Bale Grist Mill Historic Park
The Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, located in the heart of Napa Valley, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the state's rural past. Constructed in 1846 by Edward Turner Bale and Maria Sobranes Vallejo Bale, this fully restored water-powered grist mill offers an intriguing look into California's history and the marvels of early pioneer inventions.
Visit Our Park
3369 St. Helena Hwy., SAINT Helena, Ca 94574
Phone: 707-963-2236
Open Saturday & Sunday
10:00am - 4:00pm
(last tour begins at 3 pm)
Join a tour led by the miller as they dive into the interesting history of the mill, walk you through the milling process, and provide a milling demonstration. Check out the granary museum and gift shop to see the early records and artifacts of the mill, or for a small donation, get a freshly milled bag of souvenir cornmeal, polenta, or flours, including rye, oat, buckwheat, barley, and the traditional Sonora wheat.
As old timers put it, “When meal comes to you that way, like the heated underside of a settin’ hen, it bakes bread that makes city bread taste like cardboard.”
Guided Tours & Gift Shop
Picnic at The Mill
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the mill. If you're visiting on a weekday, you can park at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and hike along the History Trail that passes by the old mill pond site and ends up at the Pioneer Cemetery at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park to explore the mill grounds and see the 36-foot water wheel. Visit on weekends to see this extraordinary hydro-powered mill in action.
Preserving the Bale Grist Mill
Bale Grist Mill FLUME & Siding restoration
At Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, the historic siding and flume are essential to maintaining both the building and the mill’s operation. The first step in this project was completing LiDAR scans of the structure, which now provide detailed documentation to guide the work. Years of exposure have left sections of the siding and flume badly deteriorated, making the structure vulnerable to weather and threatening the mill’s function. This restoration will replace the rotting wood with historically appropriate materials that match the original construction, preserving the mill’s authenticity and keeping this historic landmark functioning as a living piece of Napa Valley’s heritage. Fundraising is now underway to make this work possible.
Need More Information?
A part of the California State Parks system, the Bale Grist Mill is managed by the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District with support from the Napa Valley State Parks Association.
