The Past Brought Back to Life

This is the first in a series on destination sites

Bowens Mills, Middleville, Michigan

Historic Bowens Mills with it's 1864 water powered Grist Mill, Cider mill and museum, is a registered Michigan state historic site. In addition to the mills the park features an 1840’s plank house, one room schoolhouse, trappers cabin, craft Shoppe with working artisans, woodworking and copper shop, general store, 17’ water wheel, an eleven room 1860’s Victorian home built by the Bowens, former owners of the property, Arts and Entertainment center, trading post, restaurant and more

If you have ever spent a summer on the farm or grew up on a farm, Historic Bowens Mills will rekindle memories of that time. For those with no farm background this is your opportunity to sample the pioneer lifestyle. The flavor of life in the past is ever present in the events held at the Mills. From the Celebration of Spring, held the third Saturday in April to Christmas at the mills and everything in between is a glimpse at life of the early settlers of this area. With activities abound there is something for everyone.

Annual activities such as the Bowens Mills "It's Cider Time Festivals", "Steam & Gasoline Engine Show", and "Civil War reenactment", are some of the events that bring visitors from around the world for a taste of yesterday-today.

Historic Bowens Mills is a *family owned and operated historical park. The goal of the second generation owners of the Mill is the same as their parents before them, to continue not only to preserve the history of the area of Yankee Springs, but to portray an image in the minds and eyes of all those who visit there; to give each one who visits a glimpse of the past, with the sights, sounds, and smells of the history that lies behind us, so that this generation can see and feel what those before us experienced, once upon a time.
The Old Mill is located in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, MI just 2 miles north of Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park. Watch for the Huge Millstone Marker at 55 Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333. Visit www.BowensMills.com or call 269-795-7530 for more information
*This second-generation family owned destination is operated with no state funding. It is self-supported through sales of cider, cornmeal, and other goods and services produced on site.
This is the first in a series of stories looking at destinations dedicated to bringing the past back to life. Featured in my next article will be the Little Log House Pioneer Village located near Hastings, Minnesota

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