Old Mill State Park
As you walk into the clearing, it’s as if you’ve stepped back into another century. To the left is Larson’s Mill, a simple building that was the business and social center for pioneer farmers, who would travel for miles to bring their grains to be milled. On the right, a log settler cabin faces the mill on the opposite side of the clearing. The steam-powered gristmill is the pride of the park and the Friends of Old Mill State Park group. It is operated once a year in August to demonstrate flour grinding. During Grinding Day, visitors can purchase a bagful of fresh stone-ground flour or bran and get an earful of pioneer tales and lore.
Old Mill State Park is located between Argyle and Newfolden just off the King of Trails Scenic Byway in Minnesota’s Marshall County.
Visitors enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun on the park grounds by the old Larson Mill
WPA-built swinging bridge over Middle River
Belts drive the mill stones and sifting mechanisms
The sifting mechanism of the grist mill fill bags of flour
John Hess of the Friends of Old Mill State Park prtrays Lars Larson, one of the original settlers
Trails
Camping
Today, the 26-site campground is a safe distance back, but still affords great river views. The group camp across the river has room for 100 campers.
Winter
Snowshoeing is allowed throughout the park, but no groomed trails exist. Find northwestern Minnesota ski trails
