
OUR MISSION
In April, 2021, Bear’s Mill became one of the Darke County Park District’s newest parks. The mission of The Friends of Bear’s Mill is to assist and support The Darke County Park District in preserving the historic structure and natural setting of Bear’s Mill. The Friends of Bear’s Mill remain dedicated in providing educational, environmental and recreational experiences for all who visit Historic Bear’s Mill. All membership contributions and donations are for the exclusive use of promoting and protecting Bear’s Mill.

ABOUT BEAR'S MILL
Bear’s Mill is one of the few operating water-powered mills in Ohio today. A rare historic landmark, The Mill is located on the eastern outskirts of Greenville, Ohio, along a peaceful stretch of creek side woodlands.
Built in 1849 by Gabriel Baer, Bear’s Mill’s grand framework is constructed of exquisite hand hewn timber beams that are nearly 50 feet long — without a single splice. Standing four stories high, grain is carried from floor to floor throughout the inner workings of the Mill by the power of the water that runs through the mill race below.
Bear’s Mill still grinds grain into flours and meals today, using the same cool grind practices as old world millers. Grain is carefully passed through the French Buhr millstones to produce a healthy, whole, minimally processed product for you to enjoy.
MILL EVENTS
New! Live History Workshop = Saturday, June 20th @ 3:00-4:30pm

Saturday, June 20th @ 3:00-4:30pm
Live History is a theatre company that specializes in bringing your local history to life. During this special Mystery Building Workshop, they will speak about how mysteries work in their shows, everyday mysteries, and five major clue types. They will help you understand mysteries and how to begin your own mystery creation. Your group will then be given the task to create your own mystery, then present it to the your peers!
Only $15/person!
Sign up here: https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/LiveHistoryWorkshopBearSMill
New! Mystery Dinner @ Bear’s Mill = Saturday, June 20th

Saturday, June 20th @ 5:00pm or 7:00pm
Local history comes to life during this immersive dinner. With escape room and theatre elements, expect to work with your fellow dinner guests and the actors to discover the whereabouts of a missing wedding ring and heal the wounds of past conflicts. Clues will need to be solved between meal courses, so be sure to arrive with an empty stomach!
Tickets are $58/person.
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/MysteryDinnerBearSMill
Summer Concert on the Lawn with Ted Yoder = Thursday, July 23rd

Thursday July 23, 2026 @ 7:00-9:30pm
Visit Darke County's hidden gem, Historic Bear's Mill, to celebrate summer!
Ted Yoder is a world-renowned musician, known for his groundbreaking and innovative approach to the hammered dulcimer, earning him the title "the Bela Fleck of the Hammered Dulcimer." - Michael Johnathan, Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour.
Ticket holders will receive an intimate concert venue with the 175 year old water powered gristmill as the back drop and the Greenville Creek flowing along your side. Bring your own lawn chair and relax for an evening of entertainment. Optional charcuterie meals are available for purchase.
Tickets are $20/person.
Purchase your tickets here:
https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/ThirdAnnualSummerConcertatBearsMill
Fall Open House = Saturday, October 10th & Sunday October 11th

Saturday & Sunday - October 10th & 11th
Fall Open House, 11am-5pm both days!
Holiday Open House = Saturday, November 21st

Saturday, November 21st
Holiday Open House 11-5
Luminary Walk = Friday, December 4th

Friday, December 4th
Luminary Walk 6-9pm
ONE TIME DONATION
Proceeds derived from sales in the Mill Shop and Gallery + individual contributions from visitors, community members and regional businesses provide the vital support of the preservation and maintenance needs of the Mill and the surrounding 35 acres of property.
Your One-Time donation will help keep the Mill, the waterway and property available to everyone for generations to come and allow the Mill to continue to be a living piece of agricultural history.
Donate through our convenient PayPal button below...

We appreciate your support of Bear's Mill
BECOME A FRIEND OF BEAR'S MILL
You can support our mission to preserve and maintain Bear’s Mill by choosing a donation level (below),
then call Bear's Mill to so we can welcome and Thank you for your support!
Your tax-deductible (consult your accountant) donation will help us
preserve Bear's Mill for generations to come!
BEAR'S MILL
$1000+ Gabriel Baer Legacy
$500 The Miller Partner
$250 Millrace Steward
$100 Mill Patron
$50 Turbine
$30 Cornmeal
Become A Friend of Bear's Mill

The Mill Store
Located on the first floor, the Mill Store at Bear’s Mill carries an eclectic mix of Bear’s Mill flours and meals, gourmet food items, coffee, teas, home goods, clothing, jewelry and unique gift items.
Specialty baked goods are delivered weekly to the Mill Store, including artisan breads as well as delicious locally made confections and sweets that utilize Bear’s Mill’s stone ground flours and meals.
A long time favorite at the Mill Store is Bear’s Mill Private labeled jams and jellies, which are locally produced to accent the baked goods featured at the Mill. If you’d like to try baking your own recipe,
Bear’s Mill sells their freshly ground yellow cornmeal, whole-wheat cake flour,
whole rye flour, whole wheat bread flour, organic spelt flour and cracked wheat.
*Pancake mixes made with the stone ground flours are a favorite.

VISIT THE MILL
We’re very proud of Bear’s Mill and love to explain how the mill really works, from our hydro-powered turbines to the cups and belts that carry the grain from floor to floor, right down to the final, healthy end product. We offer several options for tours of the Mill, depending upon the size of your group and the duration of your stay.
Bear’s Mill offers tours to:
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Tourism/Tour bus groups
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School groups
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Corporate groups
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Private groups or individuals
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Weddings & Ceremonies
CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR TOURS
LOCATION
We are located just a short drive away...
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5 miles from Greenville, Ohio
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21 miles from I-70 in Clayton, Ohio
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22 miles from I-75 in Piqua, Ohio
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31 miles from I-70/I-75 in Dayton, Ohio
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33 miles from Richmond, Indiana
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93 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio
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98 miles from Columbus, Ohio
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100 miles from Indianapolis, Indiana














