About Us

Wolf Creek / Pine Run Grist Mill is an 1830's water-powered, timber-framed gristmill located within Mohican State Park.

The Mill was saved from demolition in the late 1990's by a group of dedicated citizens, the Friends of Wolf Creek / Pine Run Grist Mill, who have gradually restored it to it's current operational state over the past 20+ years. These dedicated volunteers formed a 501c3 non-profit, and have contributed their time, money, and expertise to make the restoration project a success, and open the Mill for the public to enjoy as a museum. The restoration and maintenance work is ongoing, and the Friends group continues to raise money to keep the project going via our two annual fundraising events, Winefest & Oktoberfest. If you're interested in getting involved as a volunteer or donor, click on "Get Involved" above.

From Our Founder:

"Around 1998, my family and I were camping at Mohican State Park when we discovered the Wolf Creek Grist Mill there. It had been neglected for many years, no windows or doors, leaking roof, unsafe floors & a walk bridge that could barely support itself. Upon inquiring as to what was going to be done with the historic mill, I was informed that the Parks did not have the funding to make any repairs and it was slated for demolition. Being a historic restoration contractor my whole life, I felt there had to be a way to save this wonderful building. That’s when the idea was born to form a non-profit, Friends of the Mill group.

In the beginning, there was some skepticism as whether such a huge undertaking could be successful, but that skepticism has long since disappeared. Together with community leaders, the all-volunteer friends group was formed in 2000.

Since then, the Wolf Creek Grist Mill has been restored to operating condition & the Fromme Cabin that was moved to the property several years ago is completed and is our new welcome center. An 1880 saw mill and 7 other historic log cabins have been donated & moved to the site for restoration. Our overall plan is the completion of an historic village on the property, in order to preserve a vanishing part of our heritage for future generations to enjoy & learn from.

I am very proud to be able to work with such an amazing group of dedicated people!"

- Mark J. Smith, Founder & President, Norwalk, Ohio

MISSION: To Restore and Open an 1830's grist Mill to the public as a working museum in order to preserve a vanishing part of our heritage for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Formed Private 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit Corporation
• Updated/ Installed Site Infrastructure
• Constructed New Pedestrian Access Bridge
• Completed Major Interior and Exterior Restoration of Wolf Mill
• Dismantled, Moved, Re-Built and Restored Fromme Cabin
• Developed Long-Term Site Plan for Historic Mill Village
• Developed Hiking Trails and Special Use Areas

CURRENT PROJECTS

• Continued Maintenance and Restoration of Wolf Mill
• Re-Building and Restoring Schenck Cabin
• Continued Improvement of Village Grounds

FUTURE GOALS

• Re-Build Historic 1800s Sawmill
• Build Historic Blacksmith Shop and Barn
• Restore Mill Equipment to Operational Condition
• Continue Improving & Expanding Historic Village

Check out our Friends of the Park page on ODNR's website: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/division-parks-watercraft/friends-of-ohio-state-parks/friends-of-wolf-creek

Check out the Mill's page on ODNR's website: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/wolf-creek-pine-run-grist-mill