Old Mill State Park

Stone Bridge

This scenic stone bridge connects Old Mill State Park’s day-use area to trails. The bridge spans the Middle River and offers a great place to take a family picture.

Entrance

Take a photograph near this unique park entrance sign. The large wagon wheel represents area settlers and the nearby Pembina Trail where goods and furs flowed north with the Metis to the Northwest.

Park Office

Whether you want to hike, ski in winter, or view unique historic buildings, Old Mill State Park has a little something for everyone. Visitors can purchase a vehicle permit, register for camping, or have their questions about the local area answered within the park office. The park office is open most weekends in the summer. If the office is closed, questions can be answered by calling nearby Lake Bronson State Park.

Swimming Beach

The park’s swimming beach is one of the best places to swim in the area. The pond is fed with fresh water from a well and is an excellent place to spend a warm day with family or friends.

Picnic Grounds

The park’s picnic grounds offer plenty of flat, open area for games, get-togethers, or a picnic. A small playground area, stone picnic shelter, and restrooms are conveniently located nearby.

Historic Dam

These stone buttresses are all that remain of a dam built decades ago through the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

Trail System

Take a stroll over seven miles of wide, well-maintained trails.  Nearby pines were planted from seeds carried over from Sweden by Lars Larson when he settled this area.

Middle River

This riverbed is a great place to see mink, muskrats, deer, coyotes, and even the occasional moose. The river itself holds many minnows and river chum.

Suspension Bridge

This suspension bridge spans the Middle River and links the campground to the beach and picnic grounds.

Campground

Old Mill State Park has 25 campsites. Ten of these sites have 30 amp electric service and water hookups. The campground has a bathroom and shower facility and a swing set for the kids.

Campground View

All campsites within the campground offer a picnic table for meals and a fire ring for your evening campfire. The park’s trail system intersects at the campground, providing easy access for campers to explore.

Old Mill

Beginning in 1886, a series of mills were built in and around the park. The mills were damaged and rebuilt several times during the late 1800s. These mills were once powered by water, wind, and even a Case steam engine No. A359. In 1897, two mills were moved to where the "old mill" now stands in the park. The mills were sold to the state in 1937. The Case steam engine and mill were rebuilt in 1958 and are fired up each year as part of special events and interpretive programs at the park.

Settlers Cabin

This wood cabin was moved here to give visitors a glimpse into the life of early settlers.  The cabin contains historic items once used by a pioneer family.  A small garden plot beside the cabin contains old implements.

Group Camp

This primitive group camp has plenty of room to spread out in. Picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet are provided in this open, grassy area. A truly rustic experience, no electricity or water are available.

Water Tower

This water tower is a great example of Works Progress Administration (WPA) workmanship. Come experience the history contained in the building’s logs and stones.

Agassiz Trail Overlook

Visitors hiking the Agassiz Self-Guided Trail can enjoy a moment of rest on this lovely wooden overlook. A nearby interpretive panel provides information about the park. The Middle River runs below and many bird species may be seen in the transition zone between prairie and woods.

Hiking Club Trail

The park’s Hiking Club Trail skirts a prairie with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. An observant eye may spot the deer, moose, black bears, or numerous birds and small mammals that call this area home.

Prairie

Park staff work to maintain this small piece of prairie located within farm country. Big bluestem, goldenrod, coneflowers, lady’s slippers, and many other species of wildflowers can be found throughout the park.