Historic Clifton Mill image

Historic Clifton Mill

Restaurant Tourist attraction American restaurant Historical landmark Gift shop Traditional us american restaurant Water mill

One of the Most Revieweds in Clifton


Address

75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316

Website

www.cliftonmill.com

Contact

(937) 767-5501

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (4.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 9 AM to 2 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 2 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 2 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 2 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 2 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 2 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 2 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: lights (20) light (15) time (14) Christmas (13) experience (12) display (9) area (9) visit (7) crowded (7) show (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Andy D. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for the Christmas lights. What an amazing display. They have several sets of outdoor portable restrooms. Not lit, so make sure you have a flashlight. Basic food like hotdogs and hot chocolate. Restaurant is not open in the evening during Christmas lights.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff S. 4 months ago on Google • 1066 reviews
    First time visiting the light display. I thought it was worth the visit. We arrived just before opening and it was pretty well busy. We waited around 20 minutes to get in, but the line moved quickly. The lights and the displays were very nice. It is easy to get around but can be crowded depending upon the timing. If you go a later in the evening it was less crowded and easier to find parking. Plan for 60 to 90 minutes on the property.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anita S. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited the place and enjoyed the stunning unforgettable display of lights at Clifton Mill during the holiday. There’s a dedicated parking area and it was not too crowded when we went there a few days after Christmas. Don’t miss the hall where you can find a huge collection of Santa figures. The entrance fee is a bit expensive but it was worth a visit.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brittany D. 9 months ago on Google
    Great atmosphere along with friendly staff. Food came out in a timely manner and everything was exactly as ordered. Food and service were great. Cute little general store. It is a smaller establishment so there might be a wait time and parking may be hard to come by. But there is plenty of on street parking. Loved the views and history this place has. Will definitely be back.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Molly T. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice stop for a date night. Smaller than we expected, given the local hype, but still a very well planned out production. We had a lot of fun and definitely recommend if you're looking for a holiday light display and show. Also, family friendly.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tresa H. 1 year ago on Google
    What a wonderful experience with the family. You have to go here and experience this little piece of history. I hear it is amazing during Christmas. We enjoyed our time together here.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael F. 4 months ago on Google • 389 reviews
    Beautiful and Breathtaking! This will certainly become an annual tradition for us because it was such a magical experience. There are 5 million lights on display here. So much to look at. My favorite area is with all of the miniatures. There is an entire football game being played in a stadium with a lighted scoreboard and a blimp that says Go Bucks! There's even an old fashioned Drive-in Theater with 50's style cars and music. Tons of small details and you could stare at it for hours. It has 7' tall figures of the manger scene. A building with 700 Santa Clauses. There is also a live person dressed as Santa Claus in his shop working where the children can look through the windows and he will even wave at them while he works. Every 30 minutes, the covered bridge turns into a synchronized light show with music. Too much to list here so you just need to check it out!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah Beth P. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here for the first time Christmas Eve 🎄 It was pretty busy, $10/person to get in. We didn't get to see all of the little villages because there was so many people but overall the lights were so very pretty!! Would love to come back when there aren't so many people to see all of the things we couldn't see, eat at the restaurant and check out the gift shop! Definitely a fun experience and we will be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel D. 6 months ago on Google
    We stopped in for breakfast on a Monday and had a wonderful experience. The staff were very helpful, the food came out quickly and was delicious. We ordered several items, but the favorites were the crispy potatoes and pancakes! You also can't beat the lovely view while you eat. I would definitely return for another visit!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary S. 1 year ago on Google
