Shantytown’s Historic Sawmill: Experience West Coast Timber History

Step back in time to the heart of the West Coast’s timber industry! At Shantytown Heritage Park, our authentic old-style steam-driven sawmill brings the past to life. Once, numerous mills just like this powered the region’s economy, including one right here at Shantytown’s entrance.

What is the Shantytown Sawmill Experience?

Our sawmill offers a truly immersive journey into the sights, sounds, and even the smells of a working 19th-century timber operation. It’s more than just a historical display; it’s a vibrant interpretation of the bustling industry that shaped the West Coast.

What Will You See, Hear, and Learn at the Sawmill?

Prepare your senses for a captivating visit to the mill:

Sights & Sounds: Follow our dedicated boardwalk directly through the mill. You’ll witness the intricate machinery as it was when the mill shutdown, hearing the authentic screeches and hums of equipment from over a century ago.
Authentic Artifacts: See genuine century-old artifacts up close, illustrating the ingenuity and hard work involved in timber production.
Echoes of the Past: A continuously playing historical film on our giant screen provides rich context about the working life of mill workers and shows the sawmill as it was in operation. Our displays showcase the family life of sawmill communities and the hazards faced.
Historical Context: Understand the vital role sawmills played in the region’s development and how they contributed to the economy and community.

The Importance of Sawmills on the West Coast

Sawmills were the backbone of many West Coast communities, transforming vast native forests into valuable timber for building, mining, and export. They provided employment and created a distinct social fabric, often becoming the central hub of remote settlements.

Where is the Sawmill Located at Shantytown?

You can find our historic steam sawmill easily within Shantytown Heritage Park. The boardwalk access ensures a safe and engaging exploration of the machinery and interpretive areas. Our heritage trains stop at the Sawmill on the return journey, so everyone has a chance to explore this iconic piece of West Coast history.

To help plan your route around the park and locate the sawmill, please refer to our Visitor Guide brochure or ask a staff member for directions upon arrival.

Explore More of Shantytown’s Industrial Heritage

The steam sawmill is a key part of Shantytown’s broader story of West Coast industry and ingenuity. After visiting the mill, we recommend exploring these related attractions:

Take a ride on our Heritage Train, which makes a return stop at the Sawmill.
Discover the process of gold panning, another critical industry that shaped the region.
Visit our Museum to see more tools and historical objects from the timber and gold mining eras.
Wander through the historic buildings throughout the town, many built with timber from mills just like ours.