Brush Creek Mill is a Michigan non-profit organization with 501(c)3 tax exempt status. It is operated entirely by volunteers.
The Mill is open year-round and offers a variety of events, classes, art shows, and activities throughout the year.
We welcome new volunteers and encourage innovative ideas to best serve the residents of the county.
- The Rivers Edge Gift Shop is located within the Mill and features art and crafts by local artists, as well as Michigan food products, and merchandise celebrating Hillman.
- Video history recordings of county residents are available to view.
- The Hillman Area Historical and Genealogy Society’s Museum is located here on the second floor, with many artifacts and displays on the first floor.
- Wander through the Memorial Garden overlooking the Thunder Bay River.
- Building tours and demonstrations of the grist mill operation are available by appointment.
- The building is available to rent for meetings and events (more information).
The Brush Creek Mill is located in the village of Hillman, just over the camel-back bridge, on the banks of Brush Creek and the Thunder Bay River.
Guests are always welcome to tour the building during open hours.
History
The first grist mill was built on this site during the 1880s and served local farmers for over 70 years. Around 1980, this original building fell into disrepair and was torn down. In the mid-1990s, several local residents began exploring development possibilities that would provide both cultural and economic benefit to the community.
Assisted by the Northern Innovative Communities non-profit organization, these residents obtained a grant from USDA to initiate the project.
Initial site excavation began on October 30, 2003, thanks to funding from the Village of Hillman, Hillman Township, Hillman Power Company and Michigan Council of the Arts. In addition, local businesses and residents provided labor and materials to finish the project.
Brush Creek Mill was designed as a “green space”, built and operated to cause minimal environmental impact. The water-powered 22-foot water wheel at the west end of the building generates additional electricity. Batteries store the electricity, and this electricity powers the Mill’s lights, appliances and the grinding stone. Local residents built the grinding stone and is a functioning grain mill.
Hillman Area Historical and Genealogy Society
The Hillman Area Historical and Genealogy Society has developed a museum on the second floor of the building, featuring artifacts and history of the area.
The Society meets on the third Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to participate.
The Video History Project began in 2009, gathering the memories and personal stories of those who have lived in Hillman, Atlanta, Lewiston, and surrounding areas. The recorded interviews are available for viewing at the Mill or can be purchased at the Rivers Edge Gift Shop.
Rivers Edge Gift Shop
Brush Creek Mill supports local artisans with art displays, craft shows, and the Rivers Edge Gift Shop. Specialty food items from Cherry Republic and Leelanau Coffees are available, as well as unique coffee mugs, children’s items and more. The Shop features art displays at various times throughout the year and craft shows are featured at many of the Mill’s events. The Rivers Edge Gift Shop is open year-round. New items are added often. Stop by to find that perfect gift, while supporting the Mill and the community’s artists.
Dennis Walker Memorial Garden
On the Thunder Bay River is a beautiful garden dedicated to a long time Hillman resident and car club enthusiast Dennis Walker. During the construction of the Mill, workers unearthed an antique automobile on this site and the garden incorporated many of the car parts to honor the location.
Memorial Brick Walkway
Enjoy the Memorial Brick sidewalks leading up to the garden, which honor many families and friends of the community. Bricks are available for $50 each, with a discount available to Mill members.