    Stopped for late lunch before going to Gorge. I had the breakfast bowl and it was delicious. My son had the garbage omlette and raspberry cold tea. He really loved.the tea. They brew their own. The omlette was huge. My daughter had the chicken wrap and she said it was somewhat spicy and good as well Next time it will be the pancakes. They were the size of a dinner plate coming out of the kitchen. Service was excellent. Server was very attentive and friendly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca P. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place with outstanding food. The pancakes are massive, the pecan smoked bacon is sublime, and the home fries are fried to perfection. Excellent service from attentive staff. Stop in and eat, you won't regret it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer S. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is neat. It's small, we went through everything within an hour. We went on a weeknight in 2022 before the bad weather came so I guess everybody tried to go as well. There was a traffic going in for about 10 mins. Thought we wouldn't get parking spot but we did. We had a 4 year old with us and she loved the display, so did we! We didn't need a stroller for a place that small. I think 2 or 3 years and above could walk the place just fine. They had Santa working in a building that waved at her and took a picture with her from the window. Hot chocolate was about $3-5 depending on the size you get or what kind you get. We didn't get it at the time. Overall we had fun and would come back. I think they just need kids' price instead of everybody paying the full price for 4 years and above.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenn B. 5 months ago on Google • 79 reviews
    Probably the biggest pancake you have ever seen in your whole life. Beautiful Old Mill. Has a little gift shop. You can buy the pancake mixes and flour products there. Wonderful staff and beautiful views of the area. Has a water wheel, a couple Bridges, historical items and a lot of history and pictures. They were setting up the Christmas lights so we couldn't get the best pictures or view but we still got some.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura S. 4 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Loved this place!! You can't be in a hurry, lines are long, hot dog was hot and wonderful but the best thing I had was the frosted sugar cookie... WOW😋. The exhibit was ultra fabulous!!! 5 million lights!! Get your hot chocolate inside, the outside hot chocolate is cold. I will go back again!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy H. 4 months ago on Google • 45 reviews
    This is a review for the lights display not the restaurant. We visited on a Thursday and arrived in the Parking lot at about 5:15pm. Parking is free. There were already about 200 folks waiting in line when we got there. The line moved fast. Lights are turned on at 6pm. They do a light show every 30 minutes to Carol of the bells. It's fun to visit and spectacular lights but it is packed!!! There's hot cocoa and light snacks. Worth visiting at least once. I'd recommend going on a weekday early in the season. It's 15 per person. 3 and under are free. Strollers are recommended and able to be used for little ones. I wish I'd have taken one.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken and Breanna S. 7 months ago on Google
    It's a cool little experience and a nice view, but I didn't eat at the restaurant or meet anyone that actually worked there. Honestly. There's not much there to do, so I wouldn't travel from a long distance away to see this during the non-Christmas season unless you have other things planned to do in that area
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian S. 2 years ago on Google
    I dined for the first time at Historic Clifton Mill with a couple friends. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I had the "garbage" omelet which contained a little bit of everything. One of my friends got the breakfast bowl, and the other "built his own" omelet. We shared 2 HUGE ("barely fit the plate") buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup, which we really didn't have room for! Excellent experience! :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stagerlee 4 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    We got there while it was still day light and after dark, they lit it up for the first time that evening, it was AMAZING to see the lights come on at once. They shut the lights off every half hour or so after that, but I think it's worth seeing them light up at once, instead of turning off for a bit then watching them relit. Lots of neat displays to see as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rebecca C. 1 year ago on Google
    If you're in the area, this is a must stop. Gorgeous photo op, food was pretty yummy. Service was excellent. If you come at a busy time be prepared to wait but you can look around or sit on the porch.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy P. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful old mill that has stood the test of time. The little store is so cute and the restaurant was very good. Had lunch here after a long hike in the nature preserve. Want to come back to see the Christmas lights for sure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 B B. 1 year ago on Google
    Only came here for the Christmas lights, which is a unique experience. It was crowded even on a weekday. The exhibit opens at 5pm but the light are not turned on until 6pm. If you arrive early you may be tempted to grab some snacks so long as you are prepared for a long wait in a meandering queue.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tambri B. 3 months ago on Google • 112 reviews New
    Beautiful!!! Very crowded!!! Seating is very limited so if you're elderly a walker with a seat is highly recommended. We went on a Friday night so I would recommend trying to go during the week. It is kind of pricey but worth the experience.

