Cooper Gristmill – Morris County Park Commission

View their website here!

Located on 14 acres along the Black River, the Cooper Gristmill is the only restored water-powered mill in New Jersey, and listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. It’s a living example of the state’s transition from an agricultural to an industrial economy. Costumed staff lead guided tours of the mill, running restored machinery to harness the power of the Black River to grind grains, using two sets of massive 2,000-pound mills

Admission to the Cooper Gristmill begins at the Visitors Center, where you can explore an exhibition on the region’s history before beginning your guided tour. Then you will head to the Mill (at the far end of the parking lot) to see the water-powered mill in operation much as it did more than a century ago.

General admission includes a guided tour and demonstration lead by the head miller, as well as an exhibition on the region’s history. Bags of flour are available for a donation.

Part of a larger network of more than 1,000 acres of preserved county parkland along the Black River and adjacent areas, a multi-mile series of trails connect the Cooper Gristmill to the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum. Hiking along the trails is free.

History

Travel back in time to Milltown, a thriving community situated along the Black River. Cooper Gristmill, built in 1826, was once the heart of a thriving industrial community. It also played a vital role in the area's development during the Industrial Revolution.

The Gristmill is the only restored water-powered mill in New Jersey, and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Your journey takes you on a guided tour of the Cooper Gristmill. During your tour, costumed staff run the Mill's restored machinery. You will witness the amazing power of the Black River, harnessed to turn a waterwheel and grind grain into flour using two sets of massive 2,000 pound millstones, which can produce up to 800 pounds of flour per hour.

Hours of Operation

General Admission: $5.00 per person, excluding special programming and events.

Season: April 1 – October 31

Hours: Fridays and Sundays, 10am – 4pm.

Last admission: 3:00 p.m.

Before You Arrive at the Cooper Gristmill

• Explore our website’s calendar of events or follow us on social media for special event, demonstration, program, and tour dates.
• Dress with weather appropriate clothing and footwear to enjoy the Patriots’ Path trail and scenic Black River. Trailhead is located behind the Cooper Gristmill.

Please Remember

• Take photos! Photography for personal use is allowed, provided it does not disrupt other visitors. Commercial photography and filming, and similar types of photography require a permit. To obtain a permit contact tours@morrisparks.net
• Click here to learn a few tips about sharing this historical, natural space with each other!
• Read notices posted on the trail head.
• Dogs must remain on a 6’ leash as per Article III, Section 3 of the Morris County Park Commission’s Rules and Regulations. Pets are not permitted within the buildings.
• For safety purposes, all trail users must stay on signed/blazed trails or walkways as shown on the trail map.
• Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited.