Custom sawing, live-edge slabs, and historic milling services — powered by the Little River, crafted for builders, makers, and dreamers across Northern Michigan.
Nestled along the banks of the Little River in Benzonia, Michigan, Merrill's Water Powered Sawmill carries forward a legacy that stretches back generations. Our mill is one of the few remaining water-powered sawmills in the region — a living piece of Northern Michigan's industrial history.
The same river that once drove our massive water wheel continues to power our operations today. Every board we cut carries the quiet strength of that tradition — sustainable, unhurried, and done right.
From raw log to finished board, we offer a full range of milling services for builders, artisans, and homeowners throughout Northern Michigan.
Bring us your logs — or let us source them locally. We'll cut your lumber to exact specifications, from rough-sawn dimensional to fine-quality boards ready for your next project.
Tables, shelves, bar tops — our live-edge slabs retain the natural beauty of each tree. Sourced locally and milled with care, each piece is truly one of a kind.
Experience the tradition firsthand. Watch as the water wheel turns and our historic equipment transforms raw timber into beautiful lumber — a unique look into Michigan's past.
We accept your standing timber or felled logs and handle everything — debarking, canting, and precision sawing — so you get clean, usable lumber with minimal waste.
Need something unusual? Beams for a restoration, wide planks for a custom table, or unique cuts for a historical project — we welcome the challenge and will work with you to make it happen.
We're proud to share our heritage with the community. Group tours, school field trips, and hands-on demonstrations bring the history of water-powered milling to life.
Every board tells a story — grain patterns shaped by decades of Michigan's cold winters and long summers.
Tell us what you need — species, dimensions, quantity, and purpose. We'll advise on the best approach and give you a clear timeline.
Bring us your own logs or let us source from local stands. We inspect each one for quality, moisture content, and the best cutting strategy.
Our water-powered equipment runs at a pace that honors the wood. Each cut is deliberate, each board measured with care and attention to grain.
Your lumber is ready when you need it. Pick it up at our mill on Grace Road, or we can arrange delivery throughout the region.
Whether you're a cabinetmaker, a builder, or a homeowner with a vision, we'll help you get the right lumber — cut right, powered by the river, and ready for your next project.
Visit us at the mill, give us a call, or send an email. We're happy to discuss your lumber needs, answer questions about our process, or arrange a tour.
6192 Grace Rd
Benzonia, MI 49616-9750
