Thorp Mill

Thorp Mill is a three-story wooden structure standing on the Yakima River bank, preserving the original grinding equipment and machinery from its working years. The building now operates as a museum where visitors can see how the mill processed grain using both traditional and modern techniques.

Built between 1880 and 1883, the mill operated without interruption until 1946, when it ceased grinding grain for local farmers. The facility later took on the additional role of generating electricity for nearby communities before operations finally stopped.

The location reflects how this valley was home to Indigenous peoples long before the mill was built, and the site carries that layered history in its landscape. Walking around the grounds, you sense the connections between different groups who used this river.

The mill museum is located at 11640 Thorp Highway North and is easy to reach from Interstate 90 by taking Exit 101 and heading north. The property sits directly along the highway, making it simple to find and visit.

The mill is the only one in Washington State that successfully switched from traditional stone grinding to modern roller milling technology during its operating years. This rare technical shift allowed the business to stay competitive and process grain much more efficiently as demand and methods changed.