Thompson's Mills State Heritage Area

Thompson's Mills State Heritage Area is a unique reminder of times past, chronicling the past 150 years of Oregon rural life. It is the oldest water-powered grain mill in the state: its system of waterways, dams, control gates, ditches and dikes has moved water from the Calapooia River to the mill head gates since 1858. A water right that predates statehood produced the water flow that ran the milling machines. Pioneer families came with their grain crops and left with the flour that would keep them through the coming year. Visitors to the mill today will see antique milling machinery, hand-hewn timbers and mortise and tenon construction. Interpretive exhibits. The mill race and tail race are open to fishing.