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Down in southeastern Ohio, the Muskingum River spills over a dam right beside an old four-story mill. The building was put to work in 1906, and it still makes its own electricity from that very water.
Today it is an inn with a restaurant, river-view balconies, and a Sunday buffet that pulls drivers in from hours away. Guests sign the walls, honeymooners book the top-floor suite, and families wander the stairways after dinner to explore every level.
It is not a fancy resort, and it has a few quirks worth knowing before the trip. Keep reading for the history, the rooms, the dining setup, the honest trade-offs, and the practical tips that help decide if this riverside mill is worth the drive from Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati.
An Old Mill on the Muskingum
Stockport is a small village, and its best-known address sits right at the water’s edge. Stockport Mill is found at 1995 Broadway St, Stockport, OH 43787, in Morgan County in southeastern Ohio.
The building began life in 1906 as a working mill. It ran on hydroelectric power from the dam next door, which was a clever setup for its time.
Today the mill operates as a country inn with its own restaurant on the first floor. The restored turbines still help power the place, so the river is doing a job it has done for more than a century.
That detail alone makes it a fun bragging point. Not many Ohio hotels can claim to generate their own electricity from the water flowing past the windows.
The inn overlooks the Muskingum River, and the dam is the star of the show. It comes up again and again when people talk about their stays.
For road-trippers, the location is quiet and a bit tucked away. That is part of the appeal, and it also shapes how a visit should be planned, which comes up later in this story.
First, though, the building itself deserves a closer look.
A Century of Grain and Water Power
Old buildings usually get torn down or turned into something unrecognizable. This one kept its bones.
The former grain mill is more than 100 years old, and much of its character survived the conversion into an inn. Exposed beams, original hardwood floors, and antique furniture appear throughout the building.
Those high ceilings and wood surfaces give the place a back-in-time feel. Guests often describe it as a building full of history that has been preserved with real care.
The structure rises four stories, plus a basement. Each level has its own sitting area with windows looking out at the river.
That layout invites wandering. Diners have been known to take a self-guided walk through the mill after their meal, climbing the steps and checking out each floor.
The many small details along the way show thought and attention. It works a bit like a free museum stop tacked onto dinner.
History buffs can stretch the theme further. The Morgan County Historical Society’s museum is about 14 minutes away by car, making it an easy add-on for a full local-history day.
The Dam Steals the Show
Plenty of restaurants promise a view. Few can offer an actual waterfall running beside the dining room.
The dam next to the mill is the single most talked-about feature of the property. Water pours over it day and night, and the inn was built to face it.
The restaurant’s window area is a prized spot. Guests sometimes request those tables when making reservations, and it is a smart move.
There is also an outdoor dining terrace on the first floor. In fair weather, that puts guests even closer to the river.
Overnight guests get their own front-row seat. Many say the steady rush of the water outside helps them fall asleep and makes waking up feel easy.
The view changes with the seasons, which makes it a solid fall trip. Autumn color along the Muskingum adds to the scene without making the season the only reason to go.
Fun fact for the kids: the water going over that dam is the same water helping power the building. It turns a pretty view into a small science lesson.
Balconies, Spa Tubs, and a Captain’s Suite
Every room here comes with a balcony. That is not a standard perk at most small-town inns.
The rooms and suites are individually decorated with period features. Each one has a private balcony overlooking the river.
Most suites include a two-person spa bath, and the hot tubs are a popular reason to book. Couples on anniversaries and honeymoons tend to aim for those rooms.
The Captain’s Suite on the fourth floor gets special attention. It has a kitchenette with a stove, fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker, plus a hot tub and more than one room.
That setup lets guests cook their own meals, which helps the budget on a longer stay. It also suits a small group traveling together.
A sweetheart package has been offered in the past, pairing a gift and a Jacuzzi room with dinner. It is worth asking about current packages when booking.
Some guests find the rooms a little dated. Most treat that as part of the charm, and the unique decor means a repeat stay can feel different each time.
Sunday Buffet by the Window
The headline promise is Sunday lunch with a roaring dam outside, and the restaurant delivers the setting.
