Colvin Run Mill Historic Site

CONTACT INFORMATION: Colvin Run General Store is open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Ticketed Mill Tours available Saturday and Sunday. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk.
703-759-2771 TTY 711
10017 Colvin Run Road
Great Falls, Virginia 22066
Kiersten Fiore
Acting Site Manager

Colvin Run Mill Historic Site

Take a Turn at the Mill

Explore beautifully wooded and landscaped grounds around historic Colvin Run Mill and General Store.
Picnic, shop, hike, attend special programs and tour the 200-year-old working mill.

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Upcoming Events

Sep
15
Mill in Motion
12:00PM, 15, (All Ages) We're running the mill like it’s 1811 when the mill was first…
Oct
06
Mill in Motion
12:00PM, 06, (All Ages) We're running the mill like it’s 1811 when the mill was first…
Oct
07
Mini Millers
10:00AM, 07, (2-5 yrs.) Explore Colvin Run Mill with your toddler or preschooler through…
Oct
20
Historic Crafts and Trades
12:00PM, 20, (5-Adult) Discover nineteenth century crafts and trades and see…
Oct
21
Mini Millers
10:00AM, 21, (2-5 yrs.) Explore Colvin Run Mill with your toddler or preschooler through…
Nov
10
The War of 1812 and the Homefront 
12:00PM, 10, (All Ages) Discover how communities like Colvin Run supported the young US…

Mill In Motion

motion in mills

The first and third Sundays of the month, April through October

Noon-3 p.m., $10 per person

  • We're running the mill like it’s 1811 when the mill was first operating.
  • Explore one of the country's remaining examples of early American mass production.
  • Learn why Oliver Evans' plans for an automated mill received one of the first US patents and revolutionized food production.
  • Visit the 19th century Miller's House exhibit.
  • Shop at the Colvin Run General Store to purchase grain ground at the mill.
  • We operate the mill conditions permitting, please call the site at 705-759-2771 to confirm.
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More Information

Cider Making at Colvin Run Mill

  • Bring up to eight people and learn how to use an old-fashioned cider press by making your own cider in a private session.
  • Bring approximately 100 apples and two 1-gallon containers.
  • Participants will carry and press their own apples and cider.
  • Dress accordingly.
  • All participants will be contacted prior to their program with full details.
  • Call the Colvin Run Site to check availability. 
  • Most Saturdays and Sundays in October.
  • $60 per session. 
Learn More

The War of 1812 and the Homefront

Sunday, November 10, Noon - 3 p.m., Colvin Run Mill, $10

  • Discovering how communities supported the young U.S. Navy during the War of 1812
  • Meeting members of Ship's Company reenactors' group
  • Exploring the historic mill, Miller's house and General Store
  • Listening to songs and stories performed by the Ship's Company Chanteymen
Register starting july 30

Colvin Run Mill is Fairfax County's award-winning, operational, 19th-century water-powered gristmill. The site offers recreational and educational activities for all ages through tours, school programs and special events. Admission to the park is FREE. There are fees for tours, programs and special events.

Colvin Run Mill Grounds are open daily dawn to dusk. You may walk the grounds and see the historic Mill and buildings from the outside.

The Mill and Historic Miller’s house are open on weekends from 11-4.  The historic house is a free self-guided exhibit. To see the inside of the mill, you must purchase a mill tour or grind day ticket.  Advance ticket purchase recommended.  See more information on our tours page.

The Colvin Run Mill General Store is open Friday– Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All grain and teas can now be purchased in the store during those hours.  See more information on our Colvin Run Mill General Store webpage.

Field Trips

Instructor teaches children about grains around the world.

Scouting

Girl Scout sewing during a scout program

Volunteer

Volunteer sitting at a desk

Programs and Activities

Facilities

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Colvin Run Mill Site History

Colvin Run Mill's Site History web page can be used as a guided walking tour of the park.
Colvin Run Mill's History

Colvin Run Mill, The Smithsonian, and STEM

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum teamed with Colvin Run Mill to create a video about simple machines for the Smithsonian's STEM in 30 project. Simple machines can be found almost anywhere. Let the video take you behind the scenes at both museums, and visit people who work with simple machines every day. 

Video

Colvin Run Mill and National Historic Preservation

Colvin Run Mill is one of the few preserved industrial sites from the 1800s. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, part of a program to support identification, evaluation, and protection of America's historic and cultural resources.

Video

Programs / Activities

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Historic Programs and Teas
On Your Own
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Scouts
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Colvin Run Mill HOME
Colvin Run Mill History
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