Ranger Tours at Peirce Mill

Park Event · Rock Creek Park · Sep 5, 2026 · 10:00 AM–10:45 AM

Step inside Peirce Mill, a rare surviving 19th-century gristmill in Rock Creek Park, and discover how waterpower once supported daily life in Washington, DC.

Built in the 1820s, the mill served local farmers by grinding grain into flour and cornmeal. On this guided tour, you’ll explore the mill’s machinery, including the waterwheel, gears, and millstones that brought the process to life.

Learn how the force of Rock Creek was harnessed to power the mill and the skill required to operate it. Rangers will share stories of the Peirce family and the workers who kept the mill running.

Source: National Park Service (public domain).