Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, Calistoga

There isn't anything too special about this state park, especially considering all the state parks in northern california parks in the area. The Mill is a nice resting picnic spot and very peaceful. I went on a Saturday and only saw 5 other people on the trail. If you are looking for just a new place to hike, try this park out, but it's nothing to definitely rave about. On a plus side, we didn't pay to get it and had a nice fun little hike.

The staff is both VERY informative and engaging... The docent/miller and the store staff are friendly and genuine... It's clear they have a passion for the site and a genuine connection to its history as well as the remarkable flavor and history associated therein... In fact, there are state park rangers who are both schooled in the workings of the site as well as those who are involved enough with it to answer nearly any of the questions visitors might have in passing... The experience is both captivating and, in the end, supported by information - to say nothing of the visual intensity of the experience visiting here; to see the rush of water from the flume, the crank of the giant wheel, the "cranking" of the age-old mechanisms turning massive and carefully prepared stones that produce the final products... It's inspiring... In the end it matters not if you're 8 or 80... This is something to see again and again... It's something each of our traveling guests to NorCal MUST see... Don & Susan - Novato, CA.