Old Mill State Park — Hotel in Thief River Falls

In the list of my favorite state parks, though it is quite a ways off the beaten path and one of the least visited in the Minnesota state park system. Beautiful trails through prairie and river bank forests with interpretive signs of early native and immigrant life, as well as the ecology of the area. Many examples of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) buildings. The mill area is an interesting look at farm life in the late 1800s.

Some notes: I have hiked the hiking club trail multiple times now and it seems to constantly change. Previously having gone the length of the park at nearly 3 miles, it is now only 1.4. I would highly suggest if only visiting to hike that trail to also go across the river and then also visit the mill site. Previous times have had lots of ticks, but August 2025 none were seen. Interpretive signs indicate there is a lot of poison ivy around, so watch kids and wear appropriate clothing and...

The new BRIDGE! Our time at Old Mill is always relaxing. Now parents, children, teenagers can roam over the bridge to the 🧲 horseshoe range, swim in the filtered water, gather pretty rocks and aggets while looking for garter snakes. Rumor has it, the powers that be want to destroy the bathroom/shower due to an outdated water heater. Why spend all that money to make a RUSTIC campground? It truly makes no sense. We saw license plates from Canada, North Dakota, and of course, Minnesota! Please, say it's a cruel joke... Why would you do that to a northern Minnesota treasure ? Please, write your state senator (Mark Johnson) to ask just WHO made the decision and IF they've ever even camped there?! Keep OLD MILL...

Surprised how nice this small park is. The highlight is a unique small swing suspension bridge. Park is very small so I wasn't expecting much but i really enjoyed it. It's very quiet there and you feel like It's all to yourself. It has a big, and one of the nicest day use / picnic areas I remember in the MN park system. Place is very well maintained with big oak, pine, and other trees. Trails are very limited butwell maintained. It has a small man-made swim area with a nice beach . The campground is very small. Beware of mosquitoes and poison ivy off the trails. The town of Warren is nearby and is...