School Group Tours
Group Tour of Wood’s Historic Grist Mill at Deep River
Available: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in May, September and October
Fee: $2 per student, teachers and chaperones
Grades: Grade 3 and older with 20 person minimum and 80 person maximum
Time: 1 ½ to 2 hours depending on age of group. Tours begin at 10 a.m.
Reservation and deposit: $20 deposit required at least ten days in advance by calling 219-769-7275
Tour highlights
In 1836 John Wood moved his family to Indiana where he built a wooden grist mill that he operated for many years. In 1876, his son, Nathan, built the current building and operated the flouring mill into the twentieth century. The grist mill and the neighboring Visitor Center, once a nondenominational church built in 1904, are an important part of the history of Lake County.
In the Grist Mill, students will learn how the Mill was powered without electricity and the importance of locating along the river. They will see the difference between grinding corn by hand using a mortar and pestle and the use of large grinding stones and understand the importance of the grist mill in a developing community.
In the Visitor Center, students will be introduced to the concept of the general store and learn about some of the other buildings that were constructed in Woodvale, later called Deepriver. They will have time to shop for souvenirs.
Additionally: Teachers may select one of the following topics to complete their Mill Tour when they make their reservation.
- Vintage Base Ball: Students will gather on Grinder Field and learn the rules of 1858, handle the equipment and participate in activities on the field. They will be invited to attend home games of the Grinders at a later date on their own. (Offered only in the Spring)
- Follow in the Footsteps of Native Americans and early settlers: A short hike will lead groups along the river where they will (1) learn about the Native Americans who were living in the area when the settlers arrived (2) find a clearing in the woods where settlers may have built their first home and (3) explore the challenges they experienced and how they survived.
- Can You Dig This? Students will be able to dig for artifacts, identify and record their finds, then discuss how and why that particular piece would have been deposited there. Depending on where they dig, they may find beads, bones, buttons, shards of pottery, shells and more (offered only in the Fall)
For reservations and more information about the Lake County Parks Call 219-769-PARK
Mon-Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm Central Time (Chicago Time)
Lake County Parks and Recreation Department Corporate Office
8411 East Lincoln Highway, Crown Point, Indiana 46307
Just west of Deep River WaterparK 4.5 miles east of I-65 on Route 30