Old Mill District

The Old Mill District is a vibrant shopping and entertainment complex located in Bend, Oregon, USA. This popular district stretches across the scenic banks of the Deschutes River and represents a unique space where history meets modernity. Once home to massive sawmills that served as the city's economic heart, today it is a magnet for both locals and tourists alike.

A key feature of the Old Mill District is its skillful blend of industrial heritage with modern infrastructure. During redevelopment, several historical elements of the former mills were carefully preserved, including the iconic smokestacks that have become a hallmark of the area. A walk through the district allows you to feel the atmosphere of the past, harmoniously integrated into today's dynamic pace.

Today, the Old Mill District offers visitors a wide range of leisure and entertainment options. You'll find many shops to suit every taste, from well-known brand boutiques to unique local stores. Numerous restaurants and cafes invite you to enjoy various cuisines, while the cinema and event venues make this place a hub for Bend's cultural life. It's an excellent spot for shopping, spending time with family or friends, and discovering an interesting part of the city's history.

If you're planning to visit the Old Mill District and want to find up-to-date information on opening hours, shops, restaurants, or upcoming events, we recommend checking official sources. The main contact point is the website.

Exciting shopping and culinary discoveries await visitors at the Old Mill District. You can wander through numerous shops, including local boutiques with unique goods and stores of well-known national brands. The REI store deserves special attention, as it is creatively housed in the former power plant of the Brooks-Scanlon Mill B, adding a touch of history to your shopping experience. After a busy shopping session, you can relax and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants and cafes offering a variety of dishes for every taste.

In addition to shops and restaurants, the Old Mill District offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and culture. Enjoy scenic walks along the Deschutes River waterfront or take advantage of the well-maintained walking and cycling paths to explore the surroundings. The area often serves as a venue for various cultural events and festivals, filling the air with a festive spirit. History buffs will also find plenty of interest: preserved elements of the old sawmills allow you to touch Bend's industrial past and learn more about its heritage.

The Old Mill District is conveniently located in Bend, making it easily accessible for visitors. Thanks to its riverside location on the Deschutes, this popular shopping and entertainment complex can be reached in various ways depending on your preference and starting point in Bend.

If you prefer using public transport, Bend operates a bus system. It is recommended to check current routes and schedules on the official local transit authority website or use trip-planning mobile apps. Routes usually run in the immediate vicinity of the Old Mill District or have stops within walking distance.

Taking a taxi or personal car is another convenient way to reach the Old Mill District. From downtown Bend, the drive takes very little time, depending on traffic. Parking areas are usually provided within and near the district for those arriving by private vehicle. However, on weekends, holidays, or during major events, keep in mind that parking demand may increase.

Given the Old Mill District's scenic location along the river, many tourists and locals prefer to get here on foot or by bicycle, especially if staying nearby. Bend often features well-maintained pedestrian and bike paths, making such a stroll not only healthy but also pleasant, allowing you to enjoy views of the city and nature.

The history of the Old Mill District is inextricably linked to the lumber industry, which served as the backbone of Bend's economy for nearly a century. It all began in March 1916 when the Shevlin-Hixon company opened the first major sawmill here. Just a month later, a rival mill owned by the Brooks-Scanlon company, known as "Mill A," started operating on the opposite bank of the Deschutes River. In 1922, Brooks-Scanlon expanded its presence by building a new, more powerful mill upstream from "Mill A," called "Mill B." It is the site of this latter enterprise that today makes up the majority of the modern Old Mill District.

At their peak, the Brooks-Scanlon and Shevlin-Hixon sawmills were considered among the world's largest pine processing facilities. They operated around the clock, employing over 2,000 people each and producing more than 500 million board feet of lumber annually. This industrial boom led to rapid population growth in Bend: from just 536 residents in 1910, the population grew to 5,414 by 1920 and reached 8,821 by 1930.

However, after more than two decades of intensive logging, Central Oregon's forest resources began to dwindle. As early as 1937, the Bend Chamber of Commerce sounded the alarm, warning of a potential economic disaster if the mills did not adopt sustainable forestry practices, but these calls were unfortunately ignored. In 1950, Brooks-Scanlon bought the Shevlin-Hixon mill and closed it just four months later. The Brooks-Scanlon "Mill A" plant ceased operations in 1983.

After the major operations shut down, the site of the future "old mill" fell into decline. A new chapter began in 1993 when William Smith Properties acquired the land now known as the Old Mill District. The "Mill B" facility continued to produce small volumes of lumber for a short while longer, but it finally closed for good in 1993, making way for a new era of development for this iconic Bend neighborhood.

To get a general overview of the Old Mill District, take a pleasant stroll along the Deschutes River, and browse a few shops, you might need about 2-3 hours. This is enough time to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy the views, and perhaps have a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes.

If you're planning on a more serious shopping trip, want to have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants, visit the cinema, or attend an event held at the complex, then you should set aside a half-day or even more for your visit to the Old Mill District. Photography enthusiasts will also find many interesting angles here, especially considering the area's industrial past and picturesque landscapes.

Ultimately, the time you spend in the Old Mill District will depend on your interests and plans. Some will be satisfied with a quick walk, while others will happily spend most of the day enjoying the variety of entertainment and leisure opportunities.

The Old Mill District is largely an open public space, so access to the area itself for walking is usually not restricted by strict opening hours. However, since it is a large shopping and entertainment complex, the operating hours for individual shops, restaurants, the cinema, and other establishments located here are set independently and can vary significantly. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the schedules of specific places of interest within the district, we strongly recommend visiting the official Old Mill District website or contacting these establishments directly.

Most businesses in the Old Mill District generally operate year-round, but their schedules may change depending on the season, holidays, or special events. No advance booking is typically required for a simple visit to the area or for walking around. However, if you plan to visit a popular restaurant, especially in the evening or on weekends, or if you are attending an event, it is worth checking in advance if you need to reserve a table or purchase tickets.

A visit to the Old Mill District will certainly leave you with plenty of impressions, but Bend and its surroundings are ready to offer even more interesting discoveries. Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this charming corner of the USA, seeing it from different perspectives and making your journey truly fulfilling.

Don't limit yourself to just one area; unique parks, cozy spots, or other notable landmarks can be found nearby, complementing your experience of the Old Mill District and the city of Bend as a whole. Below is a list of some interesting sites located nearby.