The DC Traveler

Colvin Run Mill, in nearby Great Falls, Virginia is a working 19th-century water-powered gristmill, owner’s home and general store, set on a 38-acre historic site. There is also a recreation of a barn and blacksmith shop from the same era. The grain mill, powered by a waterwheel, was erected around the mid-1800s and ground grains for the local farming community. Three grinding stones and various flour sifting apparatus are located in the basement of the mill, powered by three large wooden gears attached to the waterwheel. The miller’s house, just a short walk from the mill, was the residence to the owners and operators of the mill. In 1883, the Millard family bought the mill and moved in with some of their 20 children. The family continued to operate the mill until 1934. The general store operated from the 1890s until the 1940s. Today it still sells freshly ground wheat flour (2 lbs. for $3.00), white and yellow cornmeal (2 lbs. for $3.00), and white and yellow grits (2 lbs. for $4.00) that was produced at the mill. Tours are given daily, except Tuesdays and are a great living museum and education tool for children.

Colvin Run Mill
10017 Colvin Run Rd.
Great Falls, VA 22066 (map it)

Dates and Times - Daily 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. except Tuesdays. Gristmill and miller’s house tours are offered on the hour, until 4:00. On most Sundays, from noon until 3:00 p.m., the miller can be watched grinding wheat into flour and corn into cornmeal.

Admission - Admission to the park is free. Gristmill tour tickets - Adults - $6.00, Students 16 yrs. and up with ID - $5.00, Children and Seniors - $4.00

Nearest Metro Subway Station - West Falls Church - Orange line, then a 20 minute cab ride.

Parking - Free parking is available.

Images - waterwheel, stone, scale _______________________________________________

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