Ketner's Mill: A 200-Year-Old Tennessee Treasure Just 45 Minutes from Chattanooga

Every October, something remarkable happens in the Sequatchie Valley. Thousands of people make the drive from Chattanooga and beyond to a bend in the Old Sequatchie River near Whitwell, Tennessee, where a 19th-century grist mill still grinds cornmeal, blacksmiths still work open fires, and over 200 artists and craftspeople spread out across the grounds to sell handmade goods. The Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair is one of the most beloved fall traditions in the region — and the story behind it stretches back two centuries.

The History of Ketner's Mill

The story begins in 1824 when an orphan named David Ketner arrived in the Sequatchie Valley with his two siblings. He established a mill near the base of Suck Creek Mountain, grinding cornmeal and operating a blacksmith shop at what is now known as Ketner's Cove. Early settlers had already built a dam and mill at the current site, and the Ketner family's presence in the valley began to deepen.

By 1840, a wool carding machine powered by water from the dam was added to the operation. The valley was growing, and the mill was at the center of it.

In 1868, David's son Alexander — known to his family as "Pappy" — purchased the current mill site on the Old Sequatchie River. The family began construction on a brick structure that was completed by 1882, and a water-powered sawmill operated on the grounds during the same period. In the early 1880s, the wool carding mill was relocated from Ketner's Cove to the current site, where it was restored to working order. It remains one of only three of its kind still operating in the United States today.

The mill continued working into the 20th century. The sawmill ran its last year of operation in 1955. By the 1970s, the structures had aged and a family reunion brought the Ketner descendants together with a shared purpose: restore the mill. The three-year project was completed in 1977, and the family celebrated by hosting the first Ketner's Mill Country Fair.

That same year, Ketner's Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The mill operated full-time until 1992, when Clyde Ketner — grandson of original owner David Ketner — passed away. Until his death, Clyde had continued the daily production of old-fashioned cornmeal the same way his family had for generations. Today the family brings the mill into production once each year for the Country Arts Fair, using proceeds to preserve the historic site.

In 2010, Ketner descendant and current owner Frank McDonald restored the original family house to its historic design. Today Frank and his sons Clay and Miles carry on the tradition — organizing the fair each year and ensuring the mill and its grounds are preserved for generations to come.

The Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair

What began as a celebration of a restoration project has grown into one of the most anticipated fall events in the greater Chattanooga region. The Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair takes place each year on the first weekend of October, drawing thousands of visitors to the 658 Ketner Mill Lane property in Whitwell.

The 2026 fair runs Saturday, October 3 from 9am to 6pm and Sunday, October 4 from 10am to 5:30pm. Note: Whitwell is in the Central Time Zone but the fair operates on Eastern Time, since most visitors come from Chattanooga.

Over 200 juried artists and craftspeople set up on the grounds, offering handmade goods ranging from pottery and woodworking to jewelry, textiles, photography, and fine art. Live bluegrass music plays throughout both days. Southern-style food vendors fill the air with the kind of smell that tells you this is a place that takes food seriously.

But the mill itself is the heart of it. Visitors can watch the old mill churn out freshly ground cornmeal, see the wool carding machine operate, observe blacksmiths at their fires, and wander grounds that look much the same as they did a century ago. Farm animals wander the property. Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts. It is one of those rare events that manages to be both genuinely educational and genuinely fun.

Admission is $8 per person, cash only. Children 8 and under are admitted free.

How to Get There from Chattanooga

Ketner's Mill is about 45 minutes from downtown Chattanooga — a drive that takes you out of the city and into the Sequatchie Valley, with Walden's Ridge rising on one side and the valley opening up below. It is a beautiful drive in early October when the leaves are beginning to turn.

The address is 658 Ketner Mill Lane, Whitwell, TN 37397. Bring cash for admission and for the vendors — many do not accept cards. Parking is on-site. Go early on Saturday to beat the crowds and get the best selection from vendors.

For more information visit https://www.ketnersmill.org.

Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair — October 3-4, 2026 · 658 Ketner Mill Lane, Whitwell, TN · $8 admission, cash only · Children 8 and under free