Graue Mill and Museum

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Graue Mill and Museum Managed by the DuPage Forest Preserves. Only operating waterwheel gristmill in northeast Illinois.
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School programs are back at Graue Mill and Museum, and our little learners couldn’t be happier! Students from preschool ...
10/15/2026

School programs are back at Graue Mill and Museum, and our little learners couldn’t be happier! Students from preschool through high school are stepping inside the mill to explore what life was like in the mid-19th century — and their curiosity is contagious.

If you visit during a school program, you’re welcome to walk around and enjoy the Mill. We just ask that you please be mindful of the staff and volunteers who are leading these hands-on learning experiences.

Spring field trip spots are still available, and we’d love to welcome your students! Teachers and schools: schedule your field trip to Graue Mill and Museum today. Let’s make history come alive together!

Visit here for more information! https://www.dupageforest.org/things-to-do/group-programs/schools/in-the-preserves

A visitor recently stopped by Graue Mill with a great question: “What are those tiny openings at the very top of the Mil...
09/29/2026

A visitor recently stopped by Graue Mill with a great question: “What are those tiny openings at the very top of the Mill—and why is there only one on the back?”

Surprise: they’re not windows at all—they’re gable vents!
Hot air rises into the attic, and these vents let that heat escape, helping keep the top floor cooler. They also reduce moisture, prevent mold, and help limit dust buildup from the millstones at work.

On the creek-facing side, you might notice one vent is much larger. That’s because it was replaced to accommodate a powerful attic fan we switch on during the hottest summer days to cool things down even more.

Fun Facts about Graue Mill’s Gable Vents:
• Gable vents were a common feature in 19th-century buildings to protect stored grain, tools, and machinery from humidity.
• Proper ventilation helps preserve wooden beams—crucial for a structure as historic as Graue Mill.
• The millstones produce fine dust as they grind grain, so airflow is especially important to keep the attic safe and clean.
• Even though they look like tiny windows, they were never meant for people—just for good old-fashioned ventilation!

History has a lot of hidden details, and we love when visitors help uncover them. Keep the questions coming! 🌾🏛️

A few days ago, a visitor stopped into the mill asking about “that plant smell.” It was a new one for us, so we headed o...
09/02/2026

A few days ago, a visitor stopped into the mill asking about “that plant smell.” It was a new one for us, so we headed outside to investigate. The source of the mystery scent? Prairie Dropseed!
What’s fun about Prairie Dropseed is that it smells different to many people. Some describe it as cilantro or coriander, while others insist it smells just like popcorn. Around here, staff leans more toward the cilantro side — what do you think?

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a native tallgrass found from Texas up to southern Canada, with strong pockets throughout the Midwest. Its seeds are a great food source for birds, making it an important part of our local ecosystem.

Let us know what scent you pick up next time you’re here!

⭐ Artifact Spotlight at Graue Mill! ⭐If you’ve visited the parlor exhibit on the third floor of Graue Mill, you may have...
08/26/2026

⭐ Artifact Spotlight at Graue Mill! ⭐
If you’ve visited the parlor exhibit on the third floor of Graue Mill, you may have spotted a fascinating little piece of American history: “The Council of War” by artist John Rogers (1829–1904)!

Rogers was the rock star of accessible art in the 19th century. While fancy marble sculptures were reserved for the wealthy, Rogers created plaster statuettes that everyday Americans could actually afford. His works typically sold for about $15—roughly the cost of a week’s wages—turning him into one of the country’s first truly popular artists.

🎨 Fun Facts about John Rogers’ Work:
• His statues were often called “Rogers Groups”, and nearly everyone knew what that meant in the late 1800s.
• Rogers created over 80 different scenes, many highlighting moments from the Civil War or everyday domestic life.
• His studio mass-produced these plaster pieces using molds, making it easier to distribute them across the country.
• Many families proudly displayed Rogers Groups on their mantels—think of them as the Victorian-era equivalent of collectible figurines!

👀 About “The Council of War”:

This statuette captures President Abraham Lincoln, General Ulysses S. Grant, and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton deep in discussion—three major figures shaping the course of the Civil War. It’s a small sculpture with a huge story to tell.
If this piqued your curiosity, check out even more of Rogers’ incredible work through the Smithsonian’s collection:

https://americanart.si.edu/artist/john-rogers-4098
Come see this piece in person at Graue Mill and step right into history! 🏛️✨

Artifact Challenge!If you visit on Friday or Saturday afternoon, our volunteer miller might challenge you to find this a...
08/19/2026

Artifact Challenge!

If you visit on Friday or Saturday afternoon, our volunteer miller might challenge you to find this artifact on the second floor. It’s his favorite.

Hint: People used this for horses, particularly those pulling wagons or buggies.

Can you guess the artifact?

❗ UPDATE 8/3/2026: Spring Road is now open!🚧 Spring Road Closure Notice 🚧 August 2, 2026Spring Road is currently closed ...
08/02/2026

❗ UPDATE 8/3/2026: Spring Road is now open!

🚧 Spring Road Closure Notice 🚧 August 2, 2026

Spring Road is currently closed between Graue Mill & Museum and the Fullersburg Nature Education Center.

You can still visit both locations!

• Fullersburg Nature Education Center is accessible via 31st Street.
• Graue Mill & Museum can be reached by parking at the lot located at Spring Road & York Road.
• Both facilities remain fully reachable by walking the trail that connects them.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We hope to see you at Fullersburg Days!

Address

3800 York Road
Oak Brook, IL
60523

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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