Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

The park is the site of a water-powered gristmill that was built is 1846. It was once the center of social activity as Napa Valley settlers gathered to have their corn and wheat ground into flour.

The gristmill and granary were built with local Douglas firs and coast redwoods. The foundation of the structure is native stone. A waterwheel powered the mill, with water diverted from Mill Creek nearby. The slow turning of the old grind stones and the dampness of the mill's site gave the meal a special quality for making cornbread, yellow bread, shortening bread and spoon bread.

Layered clothing is advised as the weather is changeable. The park has limited picnic facilities. However, visitors can hike from the mill on the historic trail to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The park is on Highway 29 three miles north of St. Helena.

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