Cooper Gristmill

Cooper Gristmill At A Glance...

• Todays Sunrise: 7:18 am,   Sunset: 4:36 pm  
• New Jersey Skylands Region Morris County

• Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Jogging / Running
  • Walking

  Trails:

  • Flat / Easy
  • Some are challenging
  • Rugged / Rocky
  • Walking Paths

  Park Type:

  • County Parks
  • Historic Area

Contact / Location

Trip Ideas

Begin your visit with a stop at the Visitors Center and explore the exhibits that focus on the areas history. Become acquainted with former residents and the social, agricultural, and technological aspects of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cooper Gristmill was once the heart of a thriving industrial community and played a vital role in the areas development during the Industrial Revolution.

Your journey continues on a guided 45-minute tour with a master miller. In period costume, the master miller explains the history and operation of the mill and the vibrant community once called Milltown. The miller will actually run the mills restored machinery so you can watch the massive water wheel power shafts and gears in action. Witness the amazing power of the Black River as it is harnessed to turn a steel water wheel that grinds grains into flour using two sets of the massive 2,000 pound millstones. These two huge grinding stones can produce up to 800 pounds of flour per hour. Inside the mill, you can see the amazing technology at work hearing, smelling, feeling, and seeing the inner workings of the mill!

Complete your visit by taking home some organize stone-ground flour and cornmeal produced at the Gristmill in an authentic flour sac with muffin and bread recipes printed on the bag. Packages are available for a donation.

Hours / Season of Operation

Cooper Gristmill is open April 2 through June 25, Saturdays only 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last tour begins at 3:30 p.m.

Cooper Gristmill is open July 2 through August 31, Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 12 noon to 5 p.m. Last tour begins at 3:30 p.m.

Cooper Gristmill is open September 3 through October 30, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. Last tour begins at 3:30 p.m.

For more information, 908.879.5463.

Friends of Fosterfields and Cooper Gristmill assist the Park Commission in developing and maintaining a high level of excellence at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm and Cooper Gristmill. The Friends also promote and sponsor a public education program of historical and agricultural projects and activities. Members enjoy discounts on general admission, advance notice of activities, and a free subscription to the Gazette newsletter.645.

Groups Associated to Cooper Gristmill

• Friends of Fosterfields and Cooper Gristmill
• Morris County Park Commission