There's A Hike In Indiana That Leads You Straight To An Abandoned Pioneer Mill
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 13, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
The woods of Indiana are filled with some intriguing and ancient wonders you must see. One is an abandoned pioneer mill in North Vernon that dates back to the mid-1800s and which used to cut stone.
Accompanied by a tiny hike, this nature adventure is easy and absolutely breathtaking. Scroll on for all the amazing sights and views you’ll find here.
There's a picnic shelter in Southern Indiana that represents an old limestone cutting mill that actually sits abandoned nearby. It is part of Muscatatuck State Park, which was originally named Vinegar Mill State Park, and you can rent it for gatherings and other events.
Vinegar Mill State Park became Indiana's fourth state park in 1921. The name was changed after the first year.
A short, simple hike down and around the 80-foot rocky bluff will take you through some gorgeous forestry and past an amazing rock wall that will blow your mind.
It won't be long before you come to the base of this abandoned pioneer mill where some of the original stone work is still in tact. It certainly makes for an incredible view.
The original mill was built in the 1840s by a man named William Read.
Now, why is it that the stone mill is called Vinegar Mill? Rumor has it that a man came across William Read working on his mill, and when he asked what the man was building, Reed replied that he'd have to wait around and see. Unwilling to wait quite that long, the man went on his way into town and told people what he saw.
When people asked the man what the mill was going to be for, he jokingly said "vinegar," due to Read's manners. Residents began calling him "Old Vinegar," and the mill was called "Vinegar's Mill," which, over time, was shortened to the current name.
Other points of interest in the area include "Lover's Point," seven additional shelters to rent, and 26 campsites. The Vinegar Mill Shelter can be rented for $40 a day while you enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Muscatatuck Park is home to 10 miles of trails in total, which are great for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. There is also the Muscatatuck River, two marshes, and a winding course of ravines.
The Vinegar Mill at Muscatatuck State Park is located at 325 North State Highway 3 & 7, North Vernon, IN 47265, and you can learn more about it here.
If you’ve ever visited this abandoned pioneer mill, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
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