Village of Gays Mills
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Gays Mills: Apple Capital
​of Wisconsin

History of Apples in Gays Mills

Picture
​The apple-growing history of Gays Mills began with early farmers recognizing the fertile lands along the Kickapoo River. In 1905, John Hays and Ben Twining gathered apples from local farmers to showcase at the State Fair. Their exhibit not only won first prize but also earned top honors at a national apple show in New York.
​

Inspired by this achievement, the Wisconsin State Horticulture Society initiated 'trial orchards' statewide, to interest growers in commercial production.  The society also planted a five-acre site on High Ridge with recommended apple varieties.  By 1911, the Gays Mills orchard had flourished, prompting the formation of an organization dedicated to promoting orchard sales. Today, Gays Mills boasts over a thousand acres of apple orchards, celebrated nationally for their exceptional color and flavor.


The Orchards of Gays Mills

Please contact the orchards directly for current hours, as they may vary during the apple season. 
Orchard
Hours
​Sunrise Orchards at Hillcrest
​sunriseapples.com
(608) 624-5753
Open DAILY  9 am - 5 pm Mid-August to Mid-December
9 am - 4 pm November & December
Apples, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Cider, Caramel Apples, Apple Slush, Specialty Foods, Cranberries, Cheeses, Sausages, Gifts,
FREE Samples, mums, gourds, pumpkins.
​Fleming Orchard
​608-735-4625
Open DAILY 9 am - 5 pm September 1 to October 31
Apples, apple cider, apple pies, turnovers, pumpkins, potatoes, onions, gourds, jams, honey, spices, soups.
​1913 Kickapoo Orchard
1913kickapoo.com
608-735-4637
​Open DAILY 9 am - 5 pm June - November 
Cider House, You-Pick Cherries & Apples, Specialty Makers Market, Photo Ops, &  Heirloom Apples.
Free Tastings, Bakery, Deli, Wholesale Cider, Group Tours &
Gift Boxes.
​Sunrise Orchards Inc.
​sunriseapples.com
608-735-4645
​Open DAILY  9 am - 5 pm Mid-August to Mid-December
9 am- 4 pm November & December
Apples, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Pies, Apple Turnovers, Apple Cider, Caramel Apples, Apple Slush, Bakery, Specialty Foods, Cranberries, Cheeses, Sausages, Gift Shop, Apple Gift Boxes,
FREE Samples.   
Dog Walk Park, Sunrise Family Playground, Sunrise Express Model Train, Apple Packing TV, Events, Online Store: Open 24/7 ​​
​Turkey Ridge Organic Orchard
608-735-4660​​

Open DAILY 9 - 5 pm September 1 to December

Kickapoo Orchard WEST
1913kickapoo.com
​608-735-4299
​Open DAILY 9 am - 5 pm August - October
You-Pick peaches, sunflowers, and pumpkins.  Specialty makers market, apples, fresh Kickapoo Orchard bakery available daily.

Orchards of Gays Mills

Picture

Contact the Village

Village of Gays Mills
16381 State Highway 131
Gays Mills, WI 54631

​Village Office Phone:   608-735-4341

Village Office Fax:  ​608-735-4328

Emergency Services

Police: ​  911
Fire Department:   911
Emergency Medical Services:   911

An Equal Opportunity Provider

 Village Location 

© COPYRIGHT 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Events
    • Apple Festival
    • Farmer's Market
    • Spring Festival
    • Stump Dodger Bash
  • Explore
    • Apple Orchards
    • Lodging
    • Festivals & Events
    • Kickapoo Bottoms
    • Kickapoo River
    • Kickapoo Wildlife Area
    • Log Cabin Heritage Park >
      • Altenburg-Zweifel Corn Crib
      • Barker Log Cabin
      • Matti Hen House
      • McCann House
      • Nederlo Granary
      • Tucker-O'Brien Log Cabin
      • Wauzeka Ridge School House
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Robb Park & Camping
  • Community
    • Businesses
    • Churches
    • Education and Lifelong Learning
    • Library
    • Utilities
    • Service Organizations
    • Swimming Pool
  • Development
    • Agriculture
    • Commercial Lots
    • Housing
    • Kickapoo Culinary Center
    • Mercantile Center
  • Village Services
    • Village Office and Staff
    • Cemetery
    • Elected Officials
    • Events and Meetings Calendar
    • Permit, Licenses, & Event Procedures >
      • Burning Permits
      • Vendor Permits
      • Alcohol Licensing
    • Village Ordinances & Plans
    • Village Minutes
  • Building Rentals
    • Community Commerce Center
    • Board Room
    • 212 Main Street Community Building
    • Kitchen
  • Pay My Bill
  • Urban Foresty
    • History