Ye Olde Mill, built in 1817, is the home of Velvet Ice Cream in Utica.

There were once some 1,500 mills built for various uses across Ohio, but fire, floods and age destroyed most of them. The mills here are primarily ones that were built at least 100 years ago and are still intact and operating in some form. These mills are also open to the public; many are run as businesses or park areas. Some continue to operate grinding grain and meal or weaving textiles.

Algonquin Mill – This mill, built about 1826, is the focal point of the Algonquin Mill Fall Festival held each October. The mill is part of a collection of barns, cabins and other historic buildings near Carrollton. The mill grinds flour and meal at the fall festival. 234 Autumn Road SW, Carrollton (330) 627-5910.  

Baltic Mill – Baltic Mill began milling flour in the mid-1800s and at one time was Ohio’s largest flour mill, producing Little Daisy Flour. In 2014 the building was renovated and Baltic Mill Winery opened to the public, offering a variety of fine hand-crafted wines. 111 E. Main St., Baltic (330) 365-0524.

Baltic Mill Winery, above, is a popular stop in Ohio’s Amish Country.

Bear’s Mill – Bear’s Mill, established in 1849, is one of the few operating water-powered mills in Ohio today. The mill grinds grain into flour and cornmeal, and also houses artwork, mill store and museum and is a venue for special events. 6450 Arcanum-Bears Mill Road, Greenville (937) 548-5112.

Clifton Mill – Clifton Mill’s legendary annual holiday lighting display with 4 million lights won a national award in 2018, but there’s much more to see here. The majestic grist mill, built in 1802, includes a home-style restaurant and gift shop, plus an old-fashioned gasoline station nearby. Be sure to take home some Clifton Mill pancake mix. 75 Water St., Clifton (937) 767-5501.

Fowler’s Mill – Fowler’s Mill, built in 1834, has been a working grist mill for generations in Fowlerville. Fowler’s Milling Company produces a complete line of mixes for pancakes, waffles and baked goods. The Mill Store on the premises offers their own products as well as many other foods, cooking supplies and kitchen goods. 12500 Fowler’s Mill Road, Chardon (800) 321-2024.

Garrett’s Mill – Garrett’s Mill, established in 1804, operates as Garrett’s Mill & Brewing Co., with great sandwiches, entrees, appetizers, salads and their own craft beer. 8148 Main St., Garrettsville (330) 527-8080.

Gaston’s Mill – Gaston’s Mill, built in 1830, is located within Beaver Creek State Park as part of an historic pioneer village. The mill grinds cornmeal and flour on selected weekends and during an annual autumn festival. 12013 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool (330) 385-3091.

Glade Creek Grist Mill is undoubtedly the most-photographed mill in the U.S.

Glade Creek Grist Mill – Glade Creek Grist Mill, located at Babcock State Park in central West Virginia, is undoubtedly the most-photographed mill in the United States. Perched next to cascades of waterfalls, it also has one of the most picturesque settings. Built in 1976, it’s a replica of a mill that once stood nearby, constructed with parts salvaged from other mills.

Grinnell Mill – First built in 1811, Grinnell Mill was restored in 2006 and operates as a bed and breakfast inn and special event venue. Grinnell Mill B&B, 3536 Bryan Park Road, Yellow Springs (937) 767-0131.

Gristmill Antiques – Three-story Bars Mill was built in 1817 and now operates as Gristmill Antiques near Beach City. The store offers a large selection of primitive to mid-century antiques. 516 Redwood St. SW, Beach City (330) 756-4802.

Kirby’s Mill – Kirby’s Mill is located at Richfield Heritage Preserve just west of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park area. James Kirby, who amassed more than 160 patents and is best known for his vacuum cleaners and washing machines, purchased land here in 1919. His home, now open to the public for tours, includes a water-powered millwheel that produced hydroelectric power for the home and workshop. The mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. 4374 Broadview Road, Richfield (330) 888-0511.

Lanterman’s Mill – Built around 1845, this majestically sited mill is part of Mill Creek Park, which includes trails, picnicking, a covered bridge, public gardens, pavilions and more. The mill store sells stone-ground flour and cornmeal. 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown (330) 702-7115.

Isaac Ludwig Mill – This restored mill, built in 1866, is part of Providence Metropark, which includes a canal towpath, canal boat, restored canal segment and heritage center. Tours are available. US 24 at SR 578, Grand Rapids (419) 407-9741.

Magnolia Mill – Built in 1834, Magnolia Flouring Mill was operated by the Elson family for five generations until 2005. It is now operated by the Stark County Park District and continues to grind flour and cornmeal. Tours are available. 261 N. Main St., Magnolia (330) 866-3354.

