What to See and Do in Historic Occoquan, Virginia

Occoquan is a historic town that was established in 1804 along the Occoquan River in Northern Virginia. The town was first settled by early colonists who relied on the river for transportation and trade.

For more than 175 years, the town served as an industrial settlement with a grist mill and tobacco warehouses. Today, the town is an interesting place to explore and has antique shops, restaurants, and a town boat dock.

Getting There

The historic town is located approximately 22 miles south of Washington DC in Prince William County, Virginia, just a mile off of I-95 at exit 160. Follow signs north on Gordon Blvd/Rte 123 to Commerce Street.

The Visitor Center, located at 200 Mill Street, is a good place to start your tour of the town. It provides tourist information such as maps, area attractions brochures, visitors guides, and driving directions around the region. 

Enjoy the following photos and learn about what to see as you take a walking tour of the historic town of Occoquan, VA.

Stop by the Mill House Museum to learn about the history of Occoquan, Virginia through a display of documents, photographs, and other artifacts. Established in the late 1800s by Quaker Nathaniel Ellicott, the Merchants Mill was the first automated gristmill in the United States.

The mill was in active use until 1924, when a generator fire in the Occoquan Electric Light and Power Company destroyed the main structure. The small house where the mill's administrator worked was not destroyed and today is leased by the Occoquan Historical Society for use as the museum.

Address:
413 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA

This model shows the Merchants Mill in Historic Occoquan. The larger building was destroyed by fire in 1924. The smaller building in front was unharmed and is the current home of the Mill House Museum.

The Occoquan Waterfront has a small dock area that runs behind Mill Street in the historic town of Occoquan. Madigan's Waterfront, the largest restaurant in town, has a prime location on the river with outdoor seating.

Rockledge Mansion is a national historic landmark that was built in 1758 in Occoquan, Virginia. The mansion has a ballroom that accommodates up to 150 people and is available for special events. The historic home has a historic charm with wood floors, brick patios, working fireplaces, and antiques.

Address:
440 Mill Street Occoquan, VA

Historic Occoquan is home to a variety of shops including art galleries, antique shops, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores and more. Most of the shops are along Mill Street. 

Mom's Apple Pie Bakery sells pies, wines, and groceries.

Address:
126 A Commerce Street
Occoquan, VA

The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located across the river from Historic Occoquan, is a 644-acre refuge with a unique mix of wetlands, forest, and native grasslands that provide diverse habitats for a wide variety of species.