The first-floor dining room serves home-cooked comfort food. Weekend meals often run buffet or banquet style, with staff portioning food rather than guests serving themselves.
That surprises some first-timers, so it helps to know ahead of time. Some guests like that the salad bar is not self-serve.
Prices vary by meal and occasion. One recent brunch ran $22 per person plus tax, while a holiday buffet came in at about $31 a plate.
Past diners have praised fresh ingredients, and the inn has highlighted produce and meat from local farmers. Many describe dinner as well priced and filling.
The restaurant may be closed on some weekdays, so call ahead at 740-559-2822 before making the drive. Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends.
Holiday dates can get crowded. Some guests have found that big occasions strain the staff, so a regular Sunday may offer a calmer meal than Mother’s Day.
Signatures on the Walls
Some places hand out souvenirs. This one lets guests leave a piece of themselves behind.
The walls inside the mill carry signatures from people who have visited over the years. Families come back and search for names written long ago.
Finding a parent’s or grandparent’s signature can turn a simple lunch into a meaningful moment. There is often room to add a new note right beside an old one.
That tradition gives the building a family-album quality. It fits right in with the small-town nostalgia that makes Ohio road trips special.
The mill has a playful side too. A few guests swear the old building is haunted and enjoy hunting for odd happenings during quiet stays.
Whether anyone believes that or not, it adds a fun storytelling angle for older kids. A century-old mill with creaky stairs and empty sitting areas makes a great setting for a tale.
For regulars, the inn has also hosted a New Year’s party with live music and a multi-course dinner. Traditions like that keep people returning year after year.
Who Feels at Home Here
Couples make up a big share of the guest list. The hot tubs, balconies, and secluded setting make romance an easy sell.
Honeymooners and anniversary travelers often book the larger suites. The quiet setting helps a weekend feel like a true escape.
Families are welcome as well. The inn is kid-friendly and smoke-free, and amenities include a pool, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
History fans will enjoy exploring all four floors. Day-trippers can simply stop in for a meal and a look around.
Owner Dottie and her daughter Liz come up often in warm terms. Many guests describe a hands-on, welcoming family operation.
A small breakfast spread has been left in the common room for overnight guests. Banana nut bread has been part of that in the past.
Travelers with limited mobility should plan carefully. The age of the building means it is not very accessible, and that is worth weighing before booking a room on an upper floor.
Honest Notes Before Booking
A fair trip plan includes the bumps along with the beauty. The mill holds a 4.5-star average across about 320 Google ratings, yet experiences can vary.
Service gets mixed marks. Many guests praise the owner and staff, while others have found the dining room team cold or slow, especially during busy holiday meals.
Drink refills and table clearing have been sore spots for some diners. Setting expectations for a casual, buffet-style meal helps.
Older building systems can act up. Some guests have reported weak air conditioning, a spa tub that would not heat, and water that leaves an unusual feeling after a shower.
If a hot tub is the main reason for a stay, it is smart to mention that when booking. Confirm refund policies too, since some guests have struggled to reach management afterward.
The outdoor deck can collect spider webs under the eaves. That is a minor issue, but it comes with a riverside location.
None of this erases the setting. It simply helps travelers pick the right date and the right expectations.
Worth the Winding Drive
Getting there is half the outing. The roads into Stockport wind through the hills of southeastern Ohio, and many guests call the drive itself beautiful.
The mill is fairly removed from shops and restaurants. Plan on bringing what is needed, especially for longer stays.
Marietta is about 45 minutes away and makes a great side trip. It offers plenty of places to eat and stroll for a second day.
Closer by, the Morgan County Historical Society’s museum sits about 14 minutes away. Farm stops and small-town shopping round out the area.
Checkout is at 11 a.m., and later checkout has sometimes been arranged. Free parking makes arrival easy.
Call 740-559-2822 or visit stockportmill.com to confirm restaurant hours, buffet days, and current room rates before setting out.
So is it worth the drive from Columbus or Cleveland? For a Sunday meal beside a dam that has powered a mill since 1906, a self-guided wander through four floors of history, and a balcony view of the Muskingum, the answer leans yes.
Just go on a regular weekend, call ahead, and let the river handle the rest.
