Mill Grove
1201 Pawlings Road
Audubon, PA 19403
(610) 666-5593
Official Website

Mill Grove is the only true Audubon home still standing in America. The estate belonged to Jean Audubon, father of famous naturalist and artist John James Audubon. John lived here for two years when he was sent by his sea captain father to supervise the estate, which included an operating lead mine. The house was originally built in 1762 by James Morgan.

At Mill Grove John Audubon got his first inspirations as a painter of wildlife while exploring the surrounding forests. Here he also met his wife. Together they traveled to Kentucky, Louisiana, and Ohio, following their dreams. Finally they decided to publish a life-size book of John's paintings, to be called "The Birds of America."

In England John found a publisher, Robert Havell, who began the copper plate engraving and coloring of 435 plates of North American birds. Begun in 1926, the project lasted twelve years, resulting in "The Double Elephant Folio of the Birds of North America," a work that put the name John James Audubon at the head of a list of renowned artists and naturalists of the era. Meanwhile, John and his wife moved to Manhattan, where he undertook other publications. Here they lived the remainder of their days.

The beautiful 175-acre Mill Grove estate includes the house, a large barn, and miles of winding trails. With the house perched atop a steep slope overlooking Perkiomen Creek, the scenery is breathtaking throughout the year. Feeding stations, nesting boxes and plantings of trees and shrubs attract more than 175 species of birds. Over 400 species of flowering plants have been identified. Since 1951 Montgomery County has maintained the Mill Grove estate as a museum and wildlife sanctuary for all to enjoy.

In the house visitors will find a number of displays, including a restored studio and taxidermy room depicting Audubon's working quarters when he lived here. Murals painted by famed artist George M. Harding portray the story of Audubon's local adventures and depict scenes of bird life in a southern swamp, western prairie, and the bird rocks of the St. Lawrence River.

Throughout the year Mill Grove offers a variety of special events, workshops, lectures, and other activities for the family. Guided Nature Walks, Bird Watching, and Maple Sugaring are just a few of the things happening here. There are many special events for children of all ages.

Mill Grove is an exceptional educational facility for School Groups. Children can tour the mansion and exhibits (30 - 60 minutes), with age-specific orientation. And great hands-on programs can address topics such as Seasons (grades Pre-K - 1), Plants (1 - 3), Birds (1 - 6), Adaptations (1 - 6), Trees (3 - 6), Energy/Cycles (4 - 6), Temperate Forests (7 - 12), and many others. Mill Grove staff will also work with teachers to develop a program that will best suit student needs. Scout Groups can complete specific badge requirements here. Programs take 60 - 90 minutes.