Maybe it’s the rushing water of the Raritan River, the bright red building against the rustic woodsy backdrop, or the draw of history (it’s home to 40,000 artifacts!) but there’s just something about The Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton that draws you in and takes you back in time, making it a must to explore with the family. This historic landmark, which started as a wool mill, dates back to 1810, and is now a sprawling 12 building compound that is perfect to check out with your crew any time of the year. With a bit of scenery, history, and nature rolled into one educational little excursion, this is a great Jersey gem for a family outing. (featured photo credit: istock/KenWiedermann)

Spend The Day Exploring The Red Mill Museum

Clinton's Red Mill museum nj mom — *The waterfall at the dam of the old red mill in Clinton, New Jersey is just one of the sites to see near the Red Mill Museum. Photo Credit: istock/KenWiedermann*

See what life was like in the 1800’s

The Red Mill has a quaint, take-me-back feel the second you see it, with its red exterior standing out sitting along the Raritan River right near Clinton’s adorable downtown. Though it started as a wool mill, it served many industrial lives over the years, and the museum now tells the story of its place in New Jersey’s Colonial history. You have a lot to discover as you make your way through the village – the mill itself, the Carriage Sheds, the Bunker Hill Schoolhouse, and the Log Cabin. In the Carriage Sheds, your littles will get a kick of looking at the farm machinery and old tools, these aren’t anything like what we see today! The Log Cabin (once the home of Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan), the neighboring garden, and spring house help paint a picture of life back in the 1800’s (think churning butter and blacksmithing). Don’t miss wandering over to the Bunker Hill Schoolhouse – a traditional, one-room schoolhouse from 1860 that will wow the littles as they get a glimpse of what school was like for kids back then.

Check out the exhibits at Red Mill Museum

The core exhibits at The Red Mill Museum Village consist of over 40,000 artifacts from an integral part of history. Many of these are objects displayed permanently, telling the story of how the Mill evolved and eventually closed, but also, how integral the Mill’s activities were shaping this part of New Jersey. Get some added family history lessons with special exhibits like Intimacy In Every Stitch, highlighting the craft and legacy of quilts, and ArtifactLAB where you can see what goes on behind the scenes at a museum. Stop by the Wall of Heroes that highlights heroes who have served in any branch of the military in any time period while you are there.

Attend a fun event

Throughout the year, the museum is the home to seasonal and family-friendly events that every member of the family will enjoy together. During the summer months, there is a Wine and Music Festival, British Car Show, and summer concerts where you can sit, relax, and listen to music. When the weather starts to turn chilly and spooky season is upon us, bring all your ghouls and goblins to Haunted Red Mill where the family will love seeing all the spooky sights or enjoy Happy Haunts all October long. Then, during the holiday season, the museum comes alive with festive cheer for the Winter Village and Festival of Trees. Make sure you check the Red Mill Museum events on the website to see what’s happening when you visit.

Support the museum

To keep bringing this rich history to you, The Red Mill Museum has opportunities for you to support the work they are doing. One of the ways you can support the museum is through donations to help fund the exhibits and events. Another way you can get involved is by becoming a member and enjoying discounted admission to the museum while helping preserve the history found inside the walls of the museum. Need volunteer hours for school or just want to get out of the house? You can volunteer at the museum or commit to be on The Directors Council.

FAQs About The Red Mill Museum

What are the hours of The Red Mill Museum?

The museum is open Wednesday-Friday from 10 AM-4 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM-5 PM.

How much is admission?

General admission is $12, seniors are $10, and children ages 6-12 are $10. Members, veterans, and children under 6 years old receive free admission.

Is there parking at The Red Mill Museum?

There is limited parking in front of the museum that is exclusively for visitors.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

The museum is partially wheelchair accessible and there is accessible parking in front of the mill.

What is there to do in the area?

If you’re taking a day trip and haven’t visited Clinton before, be sure to take a stroll in the sweet little downtown area, which is basically right across the river.

For more information, visit The Red Mill Museum Village on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Red Mill Museum Village
56 Main Street
Clinton, NJ 08809

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