The Morningstar Mill - A Visit Back in Time

With the worst of the winter weather behind us it's time to start thinking about spring and everything the Niagara region has to offer during this season. One of my favourite places to visit during the nice weather is the Morningstar Mill in St. Catharines.


The Morninstar Mill, St. Catharines

The Morningstar Mill Park, Interpretive Centre and Museum is located at 2714 Decew Rd. beside Decew Falls, a popular hiking trail in Niagara. The site is made up of a number of buildings: the gristmill (more commonly known as the Morningstar Mill) the turbine shed, the millers house, the icehouse, sawmill and the barn.

Visiting the Morningstar Mill and homstead is like stepping back in time to the ninteenth century. Originally named Mountain Mills, the mill was built of local stone in 1872 on the site of a former blacksmith and carpentry shop. Water was diverted from Beaverdams Creek to power the mill. In 1883 the mill was purchased by Wilson Morningstar and in 1895 it was destroyed by a fire however, it was rebuilt and operated until 1993.

Seeing a piece of history so well preserved in Niagara is truly something special. History and nature lovers alike will love the Morningstar Mill as it promised to fill your day with adventure and excitement.

The Morningstar Mill is something that Niagara natives, like myself, can easily take for granted. Until recently I didn't appreciate or realize how unique it is for a region to have so many preserved historical sites like this. So take a trip through time at the Morningstar Mill and finish off your day with a hike through Decew Falls or the famouse Bruce Trail!

The Dollhouse - A Haunting Experience

The Niagara Region is rich with history that is centuries old. Every municipality in Niagara boasts Victorian mansions, monuments and historical buildings. With so much history in one area is it any wonder that some of these buildings are said to be haunted?

The Mildred Mahoney Dollhouse Gallery or "The Dollhouse" as it is called by locals is considered to be one of the most haunted places in Niagara.



The Dollhouse, 657 Niagara Boulevard, Fort Erie

Located at 657 Niagara Boulevard along the Niagra River in Fort Erie, The Dollhouse was originally built in 1835. During the 19th century the building was a main entry point of the Underground Railway. A large tunnel was located in the basement of the builidng until it was sealed as a result of the owner's son drowning in the tunnel. Today visitors can view recreated quarters that would have served as a safe haven for escaped slaves.It is said that the building is haunted by the spirit of the former owner's drowned son. Current owners describe incidences of objects moving by themselves, creaks on staircases, voices of children and that of an old man.

In addition to being known as a "haunted house," The Mildred Mahoney Dollhouse Gallery was once home to the largest dolls' house collection in the world.

The building is now owned by the Niagara Parks Commission but due to lack of funding it no longer houses it's impressive dollhouse collection. While "The Dollhouse" is no longer operating as a gallery, believers in spirts and paranormal activity and sceptics alike can still stop by to decide for themselves if it truly is haunted.

Interested in haunted houses? Check out Glenn White's experience at The Dollhouse

Rediscover Niagara: The Journey

Hi. I’m Courtney and I’m from the Niagara Region.

After growing up in Niagara (and more specifically, the small town of Port Colborne) the 17 year old me was ready for new sights, new sounds and new adventures, so I packed my bags, said goodbye to this one-horse town and started fresh 2 hours north of here. That’s right folks, I was off to university.

While I was busy making friends, pulling all-nighters and partaking in the occasional party, four years passed quickly and before I knew it I was getting ready to move back to the Niagara Region.  At first I was pretty bummed to be going back to the place I so eagerly left only 4 years ago. However, I accepted my fate and moved back to my hometown, expecting every minute to become paralyzed with boredom but instead something magical happened; I rediscovered Niagara.

From small restaurants hidden along the lakeshore, to unknown landmarks and sights I quickly realized that the Niagara Region is truly one of a kind and has a lot to offer.

Today I’m setting off on another journey and this time I don’t have to move 2 hours away to do it! Join me as I explore the sights and sounds of the Niagara region in order to discover the places that make it so unique. Join me as I Rediscover Niagara.