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!