Pigeon Forge Attraction · Museums & Attractions
About The Old Mill
The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is home to what it calls America’s oldest continually operating gristmill, along with the pottery tradition that helped shape tourism in the town. The historic mill still grinds grains, and the surrounding Old Mill Square has grown into a cluster of restaurants and shops along the Little Pigeon River. Visitors can dine at The Old Mill Restaurant or the Pottery House Cafe, both open daily without reservations, and stop at The Old Mill Creamery for sweets. The shops include a General Store with stone-ground grains, provisions and gifts; Pigeon River Pottery, which has handcrafted pottery for more than 75 years; a Candy Kitchen that makes fudge, old-fashioned candy and taffy on century-old machines; Farmhouse Kitchen for cookware and home goods; and Sassafras for women’s apparel and accessories. Old Forge Distillery crafts Tennessee spirits beside the mill. Free parking is available for guests in front of the restaurants and shops or behind the Pottery House Cafe, and the Pigeon Forge Trolley stops nearby at Patriot Park.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Address
175 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
📞 Phone
(877) 653-6455
🕒 Hours
See the official website for current hours.
A little history
The gristmill dates to 1830, and you can still tour it today. The Old Mill describes itself as a place to gather and see traditions made by hand, from pottery to stone-ground grains.
Dining
The Old Mill Restaurant serves scratch-made Southern meals beside the river. The Pottery House Cafe is a bit quieter, with seats outdoors by the koi pond or inside by the fire. Expect a wait at the restaurant at peak meal times on weekends and holidays. Go early or late if you can.
In the fall
For fall 2026 The Old Mill has a Scarecrow Stroll around the property, live music and seasonal shopping. Events change through the year, so check the Old Mill website for what is going on when you visit.
Tips
- Free parking is in front of the restaurants and shops and behind the Pottery House Cafe. Keep valuables with you.
- The General Store sells the mill’s stone-ground grains if you want to take some home.
Nearby
Old Mill Square is just off the Parkway on Old Mill Avenue, and the Pigeon Forge Trolley stops nearby at Patriot Park. Old Forge Distillery is right beside the mill. See our Pigeon Forge restaurants list for more places to eat nearby.