Phelps Mill

Phelps Mill is a historic flour mill on the Otter Tail River in Otter Tail County, Minnesota . The mill was built in 1888 by William E. Thomas, a local entrepreneur who owned a flour and feed business in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. During that time, wheat was in high-demand and nearly one thousand flour mills were in operation throughout Minnesota. 

The mill opened in October 1889 and was designed to produce 60 to 75 barrels of flour per day. It was very successful during its initial several years of operation, and in 1895 Thomas built an addition to grind buckwheat and rye. Thomas also built a bunkhouse for overnight guests and a barn for stabling horses. A general store also was established in the area and is still in operation.

Thomas sold the mill in 1919, and after another change of ownership in 1928, the mill closed permanently in 1939.

Otter Tail County purchased the site in 1965, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The mill is part of the Phelps Mill Historic District, which also includes the general store and an Italianate miller’s house.

The mill building is open for self-guided tours during summer months.