Our field trip this week was to Falls Mill located in southern middle Tennessee just about an hour northeast of Huntsville.
The mill, which was originally used as a cotton and wool factory was built in 1873 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The privately owned mill is used as an operational mill and museum and was recently featured on the Discovery Channel.
Our self guided tour of the mill began with a short movie which explained the history of the mill which we followed by exploring the mill’s exhibits that included the millstones, a printing press that is used to print the bags that the cornmeal, grits and flour that is ground at the mill are sold in.
On the second floor we found a collection of looms and wool carding machines, a general store and a coin operated player piano that will play forever!
The century-old waterwheel is still used to power the milling equipment. Though the mill was not in operation while we were there, it does operate nearly every day of the week.
After our tour we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the scenic grounds while the kids enjoyed playing in Factory Creek that runs beside the mill.
Before we left I purchased a bag of Multi- Grain Pancake Mix that even came with a few recipes, which was delicious.
It’s easy to see why Falls Mill has over 200,000 visitors a year.
You’ll find the mill nestled along the creek at 134 Falls Mill Road in Belvidere, Tennessee. If you have a group of 10 or more you can arrange a guided tour by calling (931) 469-7161. Normal prices are a reasonable $4 for adults, $3.00 for senior citizens and $2 for children between the ages of 14-2.
In addition to the mill there is a cozy historic log cabin that can be rented on the grounds- making it a perfect romantic hide-a-way.
If you do plan to visit, just don’t stop on Wednesday- the one day that it’s closed.
That’s our field trip for the week- I can’t wait to read about what you’ve been up to!
Until next week~ Happy Field Trippin’!
Trying to link up but am having difficulty. I could not liked up with another blog yesterday either. The linkys are not my friends right now I guess. Will try again later..
ReplyDeleteI am going to add this Mill to my list of places to visit next time we are in the area. I thought of you while we were in Huntsville. :-)I'll even have a Field Trip Friday post in a couple weeks about one of the places we went to in Huntsville.
This looks like a great place to visit - and I love the idea of Field Trip Friday. We start school tomorrow. I think we'll be ready for a field trip by Friday. I'll have to try linking up next week.
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