The Bear’s Mill tour—just for us Airstreamers

Among the special group tours offered at Alumapalooza this year will be a trip to classy Bear’s Mill, where you’ll learn how grain is processed. It’s interesting! The Mill still grinds their grain with huge millstones that are 160 years old—rare original “buhr stones” that were imported from France in 1848. (They took two years to reach Ohio.)

In addition to the grinding demonstration, you’ll also see how the old winch-and-pulley system works in the four-story mill building, and the inner workings of all the gears and wood cogs and water turbines.

The final, freshly-ground, wholesome grains (like yellow cornmeal, whole-wheat and unbleached cake flours, buckwheat, rye and spelt flours, bran, and pancake mixes) are available for purchase in the Mill Market, along with a wide assortment of unique kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, and yummy baked goods.

Included in the guided tour—just for Alumapalooza attendees—will be gourmet coffee, baked treats, recipes, and a free sample of an artisan grain product from the mill.

There will be some time for exploring other aspects of Bear’s Mill, too. Bring your camera outside to the peaceful Mill grounds, and enjoy the strolling paths and sitting deck. The first floor gallery space is dedicated for a curated show each month that celebrates two artists whose works compliment each other. Paintings, photographs, drawings, mixed media, textiles, clay works, and sculptures have all been featured, some inspired by the Mill itself.