historical murrays mill

I used to go with my grandpa to this mill to have things ground. The Catawba Historical Society now owns the mill and have done an amazing job refurbishing it. They have a Murrays Mill Festival every year in September that showcases life in rural Catawba County the way it used to be. A great festival and a great educational experience for kids.

The 1913 mill has a 28 foot waterwheel and right across the street is the 1890s Murray & Minges General Store. The mill was just closing when we arrived so we were not able to take a tour but the store was still open. There are a few picnic tables around so bring a lunch and enjoy the relaxing view.

We have attended the annual festival here every September for years. My mom used to go with her daddy to the old mill when she was little to grind the corn they had grown. Lots of memories! The festival is held on the last weekend of September and is a great event for the whole family. Food, crafts, butter churning, petting zoo, pony rides, wood working, old things from our history on display, tours of the old mill & country store and local artists perform during it all. Something for everyone! (Usually the entry fee is only $5)They offer tours year round ~ great field trip idea.

The mill and village museum is really kept up for being as old as it is. The scenery is very picturesque. I thought there might be a cafe' nearby, but only a place to get snacks. There is a great restaurant just minutes down the road tho... Cindy's Starlight Cafe'. I recommend the Mill visit either during the week or Saturday late morning / early afternoon. There are staff to talk with at the museum.

I am a history nut, and consider this to be a fantastic stop. I've stopped here several times, just to listen to the water rolling over the dam. I don't know if they still operate the mill, but it's worth visiting just for the historic beauty.

Nice atmosphere for families. The yearly festival includes Gospel Music and a lot of displays concerning "Old Timey" machinery. Lots of food vendors too!

Went on a Friday, but they have new hours, so could not take the tour. We did park and get some good pictures anyway. There is an old General Store across the street but it was closed also. Oh, well. One of the North Carolina Thread Trails runs beside the creek.Use address 1489 Murray's Mill Road, Catawba, NC for GPS.