Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site

Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site is a water-powered mill in Shedd that was originally built in the 1800s and continues to operate today. The building houses original wooden framework and working water turbines that demonstrate how grain processing happened in earlier times.

The mill was first constructed in 1858 but required rebuilding after a fire destroyed it in 1862. It then operated continuously as a grain processing business until transforming into a state heritage site in 2004.

The mill reflects a period when such facilities served as the working center of rural communities, where farmers brought grain for processing. Walking through it today shows how the machinery still operates as it did over a century ago.

The site is open for self-guided exploration during daylight hours, and visitors can join guided tours when available. It is helpful to check ahead about current visiting conditions, as opening hours may vary depending on the season.

The site holds a water right that dates back to before Oregon became a state, making it older than the state itself. This allows the machinery to run regularly using real water flow, something that is no longer possible at many other historic mills.