3rd Annual Valley of the Mills Tour: Labor Day Weekend in Mora Valley

Celebrate the True Spirit of New Mexico at the 3rd Annual Valley of the Mills Tour this Labor Day Weekend

Mora Valley, NM | August 30 & 31, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free General Admission

MORA VALLEY, NM — Take a scenic drive between Santa Fe and Taos this Labor Day Weekend and experience one of Northern New Mexico’s latest most heartfelt traditions: the 3rd Annual Valley of the Mills Tour, a two-day celebration of history, heritage, and hometown hospitality.

Set for Labor Day Weekend Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, the Valley of the Mills Tour invites visitors to explore the “Breadbasket of the Southwest,” where time slows and stories linger in the mountain air. Explore three historic grain mills—Houser Raspberry Ranch (La Cueva Mill), Saint Vrain Mill, and the Cleveland Roller Mill—whose mighty stones once turned harvests into lifeblood. From the Mora Valley, flour journeyed to distant ports as far as California and fortified Fort Union during the Civil War, shaping the cultural and agricultural legacy of the Southwest.

From heritage conservation to sustainable farming, each site offers a rare glimpse into the past while showcasing how rural New Mexico continues to thrive today.

"It’s a place where locals gather, where families connect, where history is preserved, and where memories are made. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and experience the true essence of New Mexico," said Phil Houser, co-owner and steward of Houser Raspberry Ranch.

A Weekend to Remember: Tours, Culture, Food & Family Fun

Guests of all ages can enjoy guided tours, live milling demonstrations, local food and art vendors, activities for all ages, and of course, the beloved scenic mountain views. Whether you’re tracing your ancestry, introducing your kids to New Mexico’s roots, or just craving an unplugged escape into nature, this is an experience that feeds the soul.

While general admission to the event is free, guests can enhance their experience with additional offerings. The Las Vegas No. 11 Trolley will make hourly round trips to all three mills, beginning at La Cueva Mill at 10:00 a.m. each day, with rides available for $10 per person. Guests may also choose to take a guided interior tour of the Cleveland Roller Mill for $10 per person. Guided tours at the other two mills are free of charge.

“We created this tour so families could connect to the land, the labor, and the legacy of Mora Valley,” Houser added. “It’s not a reenactment. It’s a living story—and everyone is invited.”

What You’ll Experience:

· Houser Raspberry Ranch – A revitalized 1800’s farm once central to the Santa Fe Trail, now a working ranch focused on sustainable agriculture

· Saint Vrain Mill – Built in 1864, this adobe landmark is being restored to honor the pioneering spirit of Northern New Mexico

· Cleveland Roller Mill Museum – Home to one of the Southwest’s last flour mills powered by water, now a museum and cultural icon

Event Details:

Location: Intersection of Highway NM-442 & NM-518, Mora, NM 87732

Dates: Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days Admission: FREE general admission and open to all ages RSVP & Info: www.houser-rr.com

Why It Matters:

The Valley of the Mills Tour reflects the values that make New Mexico unique—family, tradition, craftsmanship, and connection to the land. For your viewers, this event is a call home—to remember where we come from, and to celebrate what still binds us together.