Each year, the Old Mill State Park captures a little of the park’s colorful past.  See the historic Larson flour mill in operation and visit the pioneer cabin.  This annual Grinding Day takes place August 23, 2026, 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. when the 1878 Case 359 steam engine is cranked up to grind flour.   

Lars Larson Jr. came to America in 1881.  Over the years his family built several flourmills that were destroyed by wind or flood.  The original water-powered mill was constructed in 1886.  A steam-powered mill was built later by Larson’s son which is the working mill seen in the park today. The 25-acre historic district including the eight buildings and structures built by the WPA in 1937 is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.  The Larson Mill is listed separately on that Registry.

Special music will feature Woodpicks from Thief River Fall performing Americana Bluegrass Music from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.  Bring a chair, sit back and enjoy the entertainment.  Lunch will be available from the Viking Volcano’s 4-H Club.

Grinding Day is sponsored by the Marshall County Historical Society and the Friends of the Old Mill. Fresh stone ground flour is available for purchase with other baked goods made from milled flour.  This activity is also funded in part by a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Funds as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

A vehicle permit is required by the DNR to enter the park.  Old Mill State Park is located 11 miles west of Newfolden, 13 miles east of Argyle or 17 miles northeast on the Great Eastern Road from Warren.

The Marshall County Historical is a non-profit organization.  Funding from donations helps keep the museum operating to bring history alive for further generations.  We hope to see you there.  Thank you.

Historic flour mill and steam engine in operation.