Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park - St Helena, California

Thinh L.

Great insight on the start of the gold rush and the type of people settling in the west in the 1800s. Our tour guide even demonstrated the mill to create polenta. Highly recommend going if you’re in the area

Phil G.

The mill is a must see...8:30 hike and 9:00 tour through the mill that lasts 15 to 60 minutes (docents are there on Milling Weekends; check postings). Great story telling lots of fun and educational souvenirs are available. The history that happened on the spot is incredible and connects to so many other significant properties in the valley.

Angelina S.

If you are in the Napa area make sure and set aside some time to explore and take a tour of this historical gem! The two staff members (Martin and didn't catch her name but she is a pastry maker/Bothe campground host) were really kind even though we came during lunch time. They still squeezed us in for a tour and did a wonderful job explaining the history + mechanics of this mill. Very affordable and well maintained. Thank you!!

Andrew J.

This is a little gem of a historic site. There's a trail, restrooms and an old water mill that is still operational. You can buy tour tickets (and souvenirs) in the little exhibit room. Not sure if the tour guides are all like the one we had, but he was a blast. A retired engineer who knows his mill tech and loves to explain everything from the history to the mechanics. He definitely turned what is probably a very dry tour into an educational and engaging one.

Babak M.

This is a great place to visit. There is so much history. The tour guy Mario is incredibly knowledgeable and willing to tell you stories as long as you are interested and have the time. We spent 1 1/2 hours there. Time well spent.

Nancy H.

Unique state mill in Napa. We shot their Virtual Tour, and the whole team was friendly and kind. Very tranquil setting. Hiking trails in the back. Fun to see how the "old days" used to function. Rare place to experience.

Alex

The mill was established in 1846 by Dr. Edward Turner Bale on property in Rancho Carne Humana land grant. Bale lived near the site until his death in 1849.

The gristmill and granary were built with local materials, Douglas firs and coast redwoods. Some timbers were cut to length with the bark left on, while others were roughed out with hand tools. The timbers were notched and held in place with wooden pegs as well as nails and screws. The foundation of the structure is native stone. The mill was powered by a waterwheel, with water diverted from Mill Creek nearby. A ditch carried the water from a millpond to a wooden flume, which brought the water to the top of the waterwheel. The first wheel did not provide enough power during dry summers and was replaced by a larger one, similar to the one at the mill today.

The mill was once the center of social activity as Napa Valley settlers gathered to have their corn and wheat ground into meal or flour.

Chandra M.

Great looking mill.
There are tours inside which typically take about 45 to 60 minutes. $8 adults and $3 kids.

Parking is inside state park. We weren’t aware and saw few cars parked on the side of the street.