6 Historic Wisconsin Mills Perfect for Fall Pictures

Looking for that perfect fall shot? These historic mills combine nostalgic vibes with natural scenery that comes alive each autumn. 

Wisconsin’s mills, in their heyday, were places to gather and mingle with neighbors, so stay a while and see what discoveries await in nearby parks, towns and shops. Here are a few Wisconsin mills to get your fall adventures started.

And don’t forget to plan ahead for peak fall colors with the Wisconsin Fall Color Report!

Beckman Mill – Beloit

Head to Beloit in southern Wisconsin for a charming photo-op and historic fall scenery to go with it. Find Beckman Mill within Beckman Mill County Park, along with a peaceful pond with nature trails, a picturesque footbridge and multiple restored buildings such as a blacksmith’s shop and a creamery. Plan your visit in early autumn to enjoy the city’s Heritage Days which includes trade demonstrations, live music and tours of the park.

Messer/Mayer Mill – Richfield

Northeast of Milwaukee, Richfield Historical Park is home to a picture-perfect historic mill surrounded by restored buildings such as a millhouse, horse shed, smokehouse and more. The Messer/Mayer Sawmill was built over 150 years ago and ground wheat, rye and cattle feed until it closed in 1954. 

The burgundy-red buildings framed by vivid autumn leaves are sure to make for unforgettable fall photos with friends and family. Visit during the annual Thresheree & Harvest Festival to ride in a covered wagon, sift flour by hand, watch historic demonstrations and much more!

Herrling Sawmill – Greenbush

Halfway between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, you can find the historic Wade House, a former stagecoach inn for travelers moving between cities in the 1850s. Here you’ll also find the reconstructed Herrling Sawmill, one of a rare few working water-powered mills of its kind in North America. 

Tour the grounds draped in brilliant fall foliage, smell fresh wood shavings in the sawmill and meet friendly farm animals. Take part in Autumn Celebration Weekend for apple pressing, pumpkin carving, horse-drawn carriage rides and more.

Old Rock Mill - Maribel

Just southeast of Green Bay, Old Rock Mill was built in 1847 along Devils River. At first, it was used to process bedrock from the area, but eventually, it became more useful as a mill for grain from the nearby German, Czech and Irish immigrant farming communities. 

Pitch a tent or bring the RV to Devils River Campground (open through October 5th) to immerse yourself in spectacular fall colors and capture plenty of family photos by the picturesque mill.

Red Mill Gift Shop and Wedding Chapel – Waupaca

It doesn’t get much more charming than at the Red Mill Gift Shop and Wedding Chapel in Waupaca. A covered bridge leads you from the historic mill through the enchanting forest to a little white wedding chapel in the woods bursting with fall color. Although the mill is no longer in use, it now houses a cute gift shop that also serves ice cream and coffee. Stop in on your autumn road trip to instantly be transported into a perfect fall postcard.

Cedarburg Woolen Mill – Cedarburg

North of Milwaukee, Cedarburg was home to several thriving mills in the mid to late nineteenth century. Today, most of these magnificent stone structures are now occupied by shops, studios, galleries, restaurants and a winery. The Cedarburg Woolen Mill, however, still operates and houses a textile museum with the original 1860s machinery. 

Join the fall fun at the city’s Wine & Harvest Festival and Oktoberfest to see the community come together just as they used to at the historic mills.

Keep the picture-perfect moments coming at these Wisconsin state parks with gorgeous fall colors.