Grafton Flour Mill

Grafton Flour Mill is a three-story limestone structure beside the Milwaukee River with substantial stone walls and industrial architecture from the 1800s. Inside, it now contains a yarn store, coffee shop, offices, and artist studios that blend the original factory with contemporary spaces.

The mill was built in 1846 by Yankee farmers and ground grain until the Great Depression transformed operations into worsted yarn production. A fire in 1884 significantly damaged the original structure, prompting reconstruction of certain sections.

The mill reflects Wisconsin's shift from farming to industry, with its thick limestone walls showing the power once needed for grinding grain and spinning yarn. Today visitors experience the space as artist studios and cafes, marking how industrial work has transformed into creative and social uses.

The building sits at 1300 14th Avenue in Grafton and is easy to visit, with various shops and studios connected through open spaces that are accessible to guests. Plan enough time to explore the interior layout and art displays, since the building is larger than it appears from outside.

The structure combines original 1846 elements with sections rebuilt after a destructive 1884 fire, creating a building that visibly spans two different construction periods. This blend of old and new becomes apparent inside when observing the varying masonry patterns and construction methods throughout the interior.

Location: Wisconsin

Made from material: limestone

GPS coordinates: 43.31826,-87.94917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45