A Visit to Mingus Mill in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

written by Mel Lockcuff March 19, 2013March 30, 2018

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Camping and spending time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park was definitely a highlight of our summer last year. The park is known for its mills, and one of those happens to be Mingus Mill. Beautiful-Mingus-Mill-in-Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park Located close to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Mingus Mill happens to be unique in that it stands in its original site. That’s definitely saying something because it was built in 1886.

The mill is open from 9-5 daily from spring until late fall. It was one of my must stop places because I really wanted to pick up some cornmeal while visiting. When we arrived, we parked and then had a small hike in to the mill. We crossed over a beautiful little stream along the way. Trail-to-Mingus-Mill-in-Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park Then in the distance, we could see the mill; if you look close enough, you’ll see the millers inside the window. Walking-to-Mingus-Mill-in-Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park

Mingus Mill stands proud against a beautiful forest backdrop. It has a definite rustic charm that screams, “Take pictures of me!” I couldn’t help but snap photo after photo while there. It was a gorgeous day. Outside-Mingus-Mill-in-Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park

Inside the mill, you’ll find all the workings of a grist mill. Demonstrations are done by the miller, as he grinds corn into cornmeal. grinder-at-Mingus-Mill While the demos were done for the day when we arrived, we still enjoyed exploring the mill and seeing all the machinery. Inside-Mingus-Mill

Outside the mill was the best part. We walked up and down the millrace, which carries water to the mill, thus providing power to the mill. Hiding-at-Mingus-Mill-in-Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park They had a trail all the way back to a stream, which marked the beginning of the millrace. Beginning-of-millrace-at-Mingus-Mill The boys wanted to walk the trail, so we explored to their hearts’ content. Walking-along-the-millrace-at-Mingus-Mill Watching the water flow down the wooden structure to the mill was kinda mesmerizing. Mingus-Mill-through-the-trees Water also flowed off the side like a giant waterfall. Water-at-Mingus-Mill-in-Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park

If you ever visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a stop at Mingus Mill is a must. This park is so rich in history…. I’m pretty sure one could never tire of exploring it.

More Great Smoky Mountains Adventures

Hike to Laurel Falls
Camping at Cosby Campground in GSMNP
Ober Gatlinburg Family Fun

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Mel Lockcuff

Mel is a wife, homeschool mom to 3 boys, food and adventure blogger at Adventures of Mel, and lover of the outdoors. Her work has been featured in 66TheMotherRoad Magazine, as well as with Only in Arkansas. Mel and her family live on a small 1-acre homestead in Northwest Arkansas. You can contact Mel via email at mel@adventuresofmel.com.