About Historic Clifton Mill
Historic Clifton Mill stands in the gorge of the Little Miami River in the village of Clifton, about 30 miles east of Dayton. Owen Davis, a Revolutionary War veteran, built the first mill here in 1802, and the site supplied corn meal to troops in the War of 1812. The river once turned five other mills nearby; this is the only one still standing and one of the largest water-powered grist mills left. A 90-foot wooden covered bridge crosses the river, with views of the falls and gorge.
The restaurant overlooks the gorge and serves breakfast all day, from pancakes and omelets to fried potatoes and cornmeal mush, plus lunch sandwiches, salads and homemade soups until 3. Breads, pies and cookies are baked daily, with cherry, apple, pecan and chocolate pies. The country store sells the mill's pancake mixes and gifts, and inside you can see a collection of more than 300 old flour sacks. On spring and summer weekdays, guided tours of the mill's workings run from 10 to 2 for $5 a person; call ahead.
From the day after Thanksgiving through December 30, the Legendary Lights cover the mill, gorge and bridges with more than 5 million lights, including a 100-foot waterfall of lights and a covered bridge lit in time to music. A miniature village, a Santa Claus museum and toy collection, and a live Santa at work in his shop round it out.
Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm in Enon is about 15 minutes away on the far side of Springfield, so a summer breakfast at the mill pairs naturally with an afternoon in the lavender.
What to do
- Eat an all-day pancake breakfast overlooking the gorge
- Walk the 90-foot covered bridge for views of the falls
- Take a $5 guided tour of the mill's workings on a spring or summer weekday
- Buy the mill's pancake mixes in the country store
- See the Legendary Lights, late November through December 30
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Restaurant and gift shop open year-round except major holidays; mill tours on spring and summer weekdays; Legendary Lights the day after Thanksgiving through December 30, 2026
- Hours
- Restaurant and gift shop, spring and summer: Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; during the lights season the restaurant closes at 2 p.m. Legendary Lights 2026: gates 5–9 p.m. nightly, Dec. 24–25 6–8 p.m., closed New Year's Eve
- Admission
- Restaurant and grounds free; mill tour $5 per person; Legendary Lights 2026: $15 per person age 4 and up, 3 and under free, $1 off each for groups of 15 or more paying together
Good to know
- Dogs
- Not allowed during the Legendary Lights
- Accessibility
- Lights display is wheelchair and stroller accessible; strollers are not allowed inside buildings
- Payment
- Cash, Mastercard and Visa (card fee at the lights gate)
Tips for your visit
- For the lights, Monday through Thursday is much less crowded and Saturday is busiest
- Bring cash for the lights gate; it is faster and avoids the card fee
- The lights don't open in severe weather or heavy rain; status is posted on their website
- Call ahead to book a weekday mill tour
Pair it with a lavender farm
Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm · about 15 minutes away
Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm in Enon is about 15 minutes away, an easy pairing with a breakfast at the mill.
Getting there
Questions
How much are the Clifton Mill Christmas lights in 2026?
$15 per person age 4 and up; children 3 and under are free, and parking is free.
Are dogs allowed at the Legendary Lights?
No, pets are not allowed.
Can you tour the mill?
Yes, guided tours run on spring and summer weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5; call ahead.
Is breakfast served all day?
Yes, breakfast is served all day and lunch until 3 p.m.
🗺️ 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
