the Mill Pond Trail just up the hill from one of the Mill overlooks.
Go Fishing or Enjoy a Picnic
Love to fish? You can fish from either boardwalk across the pond, but you will need a license. Want to pack a lunch? There is a picnic shelter available.
Learn about Trees and Plants
A self-guided audio tour is available if you want to learn about the regional plants seen along the trail. Take this tree identification brochure with you to help. (Wish I had had one of these in high school! Leaf identification test is the only one I ever flunked.)
You can also visit the Finley Center before heading down to the actual Mill. (It was closed when we were there so we passed it by.)
Water spilling over the dam flows out through the creek under the road.
Enjoy History in a Serene Setting
Our love of American history leads us to some fabulous historic sites. At Yates Mill, you can expand your understanding of how earlier generations lived day-to-day—all the while indulging in a tranquil setting.
Is there more I can say than just “Historic Yates Mill Park was a delightful surprise?” It is a place to linger. So, go—relax, and breathe in some fresh air while you enjoy history.
Stone inscription reads "In recognition of the Wake County Historical Society for its efforts in 1989 to initiate the preservation and restoration of Yates Mill."
Historic Yates Mill Today
Visitors today may see inside the Mill, watch the corn grinding process, or see how the milling machinery works while learning about the Mill’s history.
Tours are by appointment and only on specific days. Be sure to check the YMA site (HERE) if you plan to visit and want an in-depth tour. The small fee charged pays for continued maintenance and repairs needed for the restored property.
Costumed Yates Mill Associates regularly grind cornmeal, which is for sale in 2-lb. cloth bags at NCSU Howling Cow Creamery just up the road.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
