Over a hundred years ago, the Larson family settled in what is now the state of Minnesota. Braving the sometimes harsh weather, they a home and farmed the land. After time had passed, they realized that they a mill where they could grind into flour. They built a flour near a river. The flowing water power for the mill. Latere, a destroyed the Larsons' flour mill, and they forced to build another one. This was powered by the wind. Even , the family built a mill powered by .
Today, visitors to Old Mill State Park can see the steam-powered mill that the Larson used so many years ago. In , staff members at the park fire up the engine once a year so people watch the mill in operation. This attracts many people, especially those who interested in how people lived long . These visitors usually want to see the log cabin as well.
People who nature also enjoy visiting Old Mill State Park. Many try to arrange their travels to at the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This when special programs on topics about are offered. They learn about the and plants that grow in the as well as how to protect the . These visitors keep a lookout for . They know that they may see animals, such as moose and deer, and species, such as beavers, raccoons, and . During the spring and summer, these enjoy the splash of color that the provide along the hiking trails.
Old Mill State Park popular with people who love bird-, too. Over one hundred species of live in the park. Birders especially seeing red-tailed hawds, owls, and . During the spring and fall, they see migrating species, such as warblers and .
Old Mill State Park is also a place where bring their families for fun. Children in the cool water of the and tramp across the swinging bridge. , their parents fix delicious picnic lunches in the of the tall trees. In the months, they hike on mountain trails and canoes in the lake. In the months, they ski on the many -country trails that the park offers.
of the visitors to Old Mill State Park come to the just to relax. These visitors often by the Middle River. They may decide to a hike along the river, or a in the nearby swimming area. However, they be content to just sit nearby and to the calming sound of the rushing over the spillway.