Murray’s Mill Historic District – North Carolina
Last year wandering our way on back roads to the small town of Newton, NC, we saw a sign for Murray’s Mill. We put it in our mental bucket list of places to visit. I wish we hadn’t waited so long. Murray’s Mill Historic District is an extremely beautiful well-preserved historical area with several buildings to tour, pet-friendly hikes, and a General Store that hasn’t changed much in 100 years. It’s the perfect place for a day trip. Pretty in June and I bet it’s gorgeous in late October.
Our day started with a beautiful drive through rolling countryside dotted with pastures and corn fields in Catawba County. Visiting Murray’s Mill Historic District is like stepping back in history 100 years. The mill is a living history museum with demonstrations of the milling process (the mill, although unused for many decades, still works and unlike many other mills has not been reconstructed – it’s original!) The historic area includes buildings built by three generations of the Murray family. The current mill and John Murray House were built in 1913 but the Murray & Minges General Store and Wheathouse were built in the 1880s.
Tours are available through the Catawba County Historical Association for $5. You purchase tickets at the General Store.
Maybe you just want to take some great photos and get in a good walk? The hiking trail around the millpond was constructed by the Carolina Thread Trail and is well-maintained and fairly flat. It’s an easy walk for children but not stroller friendly as most of the trail is through groomed cornfields and wooded areas. Be sure to get a map from the General Store and be aware that the trails are marked but you need to be on the lookout for those markers as you wind around the pond. As we walked we were always aware of the pond through the trees. When you come to the road you’ll take about 20 steps across a bridge spanning Ball Creek then make a U-turn back on to the path. We didn’t see this marker so we ended up touring a cemetery! But then caught the trail behind the cemetery.
The mill and surrounding area is a beautiful location for family photos. The water spilling over the dam creates several waterfalls as it cascades over large boulders into the lower section of Ball Creek. Don’t forget to pack your lunch and enjoy the shaded picnic tables near the General Store. Soda and drinks are available for purchase but there isn’t a restaurant nearby. We always travel with our Cooler Backpack
The area is pet-friendly but dogs need to be on a leash and bring water. Collapsible Dog Bowl
You might consider visiting during one of the events hosted by The Catawbas Historical Society:
Catawba Valley Potter and Antique Festival (4th Saturday in March)
Murray’s Mill Bike Ride (1st Saturday in June)
Annual Murray’s Mill Ice Cream Social (2nd Sunday in July)
Harvest Folk Festival (Last Saturday and Sunday in September)
What: Murray’s Mill Historic District
Location: 1489 Murray’s Mill Road, Catawba NC 28609
Hours: Thursday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm but the ground are open during daylight hours.
Details: Visit Murray’s Mill
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