The Incredible Shrinking Mill: The Closer You Get, The Smaller It Gets

January 31, 2024

Nestled within the charming streets of Port Colborne lies an intriguing and perplexing phenomenon that has captured the fascination of locals and visitors alike—the "Shrinking Mill." Venture down a specific road, and you'll be treated to a visual spectacle that defies the norms of perception.

As you navigate this enigmatic route, your eyes may play tricks on you, and you'll find yourself witnessing the mill appearing to shrink in size the closer you approach it. It's a peculiar sight that has become a talking point in the community, sparking curiosity and prompting speculation about the forces at play.

When you turn left and head east on Lakeshore Road, the mill looks almost close enough to touch, but as you approach Gravelly Bay, it shrinks and appears farther and farther away.

I have never heard of Port Colborne’s shrinking mill business, so I thought this was some video editing trick but alas, it is a real thing https://t.co/4eK6FZOMUh pic.twitter.com/5R5VKrtTft

— Elamin Abdelmahmoud (@elamin88) May 17, 2020

Why does the mill appear to shrink?

Here's what the Port Colborne website says:

"Port Colborne's Shrinking Mill appears to stand on a flat horizon with Gravelly Bay in front. Your perspective sees the vertical alignment of the Mill, in conjunction with the refraction of the light off of the shallow water, and creates illusion that the structure has suddenly shrunk."

@shannonb129 Shrinking Mill.. optical illusion. #portcolborneontario #mindblown #shrinkingmill #fyp #niagara #portcolborneontario ♬ original sound - 12345678910