County
Tooele
Year Built
1854
Architect
Builder Thomas Lee and brothers
National Register?
Yes: listed 1972
Status
Still Endangered
Status Explanation
The Benson Grist Mill is not currently threatened by demolition or new development, but the building is at long-term risk because of ongoing structural problems and limited resources for preservation. Some of the main issues are holes in the floor that have been covered with plywood, a cracked foundation window, and historic waterwheel and pump systems that are deteriorating. The bucket hoist rope also needs to be replaced, and the emergency fire suppression system should be inspected and likely repaired. The site now attracts 10,000 to 12,000 visitors each year for farmers markets, festivals, and guided tours, which puts extra strain on the old wooden floors and gear systems. Tooele County owns and manages the mill through its Parks and Recreation Department, but budget constraints have made it hard to invest in the building. If these maintenance needs are not addressed soon, small repairs could turn into major structural problems.
About the Threat
The Benson Grist Mill is threatened by its age, delayed maintenance, and the extra strain from more visitors. The building has several problems, including holes in the floor covered with plywood, a cracked foundation window, and a need for a full floor inspection and repair. The historic waterwheel and pump are also in poor condition and need paint, sealant, and mechanical repairs. The bucket hoist rope should be replaced, and the emergency fire suppression system needs to be checked and probably fixed.
A bigger concern is that more visitors are putting extra stress on the old wooden floors and the complex gear systems that make the mill one of the best-preserved pioneer-era industrial sites in western Utah. If repairs are not made soon, these manageable issues could turn into a much bigger problem.
Tooele County owns and runs the mill through its Parks and Recreation Department. In the past, tight county budgets have made it hard to invest in the mill.
Access
Yes, the Benson Grist Mill is open to visitors on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from May 1 to October 31. In May, it is only open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From June through October, it is open Thursday through Saturday. Guided tours of the mill and nearby pioneer buildings are offered. The site also hosts community events such as a weekly Farmers Market, Renaissance Faire, Pioneer Day activities, Fall Festival, and a holiday lighting event. Most events are free. The mill is located on State Highway 138, about one mile southwest of the SR-36 intersection at Mills Junction and about 30 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.
History
Yes, the Benson Grist Mill is open to visitors on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from May 1 to October 31. In May, it is only open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From June through October, it is open Thursday through Saturday. Guided tours of the mill and nearby pioneer buildings are offered. The site also hosts community events such as a weekly Farmers Market, Renaissance Faire, Pioneer Day activities, Fall Festival, and a holiday lighting event. Most events are free. The mill is located on State Highway 138, about one mile southwest of the SR-36 intersection at Mills Junction and about 30 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.
What can be done? What was learned?
The mill welcomes service projects and has a volunteer program. Past projects include restoring machinery, working with adobe bricks, building bridges, and carpentry. These efforts help meet the mill's current needs. Anyone interested in hands-on preservation, including individuals, Scout troops, youth groups, and organizations, can find contact details and learn about current opportunities at tooelecountyparksandrec.org/benson-grist-mill/.
Supporters can also help by encouraging the creation of materials that explain the mill’s ties to the California Trail and to the Indigenous peoples who used Twin Springs Creek before the mill was built. Reaching out to Tooele County Parks and Recreation with this suggestion is a good first step.
What is the timeline?
There is no formal decision point right now. The main threat is ongoing structural deterioration, which will worsen if left unaddressed. The mill is an important community gathering place, hosting events like a weekly Farmers Market, Pioneer Day activities, a Renaissance Faire, a Fall Festival, and an annual Christmas lighting and live nativity. These events bring in about 10,000 to 12,000 visitors each year. This community involvement shows why ongoing funding to preserve the historic mill is important.
What has been the public discussion?
The mill was featured in KSL's May 2025 Most Endangered roundup. Since then, there have been no public meetings, council actions, or official preservation decisions about the mill. The site is still open and hosts regular events.
Links to more information and articles.
Tooele County Parks and Recreation — Benson Grist Mill: https://tooelecountyparksandrec.org/benson-grist-mill/
National Register of Historic Places nomination: https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_UT/72001260.pdf
KSL (May 2025 — Most Endangered coverage): https://www.ksl.com/article/51312075/these-historical-utah-treasures-are-on-the-verge-of-disappearing-forever
Intermountain Histories — Benson Gristmill of Tooele: https://www.intermountainhistories.org/items/show/773
Wikipedia — Benson Grist Mill: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benson_Grist_Mill