Colvin Run Mill: Discover the Beauty of Virginia’s Historic Landmark
Explore a 200-Year-Old Working Mill in Virginia.
Colvin Run Mill is an award-winning, operational 19th-century water-powered gristmill located in Fairfax County, Virginia. The land where the mill stands was once owned by President George Washington. Built around 1811, the mill operated until 1934 and was restored to its current condition by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1965.
Historically, the miller purchased grain from local farmers, ground it, and sold the flour to stores in Alexandria and Baltimore. These stores provided flour to soldiers and sailors for making hardtack and ship’s biscuits. If you’re interested in seeing the mill in action, visit on the first and third Sundays of the month, from April through October, between noon and 3 p.m. Admission is $10 per person.
Featured tours
Activities
Colvin Run Mill. Virginia, United States. Credit; Carry on Caro
Colvin Run Mill offers a range of recreational and educational activities through tours, school programs, and special events for all ages. In addition to these events, visitors can explore several features on the mill’s grounds.
Barn and Blacksmith Shop
Near the general store, you’ll find the barn and blacksmith shop, built in 1970. Inside the barn, there’s a 1/24 scale model of Colvin Run Mill, along with exhibits showcasing tools used by farmers and tradespeople from the early 20th century. You can also explore the hands-on history trunk, which contains reproductions of historical items used in homes, schools, and workplaces.
Miller’s House
The Miller’s house features a self-guided exhibit about the milling process and the families who operated the mill. In 1883, Addison Millard purchased the mill and moved here with his wife Emma and some of their 20 children. After Addison’s passing, the family continued to run the mill until 1934. The east side of the house includes a lovely garden, providing a serene spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Explore the Grounds
Enjoy several paved and unpaved trails during your visit. For more information, visit: Colvin Run Mill Trails.
Colvin Run General Store
Originally located across from the mill, the Colvin Run General Store served the local community from around 1890 to the mid-1940s. This historic early 20th-century store offers a variety of products, including white and yellow grits, cornmeal, soft and hard wheat flour, and buckwheat—all ground at the mill. You’ll also find local tea blends from the Great Falls Tea Garden, toys, “penny” candy, jewelry, and mugs. The mill was more than just a store; it served as a gathering place for locals to chat, read newspapers, make phone calls, and receive their mail.
Be sure to check the upper shelves and the items hanging from the ceiling for examples of products that storekeepers Maude and Mark Cockrill may have sold during the store’s heyday from the 1890s to the 1940s. Stop by to see what treasures await! The store is open Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Old millstones
See if you can find the old millstones on the hillside across from the mill. These grinding stones were imported from France for various mills in the area and represented a significant investment for mill owners. The Millards utilized the burr stones as part of the grinding process at Colvin Run Mill, even after installing more efficient mills. By combining old and new technology, the Millards produced about 35 barrels of flour per day.
Access to Colvin Run Mill
Admission to the park is free; however, there are fees for tours, programs, and special events offered regularly. The Colvin Run Mill grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, and you can view the mill and other buildings from the outside without purchasing a ticket.
Location
Colvin Run Mill is located at 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA 22066.
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