Historic Yates Mill Programs & Events

programmer and children observe wetlands and surrounding woods from wooden boardwalk

Historic Yates Mill County Park offers a variety of program options for members of the public, groups, camps and major events focused on the natural, cultural and recreational opportunities of Wake County.

Public Programs

Educator sits on floor with group of children in classroom during storytime

The park offers guided mill tours, site-based, experiential, multi-disciplinary programs and camps for all ages. 

Group Programs

Group of school children stand outside old wooden mill building and waterfall

Customized programs and mill tours are available for a wide range of age groups. Kids’ programs correlate with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and feature inquiry-based learning that encourages participation and enriches classroom experiences.

Camps

Group of children run and play tag in grassy field

In 2026, Historic Yates Mill will not offer staff-led summer camps. However, there are still options for camp experiences at Yates Mill and at other Wake County Parks!

Our sister park, Crowder County Park, is offering two camps this summer: Camp Polliwog (ages 5 to 8) from June 23 to June 25, 9 a.m. to noon, and Camp Polliwog (ages 9-12) from July 14 to July 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more by visiting the Crowder County Park Camps page. 

You can learn about camps offered at other Wake County parks on the park system's Programs, Camps and Events page. 

In addition, the Piedmont Wildlife Center is offering six weeks of summer camp at Historic Yates Mill, with each week focusing on a different theme. Learn more on the Center's summer camp page.

Historic Mill Tours

View of old wooden mill building with water flowing over dam

Yates Mill is an operable grain mill established around 1756. The equipment in the mill is original, left after the Lea family ceased milling operations in the mid-1950s. A visit to this historic treasure provides an opportunity to learn about an integral aspect of rural life in the early days of settlement in Wake County. 

Events Calendar

Our events calendar shows upcoming events in the park that may impact visitors in the park.  These include our own major events, but also events hosted by outside organizations such as marathons. 

Virtual Group Programs

The staff of Historic Yates Mill County Park is excited to be offering engaging online programs and virtual field trips. 

 

Historic Yates Mill From Home

There are lots of different activities created by park staff that will allow you to enjoy Historic Yates Mill County Park from home! Be sure to check back often, as this page is updated with new activities and videos regularly!