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Falls Mill is Worth the Drive

Falls Mill is Worth the Drive

  • 134 Falls Mill Road, Belvidere, TN 37306
  • A short & tranquil day trip from Huntsville
  • Mill tours open April 1, 2021
beautiful photo of Falls Mill in Elora TN

We recently visited Falls Mill with our scout troop and were delighted! Falls Mill is a water powered mill and museum located just 35 miles northeast of Huntsville. As a local I was a little ashamed that I’d never before visited. You simply take Winchester Road out past New Market, stay on 72/122 through Plevna and up into Winchester, Tennessee. Signs will guide you there. It took me about an hour from Madison and it’s a lovely drive.

Owners since 1984, Jane and John Lovett, occupy 90 acres. 75 is farmland and the other 15 is dedicated to the Mill, spring, and falls. Jane took us on a guided tour, starting with the upper falls.

Falls Mill 1

Falls Mill Grounds

As you pass by the Lovett’s historic, reconstructed log cabin and the well-preserved original mill, you take a slope down to the lower falls. There is an area with benches for reading that looks out on a perfect area for water play! Jane said children love to take to the water in the warmer weather. With a view of the gorgeous mill and draping ivy, I could imagine sitting all day while the children play. As you venture further downstream, there is a rustic covered wagon and picnic tables. It is a small area for exploration, so it should not be hard on super littles, and it is fairly easily navigable, although I do recommend checking with the owners if you need any special accommodations.

Falls Mill 3

Inside Falls Mill

Inside the Mill, you are greeted with nostalgia. The historically registered mill began in 1873 as a woolen and cotton factory and was later used as a gin. Today it is a woodworking shop and grist mill. Jane thoughtfully shared the inner workings of the mill with the group of children as well as showing them a wide assortment of period machinery. They really loved the printing press and the old dog driven butter churn. There was a brief video and then we ventured out onto the deck to look down over the wheel and learn about the mill work. The kids and adults were awed.

Falls Mill 4

Back inside, up the stairs was a bit more education with a loom and weaving presentation. There is a small gift shop where I scored some lovely, hand carved, wooden Christmas ornaments ($1 each) and the children bought some gemstones. There are unique woodworked boxes and birdhouses, and, back downstairs, you will find an assortment of grits, flour, jellies, sorghum (from the Lovett’s farm) and other delights.

Falls Mill 5

Parent Pro-Tips
  • PACK FOOD. There were a few snack options available, but you want to come food prepared. I suggest snacks and a lunch (so you have an excuse to hang out at the lower or upper falls for your meal). Picnic tables are available.
  • There is a single female restroom and a single male restroom near the parking lot in a stand alone building. While clean, there is no changing area, so be prepared to use a car seat or a bench outdoors.
  • You may not have phone service – could be a good thing?

I assure you, your family will love this place. It makes a fabulous day trip and is chock-full of education on top of being beautiful. Want to spend more time? There is a greeted with nostalgia. Visiting for the day? They are open 9-4 weekdays (NOT on Wednesdays) and on Saturdays (NOT on Sundays) and are closed for Winter. Be sure to check their page for more information.

See Also

Falls Mill 6

The area was more beautiful than I expected, and the rich history was engaging for myself and the kids. I give this family field trip an A+ (especially if you have littles). Plan ahead, though, if you want a group tour or anything guided, you MUST reserve your spot ahead of time.

Falls Mill Details

Location: 1-895 Falls Mill Road, Belvidere, TN 37306 (map)
Phone: 931-469-7161
Hours: Open for Tours 9-4 Central Time April 1 – Dec. 23rd, 2021
Closed each Wednesday and Sunday
Cost: Adults $4, Seniors, Military & Students $3, Children $2 | Annual passes are available
View Website | See Covid Policy

This article was originally published in 2016 but has been updated with the most current information.

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