Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mingus Mill

A large water-powered mill for grinding corn can be seen in operation one-half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee on US 441. The grounds are open daily.

Built in 1886, this historic grist mill uses a water-powered turbine instead of a water wheel to power all of the machinery in the building.

A miller is on site to demonstrate the grinding of corn into cornmeal, which is available for purchase. Miller’s hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily mid-March through mid-November. Also, open Thanksgiving weekend.

You might spot some elk nearby — grazing in the fields next to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, or in the lowland fields along US 441 in the National Park, or in the Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center just north of park visitor center.