Mill Inn Tavern-Barnard Mill
McHenry Co. | Illinois | USA
Watersource: Nippersink Creek
Mill Inn Tavern-Barnard Mill
Either travel 2.5 miles SE of Ch 36 on Barnard's Mill Road when coming from Richmond, IL., or go north from McHenry,IL. on Sh 31 for 4 miles, veering left on Barnard's Mill Road about 0.5 mile east of the town of Ringwood, continuing for roughly another 5 miles to the NE corner of Barnard's Mill Road and Howe Road at Nippersink Creek just above the north end of Wonder Lake.
The Grand Old Mill/Mill Inn Tavern/Barnard's Mill is located at 7514 Barnard Mill Road north of the community of Wonder Lake Village and at the north end of Wonder Lake at the junction of Barnard Mill Rd. and Howe Rd. near Nippersink Creek.
The frame structure dates from the early 1900's, serving as a grist mill for the surrounding community. The mill has been remodeled as a tavern and restaurant.
The mill has in more recent times served as a watering hole for the area's inhabitants. The Mill Inn Tavern and then The Grand Old Mill are two names the mill has gone by in the most recent past. More info is needed.
Photos and info. furnished in 2005 by Mary Lou Endres, the owner of the Alden Steam Mill. *Update: It has been a long time since I went in there but years ago they had a plaque up telling about it having once been a stagecoach stop. I thought it was about a hundred and forty years old. I will be going back soon so I will check on my memory. James Blanchard 04/21/2010*