(All Ages) Enjoy a tour of historic Colvin Run Mill built c.1811. The Mill is a tribute to industrial and mechanical innovation, and to the working people who made it happen. Learn the importance of the Mill to the multifaceted, surrounding community. Explore why our operational, water-powered gristmill is a prime example of how people, technology, and society rely upon each other for survival and success. See how the miller continues to make flour and cornmeal today. The tour covers the main grinding floor and the basement, including the gear pit. This tour is ADA compliant. Private tours available upon request. Please contact the site for details. Grain products ground at the Mill are available for purchase in our General Store year round.

(5-12 yrs.) No peeking, it’s a surprise. Children are accompanied by a secret shopper to assist them with purchasing holiday gifts at the Colvin Run Mill General Store. Assistants help wrap and tag gifts. Cost of gifts not included. Adults may tour the site and visit the Miller’s House exhibit while waiting.

(All Ages) Bring up to eight people and learn how to use an old-fashioned cider press by making your own cider. Your group needs to bring approximately 100 apples of their choosing and tightly sealable containers for transporting approximately 2 gallons of cider. Participants will carry and press their own apples and cider. Dress accordingly. All participants will be contacted prior to their program with full details. Colvin Run Mill offers weekday timeslots, call 703-759-2771 for availability.

(8-12yrs) Creatively experience history through simple recipes, crafts, and games. Hand crank home-made ice cream, churn your own delicious butter and cook over a fire. Learn how to make candles and play historical games.

(6-10 yrs.) Help us in the kitchen garden and learn how the people of Colvin Run relied on plants for food, medicine, and housekeeping. Bring home a starter garden and a garden treat. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(16-Adult) Learn how to needle felt wool and other fibers to create a cute snowman with personality. Supplies for the project are included in the class fee. Class meets two Thursday nights.

(14-Adult) African Americans' labor, experience, and knowledge were crucial to 19th-century grist milling. Explore a historic mill as you discuss the contributions of African American millers in Fairfax County. This program links to the va250 and Fairfax 250 commemoration.

(5-Adult) Discover nineteenth century crafts and trades and see demonstrations by craftspeople of today. In the 1800s, people depended on experts who hand-crafted the goods they needed. Some of these crafts and trades are practiced by contemporary artisans. Demonstrations may include basket weaving, wood carving, broom making, spinning and dyeing, distilling and cider making. Make time to see our historic mill in motion, powered by the water of Colvin Run. You can also visit the general store and explore the miller’s house exhibit.

(2-5 yrs.) Explore Colvin Run Mill with your toddler or preschooler through STEAM activities, hands-on history, crafts, stories, and games. Programs include indoor and outdoor activities. Adults must participate with children. A different program each week: 9/29: Discover Waterwheels; 10/13: Making and Drinking Apple Cider; 10/27: Fall Colors; and 11/10: Giving Thanks.

(14-Adult) Come learn about Metilda, an enslaved 14-year old girl who came to live at Colvin Run Mill. Discuss her life at the mill and the house. Examine what history tells us about the lives of enslaved children, their work, and their families. 

(3-Adult) Experience old-fashioned holiday fun at Colvin Run Mill. Visit Santa in the Mill, tour the Miller's House decorated for the holidays, roast a marshmallow and enjoy cocoa. Festive music and children's crafts complete the experience. Most families spend about an hour at this event.