With more than 60 state parks, Minnesota has a lot of wonderful places to explore. Each one helps visitors see the state’s natural beauty, get outside, and – often – explore interesting parts of Minnesota history. One of our favorite parks is a little-known spot that lets guests do all of these things at once. Next time you want to take a historic adventure surrounded by beauty, look no further than Minnesota’s Old Mill State Park.
Old Mill State Park is a little spot in northwestern Minnesota. It’s found at 33489 240th Ave. NW, Argyle, MN 56713.
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Though it’s 270 miles from Duluth and 330 miles from Minneapolis, it’s a worthy trip for anyone interested in Minnesota history.
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The small park - just a 25-acre expanse - covers a beautiful stretch of land. It’s surrounded by trees and centered on the Middle River.
Mike Mueller/Google
Many birds make homes here, such as marsh hawks, owls, and eagles. Deer and bears have also been spotted.
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This river helped the site become a flour mill after the land was homesteaded in 1882. A steam-powered flour mill still stands in the park, having been rebuilt by the state in 1958.
Mike Mueller/Google
Also still standing is an old log cabin. Though small, it is a piece of Minnesota history. Visitors will get an up-close look at how people lived more than a century ago.
Noah Sticha/Google
A visit to this park will remind Minnesotans of the state’s flour-milling past. Though the center of milling was in the Twin Cities, many smaller mills helped the state become what it is today.
Ben Cedarberg/Google
Have you been to Old Mill State Park? What are your other favorite historic spots in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments below!
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Ben Cedarberg/Google
Mike Mueller/Google
Andrew Pelan/Flickr
Noah Sticha/Google
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