North London Mill - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

North London Mill is a picturesque park located in the heart of Colorado. The park boasts a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, picnicking, and fishing. For those looking to explore the area's history, the park is home to a restored grist mill that was once used to process wheat and barley. The mill is now open to the public for tours, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's past. Visitors can also take advantage of the park's scenic views, which include a waterfall and a river. 

North London Mill is a historic gristmill located in Park County, Colorado. The mill was built in 1869 by William Marshall, a pioneer settler of the area. It is one of the few remaining water-powered mills in the state and is now operated as a museum. The mill originally served as an important community resource, grinding wheat and corn into flour for the settlers. In the early 20th century, it was used to generate electricity for the nearby town of London. Today, the mill is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over Colorado. The mill's water wheel is still operational and is used to grind wheat into flour. Visitors can also purchase freshly milled flour from the mill's on-site shop.

The best time to visit is in the spring or summer when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom. During this time, you can explore the hiking trails, picnic in the meadows, and fish in the river. 

1. Don't disturb wildlife: The mill is home to many different types of wildlife. Please do not approach or feed them, as this can be dangerous for both you and them. If you see an animal in distress, please notify a park ranger.
2. Take some time to explore the mill. The historic structure is fascinating, and you can learn a lot about the area's history.
3.  Go for a hike. There are several trails nearby that offer beautiful views of the area.
4. Explore the nearby town of Estes Park. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
5. If you're visiting in the winter, make sure to dress warmly and bring along some snowshoes or skis.
6. Take advantage of the ranger-led programs - they're very informative and fun for all ages.
7. Don't forget your fishing gear - there are several great spots for trout fishing.
8. North London Mill is a great place to camp out with family and friends. The park has several campgrounds with spaces for tents and RVs.
9.  One downside to North London Mill is that it can be quite popular during peak season. If you're looking for some peace and quiet, try visiting during off-peak hours or on a weekday morning.

1. North London Mill is the only surviving example of a water-powered gristmill in Colorado. 
2. The mill operated until 1957 and was used to grind wheat and barley into flour. 
3.  The mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Today, the mill is open to the public for tours and events. 
4. The mill has a waterwheel that is 30 feet in diameter and 6 feet wide. The mill's grinding stones are 3 feet wide and 2 feet thick. 
5. The mill continued to operate as a flour mill until the 1950s, when it was converted into a power plant.
6. The mill remained in disrepair for nearly two decades before being restored by the City of Denver in 1989.

Visitors should allow at least two hours to explore the site, as there is a lot of ground to cover.

From the town of Bailey, take State Highway 285 north for about 8 miles. Turn left (west) onto County Road 43 and continue for about 1.5 miles until you reach the North London Mill parking area. The trailhead is located on the north side of the parking area.

There is an entrance fee of $2 per person. 

However, many people don't realize that the mill is only open for a limited time each day. From May 1st to September 30th, the mill is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. The rest of the year, it is only open from 9 AM to 4 PM.