This was an interesting museum. I was looking for cultural things to do while visiting Lombard for the weekend. The large mill had several historical facts. There was a live demonstration of the stone wheel grinding corn into corn meal. There are three stories, with the top two being a museum and the basement floor part of the Underground Railroad station shop. Taking back into little known American History were relics of the slave trade. The museum entrance fee was $6 for adults. The outside grounds were kept nicely and there was a short trail along the river. read more

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Wow! I have to get out of downtown more often! I was car shopping with a friend and she brought me to the museum and the walking trail once she was finished purchasing a car. I was so surprised to see such history and beauty next to a big busy highway. There is a spacious parking lot tucked away as to not impede on the surrounding beauty. The beautifully elegant building looked so interesting. The age was apparent but it was in exquisite condition. We did not go in as it was not open. We walked around it and enjoyed it from the outside. I am looking forward to returning soon. We checked out the big water wheel and bridge and took some pretty photos that did not do justice to the natural beauty of the area. We then walked along the pretty trail inside all of the foliage along the water. It wasn't too crowded so we had space to take our time and enjoy. It was so nice to see the mix of families and singles enjoying nature and some fresh air. Once we were done with our lovely walk, we went next door to the nearby pub for a casual meal. What a great area that deserves another visit. read more

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We came here for Christmas at the Mill, an art fair where vendors set up throughout the mill and house buildings. There were ornaments, jewelry, photography, scarves, food, and you can even buy bags of the cornmeal ground by the mill! There was a very cute St. Nicholas roaming around as well, and they were making corn dogs with the homemade cornmeal! Inside the mill building are assorted artifacts, and also info about the Underground Railroad, for which the Graue Mill was a stop. Definitely an interesting local historical spot, and Christmas at the Mill is a fun holiday event! read more

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Gorgeous in Autumn as well!! Absolutely beautiful in all seasons plus free parking! Bring a picnic and enjoy a few hours on the trails. read more

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What a delightful little attraction that is part of the Du Page County Forest Preserve District. This was an old grist mill from the 1850s that has been preserved - and there are very few of these anywhere. The Graue Mill used to grind corn and wheat and other grains between two huge circular stones faces. They still do it here for show, and one can buy a small bag of the meal for a reasonable price. The building is three stories with a basement. In the basement they have artifacts and the like from the Underground Railroad days when the mill owner helped slaves traverse the country. The first floor is the entrance room where they have a few items displayed, and the main stone milling apparatus - this is free to view. The upper two floors cost a small $4 or $5 per person donation, and they are worth visiting. The second floor showcases the work spaces from the 1850s, and the third floor the housing. These rooms are filled with museum pieces that are arranged and set out nicely - worthwhile. The grounds - all free to view and walk - are gorgeous as they back up to a flowing creek that used to drive the mill works. The creek still flows, and the mill grinding apparatus does also at times but was down when we were there so we could not see the big water wheel work - but drop in when it does and be amazed. The mill is on the west side of York Road, but there are free parking places on both sides of the street - use either as access is simple. What really set this attraction apart from the norm were the docents inside the building. They were welcoming, engaging, and knowledgeable. They make this place sing ... and we especially liked the guy who operates the grinding machine - he really gets you involved if you show any interest. While this isn't a famous place and you have to look for it, it is well worth visiting. Graue also butts up to the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center for extended trailing. Recommended. read more

Built in 1852, the Graue Mill is one of the few waterwheel grist mills left in the country and is the only one in Illinois. It was a hub of the local community in the 19th century and used to grind the wheat, corn and other grains produced by local farmers. It has been totally restored and is open to the public except in the Winter months. A little known fact is that the mill was also used during the 1800's to hide runaway slaves on their journey to freedom in Canada. While it is beautiful any time of year- my favorite time to visit the Mill is in the Fall when the leaves are changing and there is a bit of a bite in the air. There are hiking paths surrounding the Mill ( in fact- if you walk to the very back of the path- there is a pond where there used to be boat rentals back in the day and you can almost imagine what life was like in another time). Today- you'll find weekend reenactments, craft demonstrations, and a variety of other things that help you feel like you were there back when the mill was operational. You can even buy a bag of freshly ground corn complete with recipes. It makes for a tranquil afternoon in the "country" or what's left of it in that part of DuPage County. read more

