Surplus Item Sale – This Saturday (May 2nd)
The Town will be hosting a surplus item sale at the old Rec Centre, and you’re invited to stop by, browse, and place your bids!
Recreation & Culture
Public Library & Museums
McDougall Mill Museum

McDougall Mill Museum

LOCATION: 65 Arthur Ave, Renfrew, ON K7V 3S1

*** Please note that the Museum will be open for the season on May 19, 2026! 

McDougall Mill stands on the shore of the Bonnechere River, a testament to the once-thriving industrial area powered by the drop in water at the Second Chute. Built in 1855 as a grist mill, it now serves as a local history museum and visitor information center. The museum features three floors of exhibits to explore, along with a gift shop. It is operated in partnership with the Town of Renfrew and the Renfrew & District Historical & Museum Society.

Adjacent to McDougall Mill is O'Brien Park, which offers green space with seating, a band shell, Renfrew's Swinging Bridge, and views of the Thomas Low Generating Station. Be sure to check out the Music in the Park schedule, with performances taking place every Sunday during the summer.

Cross the Swinging Bridge to access downtown Renfrew and the Algonquin, K&P, and Millennium trails.

For more information, please contact museum@renfrew.ca. 

McDougall Mill Museum

McDougall Mill Museum

Plan Your Visit!

Welcome to the McDougall Mill Museum, located at 65 Arthur Avenue! We are open seasonally from June 1st to September 1st, seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Outside of these hours, the museum is available by appointment. Admission is by donation.

During your visit, you can enjoy refreshments, a gift shop, guided tours, free WIFI, ample parking (including motorcycle parking), and a bike rack. The museum also serves as the Visitor Information Centre for Renfrew and the surrounding areas. McDougall Mill's main floor is fully accessible, while the washrooms, basement, and second floor are accessible by stairs only.

Nestled in the beautiful O'Brien Park, the McDougall Mill Museum offers stunning views of the Second Chute on the Bonnechere River and the Thomas Low Generating Station. After exploring the museum, take a short walk across Renfrew's historic Swinging Bridge to visit downtown Renfrew and the Algonquin Trail.

Come discover history in a picturesque setting at the McDougall Mill Museum!

School and Group Bookings

We’re excited to offer educational experiences for school groups and other organizations! Our school tours provide an engaging way to explore the rich heritage of Renfrew and the surrounding area. Group bookings can be made by contacting museum@renfrew.ca or by calling 613-432-2129 to plan your visit.

Programs and Events - Summer 2026

*** Every Sunday is Sunday Funday at the Mill - featuring children’s activities and fun for the whole family!

  • May 19 – Opening Day!
  • June 6 – Dairy Days – Butter Making Demonstrations / Renfrew: The Creamery Town
  • June 13 – Meet Me at the Mill: Inviting residents to rediscover your community museum. Launching our Bloomberg Connects digital guide. Music provided by Gillan Rutz.
  • June 20 – Heritage Trades
  • June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – Souvenir Arts Collections
  • June 27 – Objects of Arrival – The objects new residents brought with them to Renfrew
  • July 1 – Canada Day! – Spend a bit of Canada with us! Artifacts highlighted from each decade of Confederation
  • July 4 – Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway: Renfrew’s link to the United States
  • July 11 – Historic Places Days: Communications Through Place and Time
  • July 18 – Historic Places Days: Communications Through Place and Time
  • July 25 – Horton Township’s 200th Anniversary
  • August 1 – Children’s Adventure Day
  • August 8 – Minneapolis of the North: Renfrew’s Grain Mills
  • August 15 – In Focus Photography Day: George Eady and the Tin Type Era in 1860s Renfrew
  • August 22 – Exploring the Bonnechere River
  • August 29 – Voices of the Community: Community Newspapers and Preservation with Heritage Renfrew
  • September 6 – Last Day of the Summer Season
  • September 23 – An afternoon with Marc Audet
  • October 9 – Last Day of the Season

Exhibitions

The McDougall Mill Museum offers a variety of fascinating exhibitions showcasing the rich history of Renfrew and the surrounding area.

On the main floor, you'll find permanent displays highlighting key aspects of local history, including the McDougall Mill, the Opeongo Line, Railways, "Made in Renfrew," and "Renfrew: The Creamery Town."

The second floor features permanent exhibits dedicated to local military history, as well as the people, organizations, and businesses that have shaped the community.

In the basement, you'll discover permanent displays focused on the area's agricultural, hydro, mining, and manufacturing industries.

Each exhibit offers a unique glimpse into Renfrew's past, making the museum a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts!

Artifacts

All artifacts on display at the McDougall Mill Museum are owned and managed by the Renfrew & District Historical & Museum Society. In partnership with the Town of Renfrew, the society works to preserve, showcase, and interpret the rich history of Renfrew and the surrounding area.

Donate

Looking to support the Renfrew & District Historical & Museum Society? 

If you have historical items to donate, please contact us at info@renfrewmuseum.ca or call 613-432-2129.

To make a financial donation to help support the care, conservation, and research of our collections, you can donate by cash, e-transfer (administrator@renfrewmuseum.ca), or cheque payable to "Renfrew & District Historical & Museum Society Inc."

Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt for income tax purposes. Thank you for helping preserve and share the history of Renfrew and the surrounding area!

Research Requests

For research inquiries or questions about the history of Renfrew or any artifacts on display at the McDougall Mill Museum, please feel free to contact us at museum@renfrew.ca or call 613-432-2129. We're happy to assist you with your research needs!

Town of Renfrew History

History of Renfrew

Volunteer with McDougall Mill

If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us by email at museum@renfrew.ca or by phone at (613) 432-2129.

Current Volunteer Opportunity

  • At-Home Sewing Project – Starting September 2025
    The museum is looking for volunteers with sewing skills to help create padded hangers and garment dust covers to protect its textile collection. All templates, instructions, and materials will be provided.