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Unplug, Reconnect & Explore!

Announcing the 4th Annual Valley of the Mills Tour!
Looking for something meaningful (and FREE!) to do this Labor Day Weekend?
Join us for a two-day, family-friendly celebration of heritage, culture, and community in the stunning Mora Valley.

4th Annual Valley of the Mills Tour

Every year, the Valley of the Mills Tour opens the doors to three of northern New Mexico’s most remarkable historic places. It’s a chance to walk through working landscapes that fed a territory, hear stories from the families and volunteers who keep them standing, and spend a day in a valley where history isn’t behind glass – it’s in the walls, the water and the fields.

Event Details:
Create Joyous Mora-ries!
A Mora Valley Tradition
Ride the Trolley - Free
Thanks to generous local sponsors, trolley rides between the three mills are Free. Climb aboard and you’ll have more than enjoying the view- a local guide rides along, recounting the valley’s story as it unfolds outside your window, from Ceran St. Vrain’s contracts with Fort Union to the families who kept the mills turning. Have a question?. Just ask. It’s the best seat in the Mora Valley.
 
Free rides made possible by Southwest Capital Bank, Mora Creative Council, Anita’s Endeavors, Castaneda Hotel, Veronica Serna Farms, Mora County Economic Development Corporation, Hatcha’s Restaurant, Visiones Collaborativas, Anna Lovato Vanderjagt, and the Mora Valley of the Mills Association.

4th Annual Valley of the Mills Tour

A Mora Valley Tradition

Every year, the Valley of the Mills Tour opens the doors to three of northern New Mexico’s most remarkable historic places. It’s a chance to walk through working landscapes that fed a territory, hear stories from the families and volunteers who keep them standing, and spend a day in a valley where history isn’t behind glass – it’s in the walls, the water and the fields.

Event Details:
Create Joyous Mora-ries!
Ride the Trolley - Free
Thanks to generous local sponsors, trolley rides between the three mills are Free. Climb aboard and you’ll have more than enjoying the view- a local guide rides along, recounting the valley’s story as it unfolds outside your window, from Ceran St. Vrain’s contracts with Fort Union to the families who kept the mills turning. Have a question?. Just ask. It’s the best seat in the Mora Valley.
 
Free rides made possible by Southwest Capital Bank, Mora Creative Council, Anita’s Endeavors, Castaneda Hotel, Veronica Serna Farms, Mora County Economic Development Corporation, Hatcha’s Restaurant, Visiones Collaborativas, Anna Lovato Vanderjagt, and the Mora Valley of the Mills Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Valley of the Mills Tour?

The Valley of the Mills Tour is an annual self-guided and trolley-assisted heritage event in Mora, New Mexico. Visitors explore three historic mill sites, learn about the region’s agricultural history, and hear stories shared by local guides, volunteers, and preservation partners.

The 4th Annual Valley of the Mills Tour takes place over Labor Day weekend. Please check the event page for the complete schedule, tour hours and special activities.

The tour takes place throughout historic Mora in Northern New Mexico, with stops at three unique mill sites connected by a free trolley service.

Admission information is available on the event registration page. Thanks to our sponsors, trolley transportation between the mill sites is provided free of charge.

Yes. Complimentary trolley transportation is available throughout the event thanks to the support of local sponsors.

Yes, visitors may drive between locations or use the free trolley throughout the day?

 Historic flour mills, working agricultural landscapes, guided historical interpretation, preservation projects, local stories and traditions, scenic views of the Mora Valley.

Yes. The event welcomes visitors of all ages interested in history, architecture, agriculture, and New Mexico heritage.
 
Accessibility varies by site because the mills are historic structures. The St. Vrain Mill Preservation and Historical Foundation continues to improve accessibility, including ADA improvements currently underway.
 
We recommend: comfortable walking shoes, water, hat and sunscreen, camera, weather-appropriate clothing.
 
Most visitors spend between 3 and 5 hours exploring the sites, although you are welcome to stay longer and enjoy the valley at your own pace.

The mills helped feed northern New Mexico during the territorial period and remain some of the best-preserved examples of historic milling and agricultural life in the region.

Yes. In addition to visiting the historic mill sites, guests are encouraged to explore local businesses, browse handcrafted items created by regional artisans, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Mora Valley. Shopping locally helps support the small businesses, artists, and makers who contribute to the community’s vitality.