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Get out and enjoy the beauty of this area in the Southern part of Oak Brook. It is suprememly scenic and the Mill itself is exceedingly rich in History. It is adjacent to Fullersburg Woods, another DuPage County Forest Preserve gem so you have plenty of places to hike or bike in this area. Oh, and grab a beer and burger at the legendary York Tavern and your day is complete. [X] One of the Best! read more

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Fun place to explore! I've been coming to this place since I was little and have enjoyed the historic aspect of the mill for quite some time. Though the mill and museum is in need of funding, it still makes for a nice visit. I also enjoy walking the trails on a nice day, since that is always very relaxing. The only downside is that the trails tend to be pretty populated with people walking their dogs and they don't always pick up after them, so watch your step. read more

We took our niece here with one of her classmates, and they really enjoyed the tour and had many questions for the guides to answer. We stayed here for about 3 hours and enjoyed the area after we toured the museum. read more

This is probably my favorite park with great paths/trails and amazing fishing it's like a dream been coming here for years and will continue to do so for many more as I loose weight from the 1 mile long walks that you will inevitable go on. read more

Graue Mill & Museum - Museums Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

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Neat little historical spot in the suburb of Oak Brook. It's an interesting, still-working mill, that gives a little insight into what things were like way-back-when. You can even buy souvenir bags of cornmeal made from the Graue Mill (it's pronounced "grau-ee," by the way). Besides the actual mill operations, you can go upstairs to see how a miller might have lived when the Graue Mill was in its prime, filled with old-timey examples of furniture, clothes, and such. The real reason why I was here was for a wedding; and this really seems like a popular spot for weddings, and in particular, wedding photos. In the one Saturday afternoon I was there, I saw three *other* wedding parties doing a bunch of wedding photos around the Graue Mill. read more

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A sweet historical spot to visit on our way out of Fullersburg Woods. The mill was fun to see and the river flowing nearby was a nice spot to relax near. We didn't take advantage of the museum, but we plan to return and would love to visit the inside. read more

Graue Mill & Museum - Museums Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

After checking out the attached park, the fiancé and I also site-surveyed the Mill for another potential wedding shoot. The place is very well-kept and rustic, with a a nice bridge walkway and a great over-look of the waterfall in the back along the river. Everything here, the waterfall, mill, and service office, was stunning with a touch of a rustic feel. I would definitely like to check out their museum another time. Also, on the day we were here, the grounds were also renting out kayaks to use. So besides the gorgeous views, there are plenty of fun activities here to participate in. Keep it up guys!!! read more

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This is a very pretty place in Oakbrook. Note that I said it was in Oakbrook. The nature trail follows the DesPlaines River and you can, if you care, read all about the mill at http://www.grauemill.org/underground.htm So we park and start to walk with our dog. It's lovely here. Waterfall, trees, flowers, etc. But, we must discuss the people, as they dominate the experience. All I can say is that the folks that I meet are very Dupage.....those who are not Dupage understand this. Those who have recently moved to Dupage understand this. (I have a relatively new Dupage friend. She understands this.) Those who are lifelong Dupagians will scoff and assume I am some sort of hillbilly or, as some love to say, a "blue-collar" type. Example: Mother with an extremely expensive camera ( I want to ask her to explain F stops and shutter speeds to me but I do not..should I have?) asks her daughter to sit on a log. "I know it's dirty, honey,..but, PLEASE." Ew yes, dirt. In nature. Ick. Next is the family blocking the way because they have a professional photographer taking their very important family picture...Then there is the equally important couple with the especially important infant who can't seem to move out of our way, and finds it annoying to do so (mind you, the trail is a good 12 feet wide)...and then, the general bunch of folk who have an extremely difficult time saying hello (family/couple/infant/loner)...is it really that hard? Do we look homicidal or, even worse, that we will ask for money? Can you not feign kindness? Isn't such fakery part of the social contract? Oh, and then...you must see the back of the homes on Spring Road. Those whose backyards have "no trespassing" signs. (I often wonder....those who obey "no trespassing signs" don't need them...those who don't...well...) Meanwhile, 4 chimneys, pool houses, homes that look as if three houses have fused themselves together in some sort of strange financial/religious ceremony... So very Dupagian. You really can't visit Graue without making some kind of social commentary. It's nice, but... read more

