A National Historic Landmark in Chester County, PA

Step back in time and experience an 18th century working grist mill

Nestled along the Pickering Creek in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, the Mill at Anselma is an extraordinary historical complex demonstrating over 275 years of Chester County’s industrial history. The 22-acre property and surviving original buildings provide a view into a grist mill operation that formed the center of rural life in the late 18th century. The Mill still operates on the original powertrain built in 1747, offering a powerful educational experience of a heritage engineered to last. The site is open to the public for tours, milling demonstrations, and special programs, and is also a unique venue for private events.

Historic large wooden gears that move millstones to grind grain

Observe awesome 18th century engineering in action

The Mill at Anselma is the only pre-Revolutionary custom grist mill in the U.S. still operating with the original structures and equipment installed in 1747. Milling demonstrations at the Mill show how grain is ground into flour, powered by a large indoor water wheel and 275-year-old wooden gears. “Milling Demonstration Days” are the second Saturday of every month (April through December) and include tours by enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents.

Flour being dispensed into bin during grist mill operation

On-site educational programs for hands-on learning

A key part of our mission is education, so we offer a variety of opportunities for students to explore the past with hands-on learning that goes beyond our traditional tours. Participants are encouraged to experience the Mill through all five senses through programs tailored to elementary, middle, and high school students.

Private dinner setting inside historic mill

Distinctive, one-of-a-kind setting for your next event

Imagine your next event in the historic and pastoral setting of an 18th century mill! The Mill at Anselma offers intimate indoor spaces as well as ample outdoor space for tents and parking. The historic buildings and lush scenery provide a beautiful backdrop for photographs and filming. Call us to discuss your vision for an unforgettable wedding, corporate retreat, team-building event, or fund-raising gala.

Historic water wheel powering grist mill operation

Committed stewardship and preservation

Preserving 275 years of history is a responsibility that we take seriously. Our repair and restoration projects are ongoing to keep the historical buildings intact and the Mill humming the way it did in 1747. We are also stewards of hundreds of documents, artifacts, and oral histories about the Mill and the families who lived and worked on the site.

Upcoming events

The Mill at Anselma is open April through December and there’s always something new to do at the Mill! Watch live demonstrations of the Mill in operation, take one of several themed tours, attend special fun events that celebrate the Mill’s history, and much more!

Click on the highlighted dates for event details.

  • Being able to see the interior of the mill with all the equipment was fantastic. The mill is really well preserved and still operates as it did 200 years ago. Recommended.

    Dana H.

  • This is a must visit -- one of the few working grist mills in the USA, in an excellent state of preservation. The volunteers who work here are great, truly knowledgeable and helpful. An idyllic location

    Adam F.

  • Beautiful historical site so close to home....well maintained and run by volunteers.

    Rocky M.

  • Very interesting piece of local history. The volunteers here are amazing, they really make for an outstanding experience.

    Bill A.

  • Awesome hidden gem historic mill....very knowledgeable volunteers and impressive working mill equipment. Turtle trail along the pond is very picturesque and tranquil.

    Patty O.

  • Site of history in America and the foundation of the Philadelphia area. The nature trails are beautiful, including the pond and lake from a distance.

    Nick M.

  • Great history! Love the trails. We saw lots of animal life! Beautiful property.

    Laura C.

  • Fascinating place to visit. Experience the ingenuity of our ancestors. Get a true vision of our past. The guides are very knowledgeable. Small gift shop which sells grains ground in the mill among other items. Worth a stop.

    Ruth W.

  • Very interesting piece of local history. The volunteers here are amazing, they really make for an outstanding experience.

    Bill A., Mill Visitor

  • Awesome place, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun. I would recommend this place to anyone interested in our country's history or simply antique equipment.

    Matt M.

  • Takes you back in time. The volunteer guides tell a wonderful story about the mill and how it operated over hundreds of years.

    Harm S.

  • Beautiful and interesting site. Knowlegable and friendly guides. Something to interest everyone, engineers, gardeners, history enthusiasts, children

    Mary W.

  • My family loves this historic mill, which is still grinding corn and wheat, and are for sale. There are trails around ponds, too.

    Stephen M.

  • The best Santa around! Nice low key Christmas celebration. Great place to get beautiful photos. My boys (age 9) are still fascinated by the grain sorter and the mill.

    Judy M.

Help us ensure The Mill at Anselma continues to educate and inspire visitors and scholars for generations to come.

Let’s stay in touch!

Sign up to be the first to know about Mill news, events, and programs.