The centerpiece of McConnells Mill State Park is the restored 19th century gristmill which is now open for the summer. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day.

SLIPPERY ROCK TWP, Lawrence County — McConnells Mill State Park has opened the Old Mill for the summer.

The restored 19th century gristmill is open from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day. Tours for groups may be scheduled by calling 724-368-3612.

Park activities include hiking, whitewater boating and rock climbing and rappelling.

Programs scheduled are:

• Wildflower Walk with Botanists, 1 p.m. Sunday.

Professional botanists will explore one of the most beautiful sections of McConnells Mill State Park in bloom. Meet at Hell's Hollow parking lot, about a 15-minute drive from the gristmill.

• Owl Prowl, 8:30 p.m. June 16.

Join the search for nocturnal creatures on Hell's Hollow Trail. Take a flashlight, wear sturdy shoes and meet park staff at the Hell's Hollow parking lot.

• Whole Grain Goodness, 2 p.m. June 19.

Visit the courtyard of the historic gristmill to see Dutch oven cooking in action. Grains ground in the gristmill were baked over campfires, iron for the cookware was smelted in Slippery Rock Gorge, and the charcoal to burn for fuel was also made in this valley. Park at Kildoo Picnic Area and hike down to the old mill. Handicapped parking is available at the mill.

• Native Plants for Your Garden, 2 p.m. June 20.

Penn State Master Gardeners from Lawrence County will showcase the native plant garden in the courtyard by the gristmill. They will talk about the benefits of gardening with native plants, some habitats in our region, and answer gardening questions. Then, join in a guided walk to see wildflowers blooming. Meet beside the mill. Park at Kildoo Picnic Area; handicapped parking is available at the mill.

• Wild Teas, 2 p.m. June 26.

Discover some wild plants used for making tea in the past and the present. Meet in the courtyard beside the Old Mill. Park at Kildoo Picnic Area.

• Survive the Outdoors, 2 p.m. June 27.

Learn about the ways to stay safe in the outdoors, and see different survival techniques demonstrated. Meet the park naturalist in Kildoo Picnic Area.