Graue Mill is a nice little historical site. The mill is still in use today producing quality stone ground cornmeal. Between picking up some local stone ground cornmeal and taking a quick tour of the museum Graue Mill is a nice place to spend a few hours. Fairly often the Mill has special events (civil war encampments, art fairs, sheep shearing, etc) that are always educational and entertaining. The grounds are a little on the small side which keeps the events from being too big and overwhelming. The museum is fairly good sized, I'm always surprised how much info they can smoosh into that building. The Underground Railway info and how the Mill was used on the route is very interesting. One of my favorite things about Graue Mill is the local stone ground cornmeal for sale. I'm a big fan of local food and of course stone ground grain is healthier than it's metal ground counterparts. Healthy locally produced food and a museum all in the same spot?! My nerdiness is definitely showing. read more

Great memories of this place. I could walk here when I was a kid. I remember thinking it was pretty darn cool back then and you know what? It still is! For not much moohla you get a little history lesson, beautiful views and you are a short walk to York Tavern! They still have the little sack of fresh corn meal with a recipe for the best corn bread ever! A little treasure of a place on the Hinsdale/Oak Brook border. read more

We love this place to walk , ride our bikes or to go fishing ......it's very beautiful !!!

Get your cornmeal here. It is so much better than commercial cornmeal. My son loved the tour and getting a chance to hand grind cornmeal. It was such a pleasure to visit! read more

Self-guided tours with cool people volunteering who can show you how to spin wool, churn butter, etc. :) Very friendly and $4.50 is totally reasonable and made me donate, too, to keep it going. Didn't get to hike around, but the bike trails and walking paths looked gorgeous! :) Must come back! read more

Great place! The miller docent knew his stuff and clearly had a passion for his subject. Our kid got to do some hands on grinding with him and it was a really neat and informative experience. Neat place to see and experience. read more

Ah, this place has a special place in my heart. Why, you ask? Let's just say in the beginning of my relationship with my sweetie, we'd come here and walk all the time. Plus, he saved me from a bee - pretty much saved my life - while we were there - took a sting for me and everything - so I will always hold this place close to my heart. Sometimes we just need to be around nature. Park for free and explore to your heart's desire. Enjoy the wooded areas, the water, ducks, geese, the fresh air and the mill. read more

Growing up in the grand county of DuPage, Fullersburg Woods and Graue Mill was THE place to go for a Walden-moment. I think my grade school in nearby CH {a delightful place to live and shop} took us on a field trip through the museum, and I'm sure it was interesting, but my main interest is walking through the woods. Considering how I am notably NOT an outdoorsy girl, this place is awesome for trekking. I also love how civil and friendly everyone is- anyone you see walking will generally say hi or smile. It's like we're all thinking, "Hey! We're in the woods! Let's be nicer than if we were at the mall." The scenic beauty is wonderful, though sometimes its surreal to be admiring a tree than see a Lexus drive by on the road next to the woods. The Mill itself is a must-see, and I'm always tickled by the sign that reads "Do not climb on the Mill." I always wonder who inspired that sign.... My favorite thing about coming here is that it SMELLS different. It just does. And its cool. Even cooler, down the road from the Graue Mill is a house where the 3 Bears live! At least, that's what my father told me when he took me here as a kid. Totally believed him. {Still do.} read more

