Occoquan: Explore Historic Mill Town in Virginia

Come explore Occoquan, Virginia, a riverfront town in Northern Virginia, if you love 18th-century buildings, river walks, parks, and boating activities.

The operative verb is “love” as Occoquan is famous for its 8 feet tall and 20 feet wide “LOVE” sculpture.

The historic town is home to just over 1,000 residents and 80+ small and family-owned businesses, including restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops and boutiques. 

“The Town of Occoquan has been voted #1 Tourist Destination in Prince William County each year 2015 – 2020!”

Occoquan reminds me so much of other historic towns in the DMV, including Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Clifton, Virginia; and Chincoteague, Virginia.

Close to DC

I drove down from Washington, D.C. at 8:45 a.m. on a Sunday because I wanted to walk my dog Parker before the town became crowded. 

Parking is free in designated areas. Be careful to watch the time limit on the parking sign. There is free timed four-hour and eight-hour parking.

Former Mill Town

Then we walked through the town. Mill Street is the main artery. This street is named after the historic mills that were once a vital part of the town’s economy. 

Occoquan’s location at the falls of the Occoquan River made it an ideal spot for water-powered mills, including grist mills and an ironworks. 

The town’s first grist mill opened in 1757, followed by an ironworks in 1749 and the Merchant’s Mill in 1759

The Merchant’s Mill operated from 1759 to 1924, when fire destroyed the mill. The Mill House is the only structure that remains. It dates back to 1765.

River Mill Park

We decided to walk through the town to reach River Mill Park. This one-acre park borders the Occoquan River.

You’ll find public restrooms, an event pavilion, open space, and a paved walking trail.

The green is an ideal place to exercise.

LOVE Sculpture

But I saw most visitors head straight for the “LOVE” Sculpture to take a photo. You’ll find it on a hill.

Parker and I had to wait to take a photo, as a family (with two elementary school children) was on a scavenger hunt.

When they left, I videotaped the sculpture. Then I asked a person nearby if they would photograph Parker and me. I will treasure this photo as I love our dog walks.

Mill House Museum

Next to the park, you will see the Mill House Museum (413 Mill Street).

The museum building dates to the second half of the 18th century. It is all that remains of a thriving mill complex that once operated in the town. 

“In the museum one may view an eclectic mix of artifacts, some of which are more than 200 years old.”—Mill House Museum

Over 400 items are catalogued, and many of these are on permanent display.

Occoquan Waterfalls

After you exit the park, walk down the steps to access the pedestrian bridge. You’ll see the kayakers floating down below.

At the end of the foot bridge, look to the left to see the Occoquan waterfalls. It is not huge, but you’ll still enjoy seeing the water rush over the rocks.

You are not permitted to explore the area at the end of the bridge. This is now part of the Fairfax County Water Authority. But Occoquan’s Cotton Factory operated on this land in 1828. The building was four stories high and operated 1,000 spindles. The ruins were demolished in 1950.

Occoquan Town Hall

After I walked back over the bridge, I decided to walk along the other side of Mill Street. I discovered numerous historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. 

Occoquan Town Hall is located in the former Methodist church. It sits on the corner of Ellicott Street and Mill Street.

Historic Carbide Bunker

After you walk past the Town Hall, you’ll see a placard for the Historic Carbide Bunker. The town stored carbide in this cement bunker.

According to the Occoquan Historical Society, “inexpensive but also prone to explosions, carbide was used for lighting in rural areas not served by electricity in the early 20th century. Carbide and water were mixed to form acetylene gas that lit the streets of Occoquan.”

The cutout of the old-fashioned man carrying the oil lamp fascinated Parker. He spent a long time studying him.

Mamie Davis Park

Occoquan’s Mamie Davis Park was named in honor of the late, long-time resident and town official, Ms. Mamie Davis.. The tiny park is located at the intersection of Washington Street and Mill Street.

This small, grassed and shaded public area features a gazebo and connects to the town’s public boardwalk and pier.  

Self-Guided Walking Tour

I didn’t discover this free Historic Occoquan Self-Guided Walking Tour until I returned to D.C.

But you can download an eight-page PDF that will tell you about dozens of historic buildings in Occoquan, including the Hammill Hotel (headquarters of the stagecoach line), Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Poplar Alley.

You can ever stop in to visit the Prince William County Tourist Information Center, which is located at 200 Mill Street. This building was originally the Occoquan Town Shed.

Occoquan Water Sports

Occoquan is a popular destination due to the ease of free parking under the I-95 bridge and launching boats, such as canoes or kayaks.

But if you don’t own a kayak, you can rent one at Penguin Paddling. A single kayak costs $65 a day or $22 an hour. You can also rent tandem kayaks and paddle boards.

Since I don’t trust my rambunctious Golden Retriever not to tip over our kayak, I chose to walk along the Riverwalk pedestrian boardwalk.

Occoquan Boardwalk

We discovered picnic tables and chairs where we could rest in the shade and watch the kayakers. I always bring a thermos filled with ice cubes in the summer on our dog walks. Parker “chilled” out with his treat.

You can also get a front row if you dine at Madigan’s Waterfront. You can choose to eat indoors or on the patio. The restaurant also allows dogs on the lower level of the patio.

Canine Ambassador

Parker and I didn’t meet Sir Ollie of Occoquan, but this cute white dog is well-known to residents and visitors. In fact, Ollie and his owner, Mike Ostergard, were spotlighted in the town’s Visitor Guide.

“Mike and his pup are a constant presence in town.”

Ollie’s nickname is Vice Vice Mayor, because he knows everyone and campaigns for treats! Mike and Ollie like to stop by and visit local shop owners.

Homestyle Hospitality

I loved my visit to Occoquan. Although Parker and I didn’t stay long enough to eat lunch, I did see several restaurants and cafes that allow dogs on their patios.

The translation of Occoquan is “at the end of the water” (Dogue Indian word meaning). This is a place where you can hang out for a day or a weekend at the end of the water to truly relax. If you’re lucky, you will meet Sir Ollie. Woof!