Nov. 18 2011 Note: Please call (541) 491-3611 for the mill building open and closure information. The building fire suppression system relies on water levels in the mill race. When the water is too low, the mill building is closed for safety reasons.
Thompson's Mills is a unique reminder of times past, chronicling the past 150 years of Oregon rural life. It is the oldest water-powered grain mill in the state: its system of waterways, dams, control gates, ditches and dikes has moved water from the Calapooia River to the mill head gates since 1858. A water right that predates statehood produced the water flow that ran the milling machines. Pioneer families came with their grain crops and left with the flour that would keep them through the coming year.
Visitors to the mill today will see antique milling machinery, hand-hewn timbers and mortise and tenon construction. Interpretive exhibits. The mill race and tail race are open to fishing.
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Vital Stats
Open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for self-guided tours. Guided tours: Monday - Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days. Guided tour schedule may change for special events, so please call (541) 491-3611 to confirm.
Thompson's Mills Video Tour
Take a tour of the mill with Ranger Doug and his sidekick Madeline. Select the links below. Allow a few moments for the videos to open as a Quicktime movie in a new window. Select the back button on your browser to return to the movie list.
Welcome
Mill history
Mill levels
Storing grain in the silos
Flour sack uses
Water & dams
Mill keepers house
Thanks for joining us
Services
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Historic buildings |
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Historic sites |
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Historic displays |
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Interpretive signs |
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Interpretive displays |
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ADA restroom |
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Year-round |
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