Centered on an original grist mill constructed in 1868 along Racoon Creek in Rock County, the 52-acre grounds of Beckman Mill County Park offer both historical education and recreation near the Illinois border west of Beloit. Along with Beckman Mill itself, the grounds feature a dam and mill pond, a fish ladder, a sawmill display, 1840s-era cooperage, a blacksmith shop, a creamery, gardens, a nature trail, picnic shelter, footbridge and more.
Beckman Mill was fully restored in 1997 and it continues to work. Power is supplied to it by the original 1860s water-driven Leffel turbine; a gas engine can serve as a backup when needed. The Mill itself has a long history, including renovations in 1925 and 1997. A Visitor Center opened in 2006 and several events, such as Progress Days in spring and Heritage Days in fall, bring even more activities to the park.
The grounds are always open to the public; the Mill itself is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4pm, generally May through October.
Our cohorts at Discover Wisconsin featured Beckman Mill in their “Know Your Wisconsin” series, which also provides some nice background:
You’ll find Beckman Mill and Beckman Mill County Park along County H just south of Wisconsin Highway 81 about six miles west of Beloit.
Beckman Mill County Park Address:
11600 S. County Road H
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 751-1551
Website
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