Recreation & Culture
Public Library & Museums
McDougall Mill Museum

McDougall Mill Museum

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

*** Please note that the Museum is now OPEN for the 2025 season. Visit us daily from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 

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 2025

July Events

Tuesday, July 1st – Canada Day Activities

  • Outreach at Ma-te-way Park: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Museum Feature: The Story of Renfrew Through Artifacts
    • 17 artifacts, each representing a decade of Renfrew’s history since Confederation
  • Renfrew 150th Anniversary: Time capsule display (weather dependent)

Saturday, July 5th – McDougall Mill Museum’s 170th Birthday

  • Open House at the Museum
  • Come rediscover your local museum
  • Light refreshments served

Saturday, July 12th – Historic Places Days

  • Theme: Industries of the Bonnechere River at O’Brien Park
  • Walking Tours: 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Tuesday, July 15th – Scavenger Hunt Night at the Museum

  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Explore all 3 floors with family-friendly scavenger hunts!

Saturday, July 19th – Historic Places Days

  • Theme: Industries of the Bonnechere River at O’Brien Park
  • Walking Tours: 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Saturday, July 26th

  • Outreach: Art Fair – Highlighting artwork from the museum’s collection (TBD)
  • Veterans of Renfrew – Display from the military uniform and insignia cataloguing project
  • Demonstration: Spinning & Tartan Weaving

 

August Events

Saturday, August 2nd – Tools of the Trades

  • Heritage tool display

Tuesday, August 5th – Trivia Night

  • Renfrew & District History Trivia Night at the Museum
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday, August 9th – In Focus!

  • Hands on History - Scavenger hunts, trivia, guide sashes, mini canoe making and artifact hunts (family friendly)

Saturday, August 16th – Grace Program/Display

  • "In Focus" - Portrait photography and dress up photo booth

Saturday, August 23rd – Renfrew: The Creamery Town

  • Dairy display and butter-making demonstrations

Saturday, August 30th – Fair Time

  • Renfrew Fair-themed display
  • Calliope demonstration
  • Stationary engine demonstration

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