A Unique Bedford Landmark— Part of Our Heritage

Big Otter Mill is an old saw and grist mill that has remained standing long after its original use. The Big Otter Mill Foundation's mission is to restore the mill for the purpose of historical preservation as a working mill. The architecturally unique mill has a long history of owners and usage that can all be read about on this website. The project welcomes donations and volunteer to help restore, preserve and open the mill as a part of a working component of the area's heritage.

Big Otter Mill is situated on the bank of the Big Otter River, a few miles north of the City of Bedford, Virginia on Route 122 North. The site of this mill has been used for grist and sawmills for more than two hundred years. This mill was first built & operated by Joseph Hardy, Sr., a veteran of the Revolutionary War who settled here in the late 1700s. In 1785 the county granted him permission to erect a mill at this site which became operational in the 18th century.

Tours of the mill are available at special events and by appointment.
Please call 1-540-537-4363 for more information.

2010 Events:

Charlie Parker Memorial Harvest Festival at Big Otter Mill - October 9th
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • Enjoy Brunswick Stew by Tony Ware and BBQ and hot dogs by area Masonic Lodges
  • Exhibits Include: Blacksmith, candle making, quilting, churning, cider making, basket weaving, hit & miss engines, antique tractors and farm equipment, and more!
Big Otter Mill will be open for tours. No charge. Donations appreciated.

 

Support the Mill send your donation to:
The Big Otter Mill Foundation, Inc., C/O Richard Burnette, 1470 Lizard Ridge Road, Bedford, VA 24523

For more information contact: The Bedford Welcome Center
at 540-587-5681 or 1-877-447-3257

Thanks to our 2010 Supporters:

Title Sponsor

Master Engineers & Designers, Inc.
904 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, VA

Community Sponsors

Mariners Landing
Bank of the James
Century 21 All Service

Participating Sponsors

Goose Creek Studios
Becky Wuergler, Realtor
Stimulus Advertising
Carilion- Bedford Memorial Hospital
Wendy Witt/ Scot Fogleman, Realtors
A.J. Gross & Sons Orchard/ Mountain Fruit & Produce

Special Thanks: Robert & Robyn Hiller, RIchard and Carol Burnett, Lyons Jewelry, Southern Flavoring, Andrew Solutions, Scott & Bond Inc., and Stellar One

Friends of the Mill: Burch-Messier Funeral Home & Crematory, Holdren, Eubank, Stanley Insurance, Linda Berger, Patsy Claytor, K & K Signs, Joseph Pillow & Co., Auctioneer, Carlton & Rachel Toms, Gary Cooper, Bedford Welcome Center, and Lynchburg Restoration, Inc.