The Hope and Lang Mills – Two Mills Are Better Than One
Along Ontario’s Highway 7 corridor you will find two stunning mills, now dedicated to preserving Canada’s industrial heritage. From wool, lumber and floor these buildings
Table of Contents
Hope Mill
First built in 1835 by William Lang, this sawmill structure became one of the most important structures in the region after the mill in the village of Lang burned down. The mill itself continued its service to the community until 1966.
Today you can roam the property. It is located at the end of a rural road where old stone houses still stand.
Today, the river is damned but the structure is remains unaltered. Inside you will find restored equipment, a small museum and archives.
Lang Mill
The village of Lang, with its famous mill, is the larger of the two attractions. The village of Lang is a pioneer settlement specializing in living history.
Access is purchased through the stone structure near the parking lot.
The cluster of 30 structures is the perfect place to grab a lunch. The structures have been transported from throughout the township and arranged to make it look like a main street. The buildings date from 19th and early 20th century, and are populated mock villagers in authentic period clothing.
Just outside the village you will find an old locomotive and a cabin.
Near the cabin you will find a commemorative sign to Red Fife wheat, a cousin of the Marquis wheat a cross breed that would succeed it. The hardy breed originated in Galicia and was dominant breed in Canada during the mid to late 19th century. It was grown on this experimental plot before being exported west!
Up the Indian River, you will find the Lang Mill established by former Member of Parliament Thomas Short in 1846. If you venture inside you will find some of the most well-preserved milling equipment at Hope Mill in Canada.
The mill was renamed after William Lang and was burned down in a fire. It was rebuilt and stayed in operation until 1896.
Behind the mill you will find a pretty neighborhood.
Conclusion
These are two great stops, that do not take a long time to explore. They can make for a pleasant day trip, especially if you have young kids or are interested in the history of the region.
