Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

The Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is home to a water-powered grist mill taht was built in 1846. Today, the mill has been partially restored and is a local landmark. This park also features the first church in the Napa Valley, as well as the Pioneer Cemetery.

A short trail from the parking lot here leads to the water-powered Bale Grist Mill, erected in 1846 and partially restored in 1925. Exhibits explain the milling process and docents sometimes offer milling demonstrations. A trail leads from the park to Bothe–Napa Valley State Park, where you can pick up a number of hiking trails or linger for a picnic.

This restored mill, built in 1846, still works, and visitors can see its massive millstones in action when millers grind flour out of local wheat. Bale Grist flour, literally the run of the mill, can be purchased at the mill when demonstrations take place. Check for the sign saying Milling Today. Bale Grist Mill demonstrations are irregularly scheduled. Demonstrations are more frequent on...