🌤 Weather at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44–78 °F | 54–89 °F | 44–87 °F | 40–62 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Saint Helena, 4 mi away, elevation 225 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park lies nestled within the majestic woodlands of Napa County. This serene California state park, located just 22 miles east of Santa Rosa, contains an historic grist mill, one of only two water-powered mills still standing west of the Mississippi River.
Today visitors can tour this restored historic landmark, relax in one of the scenic picnic areas, and walk the nature trail that leads through the redwoods and into nearby Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.
Activities
Spend a couple of days in the heart of Napa Valley with a visit to both Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park and Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Explore the historic mill and learn more about the early settlers and life here during the 19th century.
Take a walk through the woodlands on the scenic nature trail that leads into nearby Bothe Napa Valley State Park. On your way there you’ll pass the Pioneer Cemetery and an early church that was founded by these early settlers. Once you arrive inside Bothe-Napa Valley State Park check out their Visitor Center and Native American Garden. A guide for this beautiful garden is available inside the Visitor Center.
Interested in also spending a few nights inside this peaceful area? Bothe-Napa Valley State Park’s campground features campsites, yurts, and cabins. The campground also has a swimming pool!
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park:
Tour the Historic Mill at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
The historic mill inside Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park was originally built in 1846. At that time Dr. Edward Turner Bale owned the mill, having received a land grant from the Mexican government. The mill remained an important part of the Napa Valley settlement area from about 1850 until the early 1900s during which time locals would bring their wheat, corn, oats, and barley to be ground here.
Today this fully restored water powered grist mill is operated by the Napa Open Space District. Exhibits of late 1800 tools and millstones are on display inside the mill. Milling demonstrations and guided tours are available only on the weekends; community events are held onsite throughout the year.
Hiking at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
The 1.1 mile History Trail leads visitors on a journey from the Bale Mill inside Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park to picnic areas inside nearby Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The trail passes Pioneer Cemetery, the final resting place of several early Napa Valley pioneers, and the historic White Church.
This scenic nature trail also winds through the woodlands, past shrubs, and along Mill Creek.
Birding at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
Bring your binoculars! On your walk between Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park and Bothe Napa Valley State Park you’ll have the opportunity to observe many species of birds. Here are a few to look out for: Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, California Scrub-Jays, Cackling Geese, Cinnamon Teals, and Northern Shovelers.
Nature and Wildlife at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
Majestic redwoods, oaks, and pines offer some protection from the elements as well as providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. During your visit to this peaceful area you may see deer, foxes, snakes, lizards, banana slugs, raccoons, mountain lions, coyotes, and bobcats.
Pets
Pets are only allowed within designated areas at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. Dogs are not permitted inside park buildings, on nature trails, backcountry areas, or in the historic gardens.
Camping
Since Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park features day use areas only visitors interested in taking a look at Bothe Napa Valley State Park’s overnight accommodations. This nearby state park, located at 3801 St. Helena Highway in Calistoga, features campsites, yurts, and cabins, all nestled within the shaded redwoods. The park also has a seasonal swimming pool and 10 miles of nature trails.
The campground at Bothe Napa Valley State Park includes 45 spacious campsites for tents or RVs (no hookups), one group camping area, 9 primitive hike-in campsites, 10 furnished yurts available in 2 different sizes, and private cabins with bathrooms and full sized kitchens.
Park Location
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park 3369 St Helena Hwy St Helena, CA 94574 Phone: 707.963.2236
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park:
Explore More California State Parks
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is a short drive away, and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
Park policy: The California State Parks park record for Bale Grist Mill names the excluded zones outright: trails, backcountry areas, historic buildings and the historic gardens. No trail at this park is designated dog-friendly.
- Pets allowed?
- Developed areas only; no dogs on trails, in historic buildings or historic gardens
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Park-specific rules
- The historic gardens are listed as their own no-dog zone alongside the buildings, so the restriction reaches beyond simply staying outdoors.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park?
Developed areas only; no dogs on trails, in historic buildings or historic gardens.
Beyond that, California’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
