I’ve driven past the Old Red Mill on Route 15 in Jericho more times than I can count, and it’s still one of those buildings that catches my attention every day. The red exterior, white trim and Brown’s River running alongside it make for a beautiful Vermont scene, particularly during foliage season.
But don’t just admire it from the road.
There’s a gift shop filled with Vermont-made products, a free museum dedicated to Snowflake Bentley Local favorite: Snowflake Bentley and a short trail behind the mill that takes you along the river. And if you enjoy photography, I’d recommend walking around the property to see the building from the back, too.
It’s an easy stop to overlook if you’re driving through Jericho on your way to Smugglers’ Notch or Cambridge.
A Little History Behind Jericho’s Old Red Mill
The Old Red Mill, historically known as Chittenden Mills, sits beside the Brown’s River and dates back to the 19th century.
The property was once part of a thriving milling industry in Jericho, where water from the river powered grist mills and other businesses. At one point, eight mills operated along this stretch of the river.
The mill produced flour and meal from wheat, corn and other grains, serving local farmers and customers throughout northern Vermont.
The building was expanded in the 1880s, giving it much of the appearance we recognize today. Milling operations eventually ended in 1945, and the property went through several uses before the Jericho Historical Society began preserving it in the 1970s.
Today, the mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses the historical society’s museum and craft shop.
Meet Snowflake Bentley: The Vermonter Who Photographed Snowflakes
One of the most interesting reasons to step inside is the exhibit dedicated to Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley.
Born in Jericho in 1865, Bentley was a farmer who became fascinated with snow crystals. On January 15, 1885, he succeeded in photographing a single snow crystal through a microscope, something no one had accomplished before.
Over his lifetime, he photographed more than 5,000 snow crystals and helped advance the scientific study of snow and precipitation.
The exhibit includes original photographs, cameras and microscopes used by Bentley, along with personal artifacts and information about his work.
I love that such an important contribution to science came from a farmer in a small Vermont town, working with equipment that seems remarkably simple compared with what we have today.
Admission to the Snowflake Bentley exhibit is free, making it an excellent stop for families or anyone interested in Vermont history.
Browse the Old Mill Craft & Gift Shop
The first floor of the mill also houses the Old Mill Craft & Gift Shop, operated by the Jericho Historical Society.
It’s a wonderful place to find Vermont-made gifts, including pottery, handcrafted wooden items, artwork and locally produced goods.
You’ll also find an extensive collection of Snowflake Bentley merchandise, including ornaments, jewelry and prints featuring his original snowflake photographs.
I particularly like that purchases help support the historical society’s work preserving the mill and its collections.
If you’re shopping for someone who loves Vermont, this is worth keeping in mind, especially around the holidays.
Don’t Miss the Trails Behind the Mill
One of the best parts of visiting the Old Red Mill is exploring the property behind the building.
A roughly half-mile trail follows the stream through a wooded area with enormous boulders, small waterfalls and pools along the water.
The trail is short, but parts are steep, and the terrain can be uneven or slippery after rain. I’d recommend sneakers with good traction rather than sandals.
It’s also worth walking around the back of the mill for a different view of the building.
From Route 15, you get the familiar roadside perspective of the red mill beside the river. Behind the property, you can appreciate its height, the surrounding stonework and the relationship between the building and the water that once powered its machinery.
I think the rear views are just as interesting as the classic photograph from the road, particularly when the surrounding trees are changing color.
The trail is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, and leashed dogs are permitted.
Where to Photograph the Old Red Mill
If you’re stopping specifically to photograph the building, I’d take a few minutes to explore different angles.
- From Route 15
- This is the classic view, with the mill rising beside the Brown’s River. It’s particularly beautiful during fall foliage, when the red building contrasts with the surrounding yellow and orange leaves.
- From the mill property
- Walk around the building to see the rear exterior and surrounding river landscape. The architecture looks quite different from this side.
- Along the riverside trail
- The trail offers additional views of the river, boulders and wooded setting. Depending on foliage and vegetation, you may also find glimpses back toward the mill.
Please avoid stopping on the road or bridge for photographs. Park first and explore on foot.
What to Know Before Visiting the Old Red Mill
- Address
- 4A Red Mill Drive, Jericho, Vermont, just off Route 15.
- Parking
- Parking is available at the mill complex. Use the designated area rather than stopping along Route 15.
- Admission
- Free for the Snowflake Bentley exhibit; donations to the historical society are appreciated.
- Hours
- April-December, Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. January-March, Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Also open select Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Trail
- Approximately half a mile, open daily from dawn to dusk.
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the outdoor trail.
- Accessibility
- The public museum and gift shop occupy the first level, but the wooded trail includes steep sections.
- Time to allow
- About 30-45 minutes indoors, plus another 20-40 minutes if you’re exploring the trail.
- Website
- Jericho Historical Society.
Is the Old Red Mill Worth a Stop?
I’d make time to see both sides of the building rather than simply taking a photograph from Route 15. The riverside trail gives you another appreciation for the property, and the Snowflake Bentley exhibit is worth stepping inside for.
You can easily combine a visit with other stops around Jericho, including a maple creemee at Palmer Lane Maple Local favorite: Palmer Lane Maple or confections from Snowflake Chocolates Local favorite: Snowflake Chocolates.
The places in this guide, on the map
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Directions to Snowflake Bentley (opens in a new tab)
Museum · Jericho, VT
If you enjoy photography, walk around the property to see the building from the back. Explore the trails outback and don't miss…
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Directions to Palmer Lane Maple (opens in a new tab)
Creemee or ice cream stand · Jericho, VT
Try the maple syrup and creemee combination for a quintessential Vermont treat.
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Directions to Snowflake Chocolates (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Jericho, VT
Snowflake has an extensive selection of unique candies for Halloween. If you see a sign for their caramel apple, stop and stockup!
Talk with locals
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