Alongside Rock Creek, the 1829 Peirce Mill is a beautiful fieldstone building that houses a recently restored gristmill – the last of the mills that once flourished along the creek. Milling demonstrations are given between 11am and 2pm on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from April to October.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

0.18 MILES

The former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post of Post cereal fame, this lavishly decorated 1920s mansion showcases her extraordinary collections of…

2. Soapstone Valley Trail

0.48 MILES

This rugged 1-mile trail follows along Soapstone Creek and makes a nice add-on to a hike in Rock Creek Park. Access the trailhead on Ablemarle St NW,…

3. Smithsonian's National Zoo

0.75 MILES

Home to more than 2700 animals and more than 390 species in natural habitats, the National Zoo is famed for its giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Bei…

4. Mt Pleasant Street

1.08 MILES

Mt Pleasant St is the corazón (heart) of DC’s Latino, largely Salvadoran community. Many businesses advertise money-transfer services to San Salvador or…

5. Rock Creek Park

1.09 MILES

At 1700-plus acres, Rock Creek is twice the size of New York’s Central Park and feels wilder. Terrific trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding…

6. Washington National Cathedral

1.2 MILES

Constructed between 1907 and 1990, this huge neo-Gothic cathedral blends the spiritual with the profane in its architecture. Most of its richly colored…

7. Nature Center & Planetarium

1.32 MILES

The Nature Center & Planetarium is the main visitor center for Rock Creek Park. Besides exhibits on park flora, fauna and history, it can provide hiking…

8. Mexican Cultural Institute

1.36 MILES

The Mexican Cultural Institute looks locked up and imposing, but don't be deterred. The gilded beaux-arts mansion is open to the public and hosts…