Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill tour
2023 TOUR DATES annouced in late Spring!
Come join us for a unique experience as we guide you through one of the best preserved 18th century tide mills in the country! Tide Mill, which harnessed the tides for power, was the height of technology when it was built by the Van Wyck family in 1795.
Water-powered mills need falling water and Long Island has few streams. But, as explained on the tour, the many bays and coves, with 8 foot tides, were an unfailing source of power. High tide filled the mill pond through the tide gate, and then, at low tide the trapped water was let out to turn the water wheel. The Lefferts mill is unique in that of the scores of tide mills on Long Islands north shore, it is the only one left with its building intact, on its original dam and with its original massive wooden gears. You must see this Long Island treasure!
Thanks to a partnership with the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill Sanctuary Inc., the Huntington Historical Society is able to offer tours of this historic treasure. The tour begins with a short boat ride from Gold Star Battalion Beach into gorgeous Puppy Cove, past waterfront mansions with sightings of egrets, ospreys, and visiting waterfowl. Your guide will explain the workings of the mill with some related social history, and each tour participant will receive a comprehensive, illustrated booklet.
Tour Cost: $15 for Members, $20 Non-members. Purchase tickets below or call 631-427-7045 .
Water-powered mills need falling water and Long Island has few streams. But, as explained on the tour, the many bays and coves, with 8 foot tides, were an unfailing source of power. High tide filled the mill pond through the tide gate, and then, at low tide the trapped water was let out to turn the water wheel. The Lefferts mill is unique in that of the scores of tide mills on Long Islands north shore, it is the only one left with its building intact, on its original dam and with its original massive wooden gears. You must see this Long Island treasure!
Thanks to a partnership with the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill Sanctuary Inc., the Huntington Historical Society is able to offer tours of this historic treasure. The tour begins with a short boat ride from Gold Star Battalion Beach into gorgeous Puppy Cove, past waterfront mansions with sightings of egrets, ospreys, and visiting waterfowl. Your guide will explain the workings of the mill with some related social history, and each tour participant will receive a comprehensive, illustrated booklet.
Tour Cost: $15 for Members, $20 Non-members. Purchase tickets below or call 631-427-7045 .
2023 Dates:
List of dates
Please Note: Unfortunately, the boat and mill are not handicapped accessible, and climbing in and out of the boat is necessary. Tour times are dictated by the tides, and the full tour takes about 1½ hours. Restrooms are available at the meeting location but not on the boat or at the mill. Children 12 and older are permitted. All tour dates allow the possibility of a rain date the following day.
Private tours can be arranged for groups under 15!
Private tours can be arranged for groups under 15!
