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Link to original content: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_256.php
Thompson's Mills is a unique survivor of times past, chronicling 160 years of Oregon rural life and honoring the owners who continually adapted the mill to the changing world around it. It is the last water-powered mill in the state and its turbines can be seen in action on guided tours. A water right that predates statehood produces the water flow that still runs the milling machines for demonstrations today.
The park is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Self-guided mill tours daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Guided tours Monday-Thursday at 11 a.m, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Friday-Sunday on demand 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The mill address is 32655 Boston Mill Drive, Shedd, OR 97377.
The park is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. The grounds are open dawn to dusk, and the mill is open 9am - 4pm for guided and self-guided tours. Guided tours are available on demand from 9:00 am til 4:00pm.
Yes! The mill still works but we run it empty and don't actually produce a product. For demonstrations we run the machinery so you can hear, see and feel some of what the mill employees experienced from 1858 until 2004. The mill runs on both water and electric power and we demonstrate its operation both ways on most guided tours. Seeing the water rush into the flume to run the turbines and hearing the clanging and hammering of the machinery are unforgettable experiences.
Yes, but if your group is 10 or more we ask that you give us a call to let us know what you have in mind. We have a very small staff and due to the fragile nature of the property we'll have a few understandable limits and requests to make sure both you and the Mill have a safe event. Many groups come for picnics and reunions on the grounds and take a tour afterwards. Call 541-491-3611 for more information. If we're out working leave a message for us and we'll call you back.
Yes. Our tour is an interactive five-station tour with some indoor and some outdoor activities and seems to be best suited for 4th graders but 2nd through 5th graders have a great time here too. We can customize the content to some degree so let us know what you'd like us to focus on. We can accommodate up to about 60 students plus chapperones per tour. We have a very limited staff though, so you will need to reserve a spot in advance. Give us a call so we can schedule a fun, exciting and memorable trip here for your students.
You may take a free guided or self guided tour every day from 9am - 4pm. Guided tours take around a half and hour to 45 minutes, but if you don't have that much time just let us know. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. If you have a group of more than 10, please call in advance so we can have adequate staffing (541-491-3611).
Yes. The rich and varied textures inside the mill are a photographers dream and the patina of 150 years of hard work draws many photographers. Flash photography and tripods are ok but a reminder to not obstruct the passage of other visitors and to pay attention to the safety barriers and ropes.
Yes. We often have artists set up at various places on the grounds capturing their view of the mill on a canvas. We have no restrictions for artists wishing to paint pictures of the mill other than the usual restrictions that apply to everyone regarding access to dangerous areas. If you have a question about access to an off-limits area feel free to call or find a staff member on site to help you.
Yes. Both the mill race (in front of the mill) and the tail race and Calapooia River (behind the mill) are open to fishing. All ODFW rules and regulations apply. The banks of the mill race make a good place to practice fly casting.
In May 2004, OPRD purchased the property from the last private owner for $856,547 and paid an additional $15,000 for artifacts and historic equipment associated with the mill. After 3 years of safety and structural upgrades Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site opened to the public.
Work continues every day at the Mill- from minor repairs to major rehab or waterworks projects. An adjustable dam was installed in 2013 allowing the Mill to have a full mill race and demonstrate milling year round while also allowing for fish passage and drainage after winter rains. The removal of Sodom Dam, the removal of Shearer Dam and finally the construction of the adjustable dam allow the Calapooia River to be free-flowing yet the function and appearance at Thompson's Mills is preserved for you to experience.