# Our Story
Est. 1869
## Our
Story
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Bartender pouring a craft beer at the Old Mill tap
- In 1869, on the banks of the Kalamazoo River in Plainwell, Michigan, a massive four-story stone building rose to become the largest buckwheat flour mill in the country. For decades, it was the heartbeat of a small Michigan town — grinding grain, employing workers, and feeding communities across the region.
- When the milling era ended, the building stood quiet. But its thick stone walls, heavy timber beams, and the spirit of honest craftsmanship endured. Today, the Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — a testament to the people who built it and the community that preserved it.
- 1869 — The mill is constructed on the Kalamazoo River, becoming the largest buckwheat flour mill in the nation.
- Early 1900s — The mill era winds down as industrial milling shifts elsewhere. The building is repurposed over the decades.
- Historic Registry — The building earns its place on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
- Today — The Old Mill Brewpub & Grill fills the building with the aromas of craft beer and scratch-made food, honoring its industrial heritage with warm, welcoming hospitality.
## The Mill Today
- Brewed In-House — Every craft beer on our tap list is brewed right here in the mill. From session bitters to barrel-aged barleywines, we make beer the way it should be made.
- Scratch Kitchen — Our kitchen team smokes meats low and slow, batters perch in our own Crazy Beaver lager, and makes everything from coleslaw to cheese dip from scratch.
- Community Hub — From families to friends to first dates, the Old Mill is where Plainwell gathers. Indoor and outdoor seating, games in the tap room, and daily specials keep people coming back.
Plan Your Visit
/visit
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Source: https://oldmillbrew.com/about
Updated: 2026-10-11