About Duncans Mills
Duncans Mills is a tiny historical town sandwiched between the Russian River and the Pacific Coast, which is located just four miles away. True to its name, Duncans Mills started out as a lumber mill owned by a man named Alexander Duncan. The town that grew up around the mill was never large, but it was a stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad from the 1870s through the 1930s. After the railroad stopped running, Duncans Mills began to fade away.
Luckily, the town was saved from the sands of time by a restoration project in 1976. Thanks to this project, visitors can enjoy strolling down streets that look much like they did during the town’s Victorian heyday. There is even a fully restored and authentic Northwestern Pacific Railroad Depot, as well as some original train cars, which houses the Depot Museum.
Behind its historic storefronts, Duncans Mills has some unique shops that offer everything from antiques to “worldly goods” to teas. The town also has a couple galleries featuring local artists’ work, as well as a few fine restaurants. Duncans Mills offers campgrounds, an inn and a number of vacation rentals as accommodation.
Duncans Mills Facts
The old lumber and railroad town of Duncans Mills, in the Russian River Valley, is rich in history. Restored in the 1970s after years of abandonment, the town offers easy access to the river and all its activities, as well as several state parks and dozens of Sonoma County wineries.
Duncans Mills was established in 1877 by Alexander Duncan. The town provided lumber for the building of San Francisco. The original town had two hotels, a saloon, general store, blacksmith, meat market, livery stable and a “notion shop.”
Location / Terrain:
The Duncans Mills terrain is characterized by redwoods, the Russian River, vineyards and the nearby Pacific Coast.Population: 175
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Duncans Mills Map:
View Location On MapDuncans Mills Zip Code:
95430Duncans Mills Elevation:
23 feet
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Duncans Mills is a great day trip for shoppers interested in antiques, art and unique gifts. It is also an interesting place for history buffs interested in the historic buildings and nearby Civil War reenactments.Upcoming Events In Duncans Mills
Duncans Mills Civil War Days
The Fargo Brothers
Duncans Mills's Annual Events
Civil War Days
Duncans Mills Festival of Art and Wine
Top Picks for Duncans Mills
Cape Fear Café
Christopher Queen Galleries
Quercia Gallery
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Duncans Mills California Information
Once a lumber town, the Russian River Valley town known as Duncan Mills got its start with just one sawmill and an entrepreneurial spirit. The railroad brought yet more prosperity to this town in the coastal foothills, until the Depression of the 1920s caused Duncan Mills to be abandoned.
Today, after a massive renovation project begun in the 1970s, the town of Duncan Mills stands as a testament to the spirit of Northern Californians. This is indeed one of the most quaint and picturesque towns in Sonoma County, boasting an authentic Northwest Pacific Rail Depot and museum, and a California State Park store, which sells a wealth of books and other materials on the history of Sonoma County.
The town's proximity to the gently flowing Russian River provides visitors with am excellent selection of things to do while in the region. Duncans Mills activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and boating. You can hike by the banks of the river or ride your bike in a nearby state or regional park. A short drive also takes visitors to the rugged Pacific coast and dozens of wineries are just a few miles away.
The tight-knit town of Duncans Mills hosts a few memorable events each year. The annual Civil War Days allows visitors to interact with soldiers and residents of "Virginia" during the war years through a series of historic reenactments. The Festival of Art and Wine in Duncans Mills presents art and handicrafts by local artists, excellent musical entertainment, and wine and micro-brew tasting.
Duncans Mills lodging includes inns and campgrounds and you'll also find several Duncans Mills restaurants in this picturesque little railroad town.
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