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Benson Grist Mill

Fall Activities • Farm Tours • Winter Activities

Step back into the 19th century at the Benson Grist Mill, one of Utah’s most beautifully preserved historic landmarks. Located in the heart of the Tooele Valley, this 1854 water-powered mill offers a unique blend of agricultural history, architectural beauty, and community spirit. Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for a Saturday outing, or a fan of local artisans, the Mill provides a serene escape into Utah’s pioneer past

  • The Historic Mill: Marvel at the original 1850s construction, featuring massive wooden beams held together by hand-carved pegs. Inside, you can see the intricate milling machinery that processed wheat and corn for nearly a century.

  • Pioneer Village: Wander through a collection of authentic relocated pioneer cabins and outbuildings that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Utah’s early settlers.

  • Country Store: Visit the on-site store to browse unique souvenirs, local snacks, and even freshly-milled flour (seasonally available).

Activities Offered:

  • Farm Tours
  • Fall Festival
  • Christmas Festivals
  • Seasonal Activities & Events
pumpkin patch
Cabin wood home with a windmill in front
Young child sitting in a pioneer style home
Christmas light shaped and set up as trees
Contact Information
325 Pole Canyon Road, United States
(435) 882-7678
bensongristmill@gmail.com
https://tooelecountyparksandrec.org/b...
Owner Information
Benson Grist Mill logo
Tooele County

In 1854 LDS apostle Ezra Taft Benson arrived in Tooele Valley with orders from Church President Brigham Young to construct a gristmill that would serve new pioneer settlements in the area. His labor and commitment still stand proudly today in the Benson Gristmill, one of America’s truly remarkable historical structures.

Located in northern Tooele Valley beside a spring-fed pond, the Benson Gristmill was made of rock and wood by skilled pioneer artisans over 150 years ago. The mastery of their construction methods is easily seen inside the mill where wooden pegs were pounded into massive wooden beams.

From 1854 to the 1940’s, the Benson Mill processed wheat and corn by the ton. The milling equipment can be seen inside the mill during the tour.

The site was known as Benson’s Mill as early as 1849. Thomas Lee and other members of the Lee family were hired to oversee the construction of the Grist Mill which was completed in 1854.

After the last bag of flour was ground in the 1940’s, the gristmill lay silent for over 40 years, gradually falling into disrepair. In 1983 an ambitious committee of volunteers acquired the mill site property and began restoring the structure one piece at a time. The restored mill, which is widely recognized as one of the more intact pioneer era industrial buildings in Utah, captivates the interest of visitors from around the world.