colvin run mill park

Colvin Run Mill is a great destination for all ages. Both kids and adults can learn about the Mill and how stuff works. Adults will appreciate more technical info and kids the visuals. They actually grind grain here in the fall and sell different flours. How cool is that! It's also a nice stop with younger kids because the Mill area is small so not a lot of walking and parking is close by. Actually for these reasons it's also perfect for elderly visitors as well. I love the beautiful stonework on the buildings and the way grains were/are milled and processed is so interesting. We went on a tour and bought some local items in the country store as well. I think the grounds can be rented for weddings/events as well. It's been a while- time for another visit to Colvin Run Mill.

Just off Route 7 with its constant flow of traffic, this park provides an oasis from the hubbub of city and suburban life. A general store near the parking lot provides a self-guided map through the remainder of the property. A trail takes you past a blacksmith shop, the millers house down to the mill built in the early part of the 19th century. A 20-foot wheel set on a water sluice is the engine that ran the mill that provided grain for the kitchens of local farmers. The Park has been nicely restored and professionally maintained so is a delightful place to visit. There are a variety of events scheduled throughout the season with tours of the buildings scheduled throughout the day for a small fee.

We saw the mill from the road and we always stop for a mill. We had no idea we would find other buildings on the property. After you park you will come to an early 20th century general store that used to be across the road from the mill. Then you will see a barn with a blacksmith forge attached. Next you come to the 1806 millers house (home to the families who ran the mill). Then you come to the 1811 mill. If you want you can even bring a picnic lunch and eat with a view of the mill and mill pond.

If one is interested in colonial America, the Mill is a very informative stop. Throughout the year, but especially in the spring and summer, the Mill presents a lot of special events. There a several places to eat in the nearby village of Great Falls. To get the most out of a visit go when a tour is being offered. The Mill can easily be combined with a visit to the near Great Falls Park.

... kick back for a few hours at Colvin Run Mill, have a picnic, tour the mill, take some photos. This is an unexpected oasis in the bustle of Northern Virginia.

My family and I really enjoyed the carving lesson and separately the blacksmith demonstration by the lead blacksmith who made this work of art in about 15 mins...a beautiful leaf key fob. During the demonstration which began around 1130 (Sunday) he discussed the history of blacksmithing and anecdotes...all very interesting. The carving lessons were great fun for the young kids -7&4. They got to select an animal (wood block) about $2-4/pp of their choice from the beginners table and the master carvers instructed what to do one on one. The staff was wonderful and friendly and we especially give props to how well organized the staff are and incredibly helpful and friendly they all were. Highly recommend this even for a fun couples weekend activity. I did not see the mill tour ($5-6 per/p)

See a working mill (only a couple of days a month so call ahead to check when it will be working). Friendly workers explain how grain is ground different ways. Buy milled flour there, learn how to carve at a class, and walk the woods. Low key, pretty location, with enough to do for a hour or so. If you want a quiet place to do something a bit different, easy to get to and low pressure friendly place.

For the true history or timber industry buff, this place is fabulous. The operating hours vary (given county budget cuts), so it's worth checking them out before making a long journey. They used to make ice cream on some days, which certainly adds to its appeal to children and some of us adults, and nearly everyone finds it fascinating to watch the big wheels turning. Lovely place for a picnic on a nice day.

A historic grist mill right off of Rte. 7 in Great Falls, VA. Has weekly demonstrations including civil war reenactments, ice cream making, dulcimer band and maple syrup making. There are also tours of the working mill and often the blacksmith shop is operating for live demonstrations. Great venue for kids and often school groups and cub scouts and brownie troops can be seen touring the grounds - which include gardens and a picnic area. There is also an old fashioned country store that sells candy and crafts related to the time period when the mill was in operation.