The Fulling Mill at Santa Inés Mission Mills.

In late 2008, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) sold the Santa Inés Mission Mills complex to California State Parks, taking the first step towards creating a new State Park in Solvang, California. The 39 acres of land, adjacent to Old Mission Santa Inés, is part of the Mission Santa Inés National Historic Landmark District and includes historic grist and fulling mills. SBTHP has agreed to continue planning and managing the property on behalf of State Parks.

SBTHP will be working to develop community partnerships to plan for future public access, enhancement of educational opportunities and protection of the park resources within the Landmark District. Access to new park land will not be permitted, except by pre-arranged appointment, until an “Initial Public Use Plan” is completed in Spring 2010.

The Grist Mill at Santa Inés Mission Mills.

SBTHP recently applied for and was awarded a technical assistance grant from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program to help facilitate partnership building, organizational development, and conceptual planning for the proposed park. With RTCA’s help, California State Parks and SBTHP hope to create a viable partnership group that can help orchestrate efforts to open the Santa Inés Mission Mills property to public use. Potential improvements are envisioned to include designated parking, trail access, restrooms, and interpretive displays.

An overview of the Santa Inés Mission Mills looking towards Old Mission Santa Inés.

Neighboring Old Mission Santa Inés has been an active partner in shaping the future park by granting trail easements to connect the two historic sites. SBTHP recently planted thousands of olive trees in a joint project with the Mission to reintroduce early Mission-era agriculture. The currently envisioned system of walking trails through the newly planted olives will link the Mission complex to the Mills and provide interpretive opportunities for a significant era in California history.

SBTHP will continue to hold a series of public meetings in the Santa Ynez Valley to discuss the project scope, partnership opportunities, and to initiate discussions and field potential questions.

*The Santa Inés Mission Mills property is not currently open for public use. Special tours may be arranged by contacting SBTHP at (805) 965-0093.

To be notified of future public meetings please fill-in the contact information in the form below and click "submit."