Nora Grist Mill

Nora Mill is a fully operational gristmill (one of the few that still grind corn) located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River outside of Helen, Georgia. Built in 1876, the mill is four stories tall, has 1,500 pound French Burr Mill Stones, a 100-foot wooden raceway and a water turbine rather than a water wheel.

John Martin, a gold miner, built the mill in 1876 and made Sautee-Nacoochee Valley his home. Dr. Lamartine Martin, who became the governor of Georgia from 1927 – 1931, bought the mill in 1901 and named it after his sister Nora.

Today, the mill is run by the Fain family. The Nora Mill Granary is a well-known destination for visitors to the mountains. A variety of milled products are sold in the mill and in the mill store adjacent to the mill. Make sure to sample some Pioneer Porridge on your visit.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mill is open year-round – except Christmas Day.

Where it is:

Nora Grist Mill is located in Helen Georgia, a bustling alpine village set against a scenic backdrop of mountains, forests and river banks, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the cobblestone streets of Germany’s famed Bamberg or Lindau as colorful shops dot the landscape and the heavenly aroma of authentic German fare takes to the breeze.