  • 5/5 Brian R. 3 months ago on Google • 59 reviews New
    If you're looking for a place steeped in history and serving up delicious breakfasts, Clifton Mill in Clinton, Ohio, is a must-visit. This historic mill, as old as the state itself, offers more than just a meal; it's a journey through time. My family and I stopped by for breakfast, and we were blown away. The pancakes were enormous and so satisfying that they not only fed my 10 and 12-year-olds but also left us with leftovers for two more breakfasts. I opted for the chicken and waffles, and let me tell you, they were incredible. Each bite was a perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it a breakfast to remember. My wife chose the mushroom omelet and was equally impressed. It was clear that the ingredients were fresh and thoughtfully prepared. But the experience didn’t stop at breakfast. After eating, we took a hike through the nearby Clifton Gorge. This stunning natural area is a real gem, with scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the river and gorge. It was the perfect way to round off our visit, combining great food with the beauty of Ohio's natural landscape. Clifton Mill is not just a place to eat; it's a destination that offers a glimpse into Ohio's rich history, coupled with delicious food and the opportunity to explore one of the most picturesque parts of the state. For anyone in or around Ohio, I highly recommend making the trip. It’s an experience that appeals to all ages and is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

  • 5/5 Santos G. 1 year ago on Google
    Historic Clifton Mill is a beautiful place to visit during the Christmas holidays. This place is very well lit up with over 4 million lights. There is a lot of walking around to the many themed settings as you walk through the area. There are a few locations where you can purchase soft drinks, hot cocoa and even a gift shop to purchase decors, food and gifts. A lot of work has been put into this place for everyone to enjoy. Be ready for the lights to go out at certain time throughout the night for a beautiful light show to Christmas music. There is staff on the premises to park vehicles coming in as well. I highly recommend this place to bring your family or friends for some fun.

  • 4/5 David P. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a neat place to visit. Im glad I did it, but no plans to go back. It's too crowded. They do a light show, but I'd say about 1 in 10 people will actually get a good view. You're just packed in trying to see what you can. Parking becomes a free for all around the whole town once you're actually able to get into town. No pets, which is actually good because it's so crowded. The lights were nice to see and I think it's a place you should check out at least once just be prepared to wait in a long line.

  • 5/5 Lynette S. 1 year ago on Google
    We went for their Christmas display, and have been coming here for the last 14 years. It's fun to see the working mill with the beautiful lights. My kids now love it too. It can be really busy, so go when it's a weekday (and it's cheaper), and when the weather isn't optimal...otherwise it's packed.

  • 4/5 Wraith W. 7 months ago on Google
    It's a neat old place that's right on the water. It was pretty busy, but we didn't have to wait to long. The food wasn't bad and we had a nice view.

  • 3/5 J S (. 4 months ago on Google
    I believe it was $15 and it should be about $7.50 You can see the same type of light displays on people’s houses these days for free. You could also go to places like the Columbus Zoo for about the same price and you get to see an area about 20x bigger and the animals. Sadly for as much as you pay there is a bunch of dead light strands on some of the trees that I would imagine have been there for years. Looks like they just put new ones on top of old one but maybe they just happened to die after 1 week of use. Positive there is a Santa sitting in a room that you can look in window and he searches a list for your child’s name and then gives them a thumb up that they have been good.

  • 5/5 sadeepa yuganthi m. 2 years ago on Google
    Great light show to see during the Christmas time. One of the few non drive-through light shows in the area. Tickets were $10 per adult.

  • 4/5 Justin B. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful display of Christmas lights. A great family experience. A wide variety of eye-catching attractions for all ages. The light show was great and happened several times throughout the night.

  • 5/5 Jeff B. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for the lights. While I do think $15 for an adult is fair they should offer a discount rate for children. Since they are the ones that enjoy it way more than adults. Like half price. All in all it was amazing and did allow some time for personal reflection with my family.


Call (937) 767-5501 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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