My memories of the Graue Mill go back to my childhood the early 1950s when I went there with my Scout troop. Later, I went there with special people with whom I wanted to share the experience. read more

This is a really nice site to explore a bit of history. There was a time when water powered mills were the high tech of the era. I am so glad places like this are being preserved and restored. There is a sign stating that Graue Mill is undergoing phase one of a restoration project that includes restoring the water wheel. I can't wait to see how it will look when it is finished. read more

Now that I'm unemployed, I come here just about every day (weather permitting). I love walking the paths that are shared with Fullersburg Woods. What a serene, beautiful setting. I've seen so many different kinds of birds I imagine bird watchers would be in heaven here. The museum is small, but interesting. It's definitely worth the entry fee to check it out. Downstairs they give you a peak into the underground railroad. I'm not a big fan of corn bread, but I do like corn bread made from the Graue Mill. The grain is less processed, so it gives bread a more rustic texture and flavor. read more

Free to walk around the grounds, small admission fee to tour the mill inside. Restored nicely, and informative displays with volunteers to give interesting demonstations geared to the audience that happens to be in front of them at the time. A lot of the same info we had already learned about at the Grove in Glenview, but a nice addition with the Underground Railroad display in the basement and the actual mill itself. Small gift shop, but with some neat items for kids. Free parking. Worth an hour if you are in the area, or if you are history buff, homeschooler, or want to give the kids another view of Illinois/prarie history. Abraham Lincoln was here! read more

We stopped here on my wedding day to take some pictures. It's a beautiful place with an interesting story. Stop here and walk the trails, sit by the water and enjoy the museum! read more

This place is amazing. An enchanting area, with a river, trails, and lots of animals. There is a museum on site. During the Civil War, the area was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The building is really cool, especially the mill wheel that runs during the warm months. I think this the only working mill wheel in the area. The main attraction for me is the ducks. I love ducks. Ducks are delightful creatures. There are usually many ducks around, even in the winter. One of my favorite kinds of ducks are Pekin ducks. They are those big white ones. Also, if you want a romatic walk with your sig other surrounded by wonderful nature, this is your place. There are also chipmunks here, which are neat. You may also fish here, with a license of course. read more

This is one of my favorite places. I grew up in Hinsdale, the community just several hundred yards south of the mill's location. I spent a lot of time around the mill and it's grounds, on the banks of the river and watching the falls. It is a lovely place. I even skated on the frozen creek in the winter. The museum is great. The corn meal ground there has baked may a treat for my family. read more

This is awesome! You can grind corn and flour, stare at the mill wheel, learn about the underground railroad, and buy locally made goods. The only bad part is the child labor for the corn and flour. Kids grind it as a demonstration, they sell it. They should let the kids take it home. read more

i love walking the trails at graue mill. i've never really been in the museum, but sitting by the river or walking around is super relaxing. i used to ditch high school all the time and come here, don't tell! haha. i love the history, and as weird as it might sound i love the distinct smell of graue mill. read more

My sister and I took my grandchildren there today. What a disaster. My grandson who is 5 had to go to the washroom at the time we arrived there. I asked the woman at the desk if there were a washroom he could use. She stated that there wasn't one in there; we'd have to go across the street. I asked her what she did and she replied she went across the street ( it was about a block walk). Turned out it was something akin to an outhouse. The woman was extremely rude and told us we could either come in or leave. I've been to many museums in the US and abroad. Never in my life have I been treated in such a rude manner. read more

Graue Mill is a great place to visit. It's fun, educational, and the area is a nice place to walk around. I remember going to this place on field trips as a child, and I still come here as an adult. I agree with the other positive reviews, but I would like to add that the corn meal is GREAT. It tastes soooo much better than the stuff you buy at the store. The corn muffins I make with it are amazing. Try it yourself! Just remember that the corn meal hasn't been stripped of all of its natural oils (unlike the store bought stuff) and it needs to be refrigerated. Delicious! read more