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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Pierce Mill

A historic 1829 water-powered mill in Rock Creek Park, offering seasonal demonstrations of corn, wheat, and rye grinding grains up to the present day.

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Pierce Mill
www.friendsofpeircemill.org, og_image_www.friendsofpeircemill.org

What is Peirce Mill known for?

Peirce Mill is a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1829, it used moving water as a power source to grind rye, wheat, and corn.

What are the hours for Peirce Mill?

The exterior grounds are open daily during regular park hours. The mill operates seasonally, with the milling season running from April to October; public hours through the end of 2025 are announced as 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

Can I go inside the mill?

Yes, visitors can access the inside of the mill to meet park staff and volunteers and see demonstrations. Mill operation demonstrations typically occur on the second and fourth Saturdays from April through October.

Where is it located and how do I get there?

It is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW in Rock Creek Park, at the corner of Tilden Street NW and Beach Drive. It is accessible via the Metro Red Line at the Van Ness-UDC or Cleveland Park exits.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Peirce Mill is a historic stone building located at 2401 Tilden Street NW in Washington, D.C. Constructed in 1829 at the behest of Isaac Peirce, the mill utilized the moving water of Rock Creek as a power source to grind corn, wheat, and rye. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, marking its significance as a remnant of the city's early industrial history. In 1890, an act of Congress incorporated the mill and 350 acres of the surrounding property into the newly established Rock Creek Park. Over the years, the mill underwent several restorations, with significant work completed in October 1936 and placed back into operation in December 1936, with further restoration occurring in 1955. Today, the site serves as a visitor center and educational hub. While the exterior grounds are open daily during regular park hours, the interior is open seasonally. The milling season typically runs from April to October, the period during which the National Park Service typically runs mill operation demonstrations on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Visitors can enter the mill to meet with park staff and volunteers who provide insights into the early 19th-century milling process. The interior experience allows guests to see the machinery machinery and the mechanics of water-powered grinding, providing a tangible connection to the city's agricultural past.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between April and October to experience the milling season and interior access.
  • If visiting on a second or fourth Saturday, you may catch a mill operation demonstration.
  • Access the site via the Red Line Metro to Cleveland Park or Van Ness-UDC and walk into the park.
  • The exterior grounds are open daily, so you can still enjoy the architecture and creek if the mill is closed.

Nearby context

Peirce Mill is nestled within the lush greenery of Rock Creek Park, positioned at the intersection of Tilden Street NW and Beach Drive, offering a peaceful escape from the urban density of Washington, D.C.

Sources

Evidence and links