Few places in South Carolina are as unique as a grist mill that still uses a big, wooden, water-powered wheel to power the facility’s mill. There are only a handful remaining in the Palmetto State and the one featured here is open for visitors to come see the whole process. Even more fascinating is that it’s been in the same family for four generations!
Historically speaking, the Suber family has operated a mill on this property since just after the Civil War, when James A. Suber returned from the war to his sawmill and whiskey still just upstream.
He added to his business by establishing a grist mill, although the mill on this site today was built in 1908. As you approach from Suber Mill Road, it's impossible to see the workhorse water wheel...
Instead... the huge water wheel is found out back, where you can watch it in action. Just behind the wheel, an opening in the wall allows visitors to see the mechanism and its gears. It's a fascinating process to watch!
Inside the multi-level building, shelled corn is fed into a hopper. From there it goes through the old-fashioned grinding process and gets sent down to the next level where it emerges from a tube as either cornmeal or grits. From there, it's bagged and ready for sale.
Want to watch it in action? The mill is open during the week and welcomes visitors any time between 8:00 and 4:00. You can also buy the product right off the dock.
See it in action in this short video clip from YouTube user BushRealtySC:
Ready to go check it out? It’s located at 2002 Suber Mill Rd., Greer, SC 29650. Visitors are welcome from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Learn more here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.