Located at 3600 Haines Mill Rd, Allentown, PA 18104, the Haines Mill Museum is one of the quaintest and most endearing attractions that Allentown has to offer. Set on the beautiful and picturesque Haines Mill Rd, many locals and visitors alike consider Haines Mill and it’s museum one of the best and most enjoyable locations in all of Allentown. Let’s take a look at the history of Haines Mill, and why you should visit the Haines Mill Museum next time you find yourself in Allentown, PA.
The Haines Mill Museum, also just called simply “Haines Mill” by the locals, has been a part of the Allentown community since it was constructed in 1840 by local farmers. Haines Mill was a “gristmill”, which is a type of mill used to process cereals and grains in flour or other substances. Gristmills like Haines Mill were indispensable to the daily life of farmers and their economies in the 1800’s, and many still exist across the country today. Haines Mill, like many others, is powered by running water sources. The mill is powered by Cedar Creek, which runs through the back of the mill. The mill stayed in use until 1957. Leigh County, which Allentown is a part of, purchased the mill in the late 70’s (1972 to be precise). By 1981, the museum was added to the prestigious National Register of Historic Places.
The Haines Mill that exists today is somewhat different from how it looked when it was first constructed in 1840. The mill suffered from a fire that completely ravaged the interior in 1908. However, it was completely rebuilt and returned to working order shortly thereafter. The mill also had a three-story addition constructed in 1930, which still stands to this day.
Many visitors to Haines Mill have nothing but good to say about their experience. Some visitors described the mill as being a serene and calming place to visit. One visitor exclaimed that it is a terrific venue for a family picnic, and others tend to just find it interesting for it’s scenic nature. It is also a great place to take photos at, with many great angles and different backgrounds. Interestingly, the entire mill is still operational, just not in a commercial manner. When you do visit, you get to see the entire mechanism of the mill in operation, which is a real sight to behold.
If you want to visit the Haines Mill Museum in Allentown, it’s open only for a short period every year starting in May and lasting through September. During those months, public tours are given on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1 PM through 4 PM. You can also schedule a tour with a guide at other hours by calling them to make an appointment.
One of the best things about visiting the Haines Mill Museum in Allentown, PA is that admission is free. This is because it’s registered as a US historical heritage site. If you’re vacationing and on a budget, you should highly consider making sure to stop by Haines Mill Museum the next time you find yourself in Allentown, PA.
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Address: 6426 Memorial Rd, Allentown, PA 18106
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