Water Mill, census-designated place in Suffolk County, New York
Water Mill is a small community in Suffolk County on Long Island that presents itself as a quiet place with homes, farms, and open land dotted with trees. The area spans about 12.5 miles of land and water and contains a historic watermill from the 1600s plus a windmill built in 1800 located on Route 27.
Water Mill was established as a community when Massachusetts investors purchased large tracts of land in the early 1600s on Long Island's South Fork and built what is believed to be New York's first watermill around 1644. The settlement grew slowly as an agricultural hub and has retained its character since those early days.
The place takes its name from a historic watermill that ground grain for local farmers since the 1600s. Residents and visitors today connect with this past through preserved structures and community gatherings held around the old mills throughout the year.
Explore the area on foot by walking through streets and taking in the homes and historic mills visible from the road without needing detailed logistics. Summer and autumn offer mild weather and scenic views, while winters are cooler with occasional snow, making warmer months better for visiting outdoor sites and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The Water Mill Museum displays how people once used water power to grind grain into flour, and visitors can purchase bricks inscribed with their names as souvenirs. A lesser-known landmark, the Corwith Windmill, was also restored and stands as evidence of the area's craftsmanship heritage alongside the more famous watermill.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
