The Woods Historic Grist Mill celebrates its 150th anniversary
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: May 28, 2026
Located in Lake County Parks and Recreation’s Deep River County Park, the storied Woods Historic Grist Mill turns 150 years old this summer.
This summer also marks the 50th anniversary of the Mill’s restoration.
Over the years, the Mill has been core to the local community. For decades, many people in the area have enjoyed this iconic site.
“The 150th anniversary of the current Wood’s Grist Mill and the 50th anniversary of its restoration brings to mind all of the good things that Lake County Parks has done for Lake County residents,” said Lake County Parks and Recreation Department Chief Executive Officer Jim Basala. “I have been fortunate to have played a part in some of that.”
One of the key aspects of the Mill is the water wheel, which was recently restored as part of the Mill’s anniversary events.
“My involvement with the Mill has been taking care of the building and grounds itself while also helping get the newly restored water wheel going,” Park Manager Taylr Woodworth said.
Basala finds it rewarding to watch the local community enjoy the Mill. Witnessing this was made possible in part by the major restoration 50 years ago.
“To see people of all ages enjoying Deep River and all of our parks is an inspiration to me personally and an affirmation of my part in all of this,” said Basala.
The work that has and continues to be completed on the Mill enhances the history of the park. All that it offers is a result of this work.
“This is a very exciting part of history,” Woodworth said.
As part of the historical events, an ice cream social will be hosted at the Mill this summer. A member of the Lake County Parks and Rec business development team, Dyan Leto, is helping to oversee the ice cream social.
“I’m currently in a business development role with the department co-managing this ice cream social, but was previously the historic programmer at Deep River,” she said. “My love of the park runs deep, and I’m so excited about the new milestones ahead. I can’t wait; I am so grateful to be a part of these historical and significant moments for Lake County Park, Deep River County Park, and the Mill.”
Actively involved with Deep River County Park and other Lake County Parks and Rec sites, including the Mill, Basala loves being part of the history and the work involved.
“As I reflect, I realize I couldn’t have picked a better profession,” he said. “With the variety of experiences we offer to the public, there is rarely a slow moment but when there is, all I have had to do is look around with gratitude that I could be part of all this.”
To learn more about the Mill, its history, and any upcoming events relevant to the Mill, visit Deep River County Park & Wood’s Historic Grist Mill. Additional information about Deep River County Park can be found at lakecountyparks.com.