The Mill House B&B – This mill was built in 1898 as Phoenix Roller Mill and since 2006 has operated as The Mill House Bed & Breakfast. 24070 Front St., Grand Rapids (419) 832-6455.

Volunteers demonstrate weaving skills at Mishler Weaving Mill in Smithville.

Mishler Weaving Mill – Mishler Weaving Mill was built in the 1880s as a textile mill. It is now part of a collection of historic buildings in Smithville. Visitors can watch volunteers from the Smithville Community Historical Society operate the weaving looms in the mill. 381 E. Main St., Smithville (330) 669-9308, connect on Facebook.

Old Mill Winery – The mill in Geneva began life as a wood planing mill in 1864. After various uses including a feed mill and store, the city took ownership in 1976. It is now home to Old Mill Winery, 403 S. Broadway (SR 534), Geneva (440) 446-5560.

Pioneer Mill – Pioneer Mill was built in 1822 along the Sandusky River. The mill had various uses until the mid-1970s, when it was transformed into Pioneer Mill Restaurant. The restaurant is known for its prime rib, steaks, seafood and, of course, its ambience as a former mill. 255 Riverside Drive, Tiffin (419) 448-0100.

Rock Mill is part of a Fairfield County historical park with a gorge, covered bridge and waterfall.

Rock Mill – Rock Mill is the site of Ohio’s oldest mill, built in 1799. The recently renovated mill and its 26-foot overshot waterwheel have a spectacular site at a gorge and waterfall of the Hocking River. Rock Mill Covered Bridge is adjacent to the mill at a Fairfield County historical park. The mill is open for tours and special events. 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Rock Mill and Lithopolis roads in Fairfield County, (740) 681-7249.

Staley Mill – Staley Mill, built in 1818, is still owned by the family that built it. The mill, with its original machinery intact, is now part of Indian Creek Distillery. Six generations of the Staley family (now Duers) have made their home at the farmstead. 7095 Staley Road, New Carlisle (937) 845-1142.

Stockport Mill – This mill perched on the Muskingum River was originally built in 1842; this rebuilt mill dates from 1906. The Stockport Mill Inn and Restaurant now provides lodging and meals in a picturesque riverside setting. 1995 Broadway Ave., Stockport (740) 559-2822.

Sugartree Mill Co. – The H.A. Barrett & Son Mill was originally built in 1881 as a steam-powered gristmill. The mill survived a 1947 fire and operated as a feed mill until the 1970s. The mill was restored in the 1990s and now houses Sugartree Mill Co., offering beautiful, unique and quality antiques, home goods and gifts. 316 E. Sugartree St., Wilmington (937) 655-8181.

Tipp Roller Mill – This big red-painted mill was built in 1839 and once produced several brands of flour, including Snowball. Since 1996, the mill has been home to the Tipp City Roller Mill Theatre. 225 E. Main St. (SR 571), Tipp City (937) 667-3696.

Turner’s Mill – Turner’s Mill was built in 1852 as a steam-powered lumber mill. Since 2009, the Rosewood Grill has operated at the mill as well as several business offices. 36 E. Streetsboro Road (SR 303), Hudson (330) 656-2100.

White’s Mill – White’s Mill is at the site of a mill built in 1809 on the Hocking River. That mill was destroyed by flood in 1884 and rebuilt. The rebuilt mill was destroyed by fire in 1912. Three years later, a nearby mill was disassembled, moved to the site and rebuilt. White’s Mill is a feed, seed and garden store, also offering yard and farm supplies, housewares, jewelry and gifts. 2 Whites Mill Drive, Athens (740) 592-1521.

Wolf Creek Mill – Wolf Creek Mill was built in 1834, disassembled and moved to this site in 1971 at Mohican State Park. The mill is part of a pioneer village just off SR 3. The mill features a working waterwheel and grinding operation. A number of special events are held at the mill seasonally. 3175 SR 3 South, Loudonville (419) 668-2497.

Wyandot Indian Mill – Indian Mill was built in 1820 to reward the Wyandot tribes who supported the U.S. in the War of 1812. The mill was rebuilt in 1861 and became an educational milling museum in 1968. It continues to be operated by the state and the Wyandot County Historical Society. Indian Mill Park, 7417 County Road 47, Upper Sandusky (419) 294-4022.

Ye Olde Mill – Ye Olde Mill was originally built in 1817 and now serves as the headquarters and brand image for Velvet Ice Cream. Ice cream shop, gift store, museum and factory on premises; the annual Utica Ice Cream Festival is held here each May. Factory tours and special events are also offered. 11324 Mt. Vernon Road (SR 13), Utica (800) 589-5000.

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