Dickinson House

Nestled in the heart of Manotick Village, Dickinson Square shares a remarkable past rooted in Canadian history and industrial ingenuity. Run by Watson’s Mill Manotick Inc. (WMMI), Dickinson Square is comprised of 2 sites; Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House.

Built in 1860 along the shores of the Rideau River, Watson’s Mill remains active as a water powered flour mill; Dickinson House, built in 1867, displays the heritage home of the past mill owners. 

Dickinson Square is the only industrial heritage site in Ottawa and explores the lives and work of the people who have called, and continue to call Manotick and Ottawa home. 

From May to October visitors can view the site in its entirety which also includes the Manotick dam and original Carriage Shed, as well as the Manotick Cenotaph and Remembrance Park. The site comes to life through tours given by our team in period wear as well as on each Sunday through live milling demonstrations. There's more to explore, visit On This Spot: Manotick for more information including an app, history of the area and walking tour.

Location and contact

Watson's Mill and Dickinson House

In-person visiting hours

*Follow building health protocols.

  • Saturday, June 3 2023
    10am to 4pm
  • Sunday, June 4 2023
    10am to 4pm

Virtual and 3D Tours

*Some content may not be available in both official languages.

  • Exterior of yellow house with black shutters and white front doors surrounded by trees.
    Dickinson House: Front Exterior façade, photo credit: Maureen McPhee
  • A garden with a white fence sits under a tree outside a yellow house with black shutters.
    Dickinson House: Rear Exterior façade, photo credit: Rob Brazier
  • A dining table with a white table cloth sits on a blue rug in the centre of a bright white room.
    Dickinson House Dining Room, photo credit: Point3D Commercial Imaging
  • A bright bedroom with three windows showcases antique furniture, a dark blue rug and a men's suit and hat displayed on a coat rack..
    Dickinson House Master Bedroom, photo credit: Point3D Commercial Imaging
  • A light green bedroom with three windows and a small pink rug.
    Dickinson House Girl's Room, photo credit: Point3D Commercial Imaging
  • A bedroom with two windows with red curtains is decorated with an antique bed and desk.
    Dickinson House Boy's Room, photo credit: Point3D Commercial Imaging
  • Exterior of yellow house with black shutters and white front doors surrounded by trees.
    Dickinson House: Front Exterior façade, photo credit: Maureen McPhee
  • A garden with a white fence sits under a tree outside a yellow house with black shutters.
    Dickinson House: Rear Exterior façade, photo credit: Rob Brazier
  • A dining table with a white table cloth sits on a blue rug in the centre of a bright white room.
    Dickinson House Dining Room, photo credit: Point3D Commercial Imaging
  • A bright bedroom with three windows showcases antique furniture, a dark blue rug and a men's suit and hat displayed on a coat rack..
    Dickinson House Master Bedroom, photo credit: Point3D Commercial Imaging
  • A light green bedroom with three windows and a small pink rug.
    Dickinson House Girl's Room, photo credit: Point3D Commercial Imaging
  • A bedroom with two windows with red curtains is decorated with an antique bed and desk.
    Dickinson House Boy's Room, photo credit: Point3D Commercial Imaging

Architecture

Architectural style
Georgian
Construction date or date range
1867
Category
Museums, archives and historic sites

Amenities and features

  • Public washrooms
  • Free parking
  • Bike parking
  • Family friendly
  • Guided tours