The Grist Mill and Gardens has much to offer visitors: explore a working 1877 waterwheel powered flour mill, participate in one of our regular workshops, performances and other special events, enjoy lunch in the Kitchen, browse in our unique gift shop, or stay overnight at our creek side RV campground.
- The Grist Mill: This is the last remaining pioneer flour mill in the West, with its original machinery intact.
- Heritage Gardens: Over a hundred years of Similkameen agricultural history is represented in the plots of the circle gardens. Featured are varities of vegetables and flowers mentioned since 1861 in settlers’ diaries, historic seed catalogues, and local business records.
- Visitor Center: This gateway to the site features the Gift Shop, special garden seeds, books and locally made art. Enjoy light lunches and fresh-baked goodies in the Kitchen.
- The Apple House: Built in the early 1900s, the Apple House stored apples from the many new orchards created when irrigation was introduced.
- Exhibit Building: Originally a general store, built in 1877 with the Mill as the Valley’s only place of business, this building later became a home. Today, hands on exhibits demonstrate the principles of milling and restoration.
- The Grounds: Horse Chestnuts, Juniper and Locust trees surround the General Store. Natural Grassland slopes near the Mill are kept dry, favouring native species such as Sage and Prickly Pear Cactus.
- Heirloom Apple Orchard: This collection of antique apple varieties includes a “Pandosy” apple, a direct descendant of the first apple tree brought to the Okanagan by Father Pandosy in the 1850s.
- Heritage Wheat Fields: Planted here are the grandparents of modern wheats. Seed saving is critical to ensure their survival.
- RV Campground: The Grist Mill Campground is a quiet family-oriented destination nestled in the shade of tall cottonwood trees adjacent to the meandering Keremeos Creek, consisting of a total of 11 creekside sites.
