Adams Mill

Rough Grind

In Cutler, Adams Mill stands as rare survivor, a picturesque centerpiece of a popular recreation area along Wildcat Creek that points to Carroll County’s early settlement. Dedicated volunteers have preserved the grist mill for decades, but critically needed structural repairs now threaten the site.

In 1845, John Adams built the grist mill on land where he had already constructed a dam and millrace. The building quickly became the area’s commercial hub, housing both a post office and Masonic lodge in addition to milling operations. The mill continued to produce flour for over a century until commercial production ended in 1951.

Recognizing its significance, James Broadhurst purchased the mill in 1973 to preserve the landmark and turn it into a museum, a vision that lives on today through its use as a museum of rural Americana. Of the approximately 700 grain mills believed to have existed in Indiana in the 1860s, few remain standing today, making Adams Mill one of the oldest standing examples of its type. Owned since 2009 by nonprofit Adams Mill Inc., the mill and its museum are open seasonally to visitors and serve as a focal point for campers who rent nearby grounds and cabins.