Beckman Mill County Park - Beloit, Wisconsin


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Hiding away, on the outskirts of Beloit, Wisconsin is one of the most lovely and charming county parks in Rock County.  A place where your soul can get re-centered, find peace and artistic inspiration around every corner.  If you are looking for a free weekend get-away for yourself or your family, this is it.  You can easily spend an entire day here exploring, relaxing, fishing, hiking, bird-watching, learning about history, picnicking etc.  Depending on when you choose to come, it will either be a very quiet, have the place to yourself, experience.  Or, if you come for one of their events, it will be bustling with activity and hands-on learning experiences complete with costumed guides.  This is Beckman Mill County Park.



Anyone who knows me, knows that I am completely fascinated with quilt barns. Located on the grounds of this 50 acre park is a beautiful quilt barn that has a lot of rustic, patriotic appeal. It helps that there are always attractive flowers and fencing in the park to make photographing it so fun.  Whatever season you decide to come to this park, it will bring you a sense of pleasure.


The authentically restored 1868 grist mill is a real gem of history and learning.  If you happen to be there during an event and you get to see how everything inside operates, you are in for a treat and some good learning fun.  I attended their Heritage Day event a few years back and was quite absorbed in learning about how this mill works.  They have a vintage two-cylinder gas engine that they use as an alternative power source when the water power doesn't work and they demonstrate how that works as well.  The mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


The dam that is located next to the grist mill is a stunning display of power.  You will find yourself delighted by the sound of rushing water that falls and flows down the Coon Creek.  It is quite mesmerizing and you might find yourself wanting to spend a good amount of time there.  While you are watching the dam, you can stroll along the fish ladder.



Believe it or not, I had never seen a fish ladder until I visited this park.  I learned that they are used to help get the fish back up to the lake after they have been washed down the dam waters or during migration.  The fish will actually swim and leap up the steps until they get to the waters on the other side.  Since I have learned about them, I have run into a few others here and there.  Traveling is always a fun learning adventure. 



The wooden, covered, footbridge crosses over the Coon Creek and you can see both the dam and the mill from the bridge.  It is a very scenic location that will transport you to another time and place.



Visiting after a light snow will give you the extra delight of finding footprints from local wildlife in the snow.  It's a treat that you may not get to see at other times during the year.  



There is also an 1830's Cooperage, visitor center, gift shop, creamery, blacksmith shop, picnic shelter and garden area.  


On the other side of the park, there are many wooded trails that lead you out to different points.  There is a bridge that crosses over the Coon Creek.  It is a great area to bird watch, so remember those binoculars and identification guides.


The trails lead you to forests with many mixed oak trees, a boardwalk over wetland areas, and a chance to see wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.  

What You Should Know Before You Go

Beckman Mill County Park is located 6 miles west of Beloit, Wisconsin on 11600 County Road H.

Visit their website to find hours that the buildings are open and for special events happening on the grounds.  Beckman Mill County Park Website.  Their Heritage Day is usually in early September and is worth going to as you get to go into all the buildings and costumed interpreters make history come alive.

It would be good to have a general idea of how mills work before going.  It will make your trip that much more interesting.  I am a huge fan of David Macaulay books and his Mill book will help you to learn all about the planning, construction and operation of mills in a way that is very understandable for most school aged children and adults.

Read specifically about the History of Beckman Mill.  It will give you a good understanding of everything that went into restoring this treasure for future generations.

You can fish at the lake on the grounds if you have a Wisconsin fishing licesnse.  So bring your gear and plan to try to catch a few fish.  

You may want to bring Sunscreen, Bug repellant, Binoculars, and a Birds of Wisconsin Fieldguide to help you spend time out in the woods identifying those many birds you will find.


Enrichment Activities For When You Come Home

In order to help make your memories last past your visit, here are a few enrichment ideas for you.

For the children in your home, they may enjoy this Action Town Farm Watermill.  They will get to build a watermill and grind grains for flour.  It will help make history learning so much fun.

Build a Country Mill - Wildlife Stream Jigsaw Puzzle.  It's not the same mill but looks quite similar.

Or try your hand at a 3D Puzzle of a Watermill.

Peterson Field Guide Bird Coloring Book will be great review for those who enjoy reviewing which birds they were able to find.

Have you ever wanted to grind your own grain and make homemade bread?  The benefit of making bread with freshly ground, organically grown, non-GMO grains can make a huge difference in how your body handles the grains.  Many people who have gluten problems find that they can eat bread if they are careful where they get their grains.  I have a NutriMill High Speed Grain Mill and have used it for many years to grind my own grains and make fresh flour.  If you are interested - now is the time to give it a try.

Enjoy your visit to Beckman Mill and if you go, please leave me a comment and let me know how you enjoyed your visit.

Until next time, always choose the scenic life.


Hannah Babiak is a stock photographer and travel blogger.  For writing assignments or ideas for future posts, please contact her at alwayschoosethesceniclife@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

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