Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

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.

Department Resources

Related Resources

Upcoming Featured Events

Mar
30
11:00AM, (2-9 years) Hunt for eggs filled with treats and treasures on the grounds of…
Apr
07
12:00PM, (7-10 years) Explore hydropower and windpower with hands-on activities. We'll…
Apr
07
12:00PM, (All Ages) We're running the mill like it’s 1811 when the mill was first…
Apr
08
10:00AM, (2-5 yrs.) Explore Colvin Run Mill with your toddler this spring while enjoying…
Apr
21
12:00PM, (All Ages) We're running the mill like it’s 1811 when the mill was first…
Apr
22
10:00AM, (2-5 years) Explore Colvin Run Mill with your toddler this spring while…

 

Colvin Run Classes and Events

colvin run mill calendar of events

Embark on a historical journey with programs and events at Colvin Run Mill.  From workshops to mill days, our diverse calendar promises engaging experiences for all ages, connecting visitors to mill's past and the vibrant community that surrounds it.


Spring into STEAM at Colvin Run Mill

Spring into STEAM at Colvin Run Mill

Science Meets History: Power

April 7, 12-1 p.m., $10 

Explore hydropower and wind power with
hands-on activities.

  • Observe the 19th century water-powered Colvin Run Mill
  • Discover how engineers are using wind and waterpower today.
  • Enjoy a tour of the mill.
  • Adults accompanying children with the class must purchase a Mill in Motion ticket.

Engineering Then & Now

May 19, 12-3 p.m., $10

  • Observe Colvin Run Mill in operation.
  • Discover historic and modern engineering.
  • Enjoy hands-on activities and conversations with professional engineers and exhibits.
  • Explore how today’s engineers are building on the work of engineers of the past to solve problems in the present and future.

Mill In Motion

motion in mills

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

2-3 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.

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.

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