About Historic Clifton Mill
Historic Clifton Mill was built in 1802 by Owen Davis, a Revolutionary War veteran and miller, where the Little Miami River pours into Clifton Gorge. During the War of 1812 it ground corn meal for federal troops, and it passed through several families, including three generations of Prestons, before the Satariano family bought it to preserve it. It remains one of the largest water-powered mills still operating, and from the grounds you can see the gorge, the river and its falls, and a 90-foot wooden covered bridge.
The restaurant overlooks the gorge and serves breakfast all day, from pancakes and omelets to fried potatoes and cornmeal mush, with sandwiches, salads and homemade soups at lunch. Whole grain breads and pies such as cherry, apple, chocolate and pecan are baked daily. Weekday mill tours run from 10 to 2 in spring and summer for $5 a person; call ahead. The country store sells the mill's pancake mixes.
From the day after Thanksgiving through December 30, Legendary Lights covers the mill, gorge, riverbanks and bridges with more than 5 million lights, including a 100-foot waterfall of lights and an hourly light-and-music show on the covered bridge. There is also a miniature village, a Santa Claus museum, a toy collection and a live Santa in his workshop through December 23.
Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm in Enon is about 8 miles northwest, around 15 minutes away. In summer, gather lavender bundles at Sunset Ridge in the morning and come to Clifton for a late breakfast or lunch beside the gorge.
What to do
- Eat breakfast any time of day with a view of Clifton Gorge
- Take a weekday mill tour, 10–2 in spring and summer ($5, call ahead)
- Walk out to the 90-foot covered bridge over the Little Miami River
- Take home pancake mix from the country store
- See Legendary Lights nightly from November 27 to December 30, 2026
- Visit the Santa Claus museum and miniature village during the lights season
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Restaurant hours posted for spring and summer; Legendary Lights nightly November 27–December 30, 2026
- Hours
- Restaurant, spring and summer (posted 2026): Monday–Friday 9–3, Saturday–Sunday 8–4; during Legendary Lights the restaurant closes at 2 and gates reopen at 5 p.m., lights 6–9 p.m. (8 p.m. on December 24–25, dark on New Year's Eve). Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
- Admission
- Legendary Lights (2026 season): $15 per person ages 4 and up, 3 and under free; mill tours $5 per person
Good to know
- Dogs
- Not allowed (during Legendary Lights)
- Accessibility
- Light display grounds are wheelchair and stroller accessible; strollers are not allowed inside buildings
- Payment
- Lights gate: cash, Visa and Mastercard (convenience fee on cards)
Tips for your visit
- During Legendary Lights, Monday through Thursday nights are much less crowded than Saturday, the busiest night
- Bring cash to get through the lights gate faster; card payments carry a convenience fee
- Groups of 15 or more save $1 per person when one person pays for everyone
- The lights do not open in severe weather or heavy rain; check their website for that night's status
Pair it with a lavender farm
Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm · about 15 minutes away
Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm in Enon is about 15 minutes northwest, so lavender in the morning and lunch at the mill fit one easy outing.
Getting there
Questions
When are the Clifton Mill lights in 2026?
Nightly from November 27 through December 30; gates open at 5, lights 6–9 p.m., closing at 8 on December 24–25 and dark on New Year's Eve.
Can I bring my dog to Legendary Lights?
No, pets are not allowed.
Can you tour the mill?
Yes, on weekdays from 10 to 2 in spring and summer for $5 per person; call ahead.
Is parking free during the lights?
Yes.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Lebanon & Yellow Springs, Ohio
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
