This old turbine mill was built in 1886. It replaced an older, and more primitive, mill that had been built by John Jacob Mingus in the late 1700s. It's still in operation today, using a cast iron turbine, rather than the more commonly seen water wheel, to grind both cornmeal and flour. The grinding stones used to grind wheat were imported from France, but the stones used to grind corn were of local construction.

The mill is open to visitors on most days, and both cornmeal and flour can be purchased on-site. The mill is located just off of Hwy. 441, one half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The old mill is an extra treat thrown in at the end of the Mingus Creek trail if you choose to hike down from the Thomas Divide.