Thirty miles east of Dayton, the Little Miami River tumbles into a gorge in the village of Clifton in Greene County. Here stands Clifton Mill, one of the largest and most picturesque gristmills in America. Built in the 1820s, the mill towers six stories above the river, and is one of less than a dozen gristmills still in operation today in the Buckeye State. Clifton Mill is painted an attractive deep red, and is best viewed from an authentic covered bridge, also painted red, that spans the gorge southeast of the mill. A 1940s Gas Station Museum, located near the mill, is decorated with many signs from yesteryear. The mill has a restaurant and offers a tour of its interior, allowing visitors to learn how the mill operates.
As if this wasn’t enough to attract a photographer, Clifton Mill hosts a spectacular Christmas lighting display, starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing every evening until New Year’s Day. More than 3 million lights illuminate the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees, and covered bridge. The lights are switched on at 6:00 p,m, and go out at 9:30 p,m. Every hour, on the hour, all the lights are switched off. Then, while Christmas music plays, the lights gradually come back on.
The best view of Clifton Mill and the Little Miami River gorge are from the windows of the covered bridge next to the mill. Space is very limited, so arrive early to gain the best vantage point. During the Christmas season, the mill is very busy Friday through Sunday evenings; Monday through Thursday is much quieter.
For more information on historic Clifton Mill, visit their website.
Wherever your holiday travels take you, may you and your family enjoy a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Ian Adams, Spicer and Maddie