Gays Mills WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gays Mills, Wisconsin.
1. Sunrise Orchards
APPLE PARADISE AND SLUSHIES
Sunrise Orchards is a must-visit destination in Gays Mills where visitors can enjoy delicious apple cider donuts and refreshing apple cider slushies or warm apple cider. The orchard offers a beautiful setting for families to explore and pick their own apples during harvest season. There is also a dedicated play area for children, making it a perfect stop for families looking to experience the best of Wisconsin's apple country.
2. Fleming Orchards
TRADITIONAL APPLE PICKING EXPERIENCE
Fleming Orchards provides visitors with a charming, traditional apple orchard experience in the heart of Gays Mills. The orchard features a variety of apple types that flourish in the temperate valley of the Kickapoo River. Visitors can enjoy picking their own apples while taking in the scenic beauty of Wisconsin's Driftless Region.
3. West Ridge Orchard
SCENIC HILLTOP APPLE EXPERIENCE
West Ridge Orchard offers a panoramic view of the Kickapoo Valley from its hilltop location in Gays Mills. The orchard provides visitors with the opportunity to pick their own apples and purchase fresh apple products in a picturesque setting. Its elevated position makes it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts wanting to capture the beauty of Wisconsin's apple country.
4. Kickapoo Orchard
MAZES AND APPLE PIZZA
Kickapoo Orchard is a family-friendly destination in Gays Mills that offers a unique apple pizza that has become a local favorite. The orchard features entertaining sunflower and corn mazes that children particularly enjoy exploring. Visitors can experience both the agricultural traditions and creative culinary applications of apples in Wisconsin's famous apple growing region.
5. Apple'licious Pie Depot
HOMEMADE PIE PARADISE
Apple'licious Pie Depot is a family-owned bakery in Gays Mills specializing in delicious homemade pies, with their Crumb Top Apple Pie being a standout favorite. The bakery offers several pie varieties that showcase the region's famous apples and other local ingredients. A visit to this charming establishment completes any trip to Wisconsin's apple country with a sweet, traditional taste of the region.
6. Museum of Unremarkable Objects
QUIRKY CULTURAL COLLECTION
The Museum of Unremarkable Objects presents an unconventional collection that celebrates the overlooked and ordinary aspects of everyday life in Gays Mills. This unique museum challenges visitors to reconsider what makes an object worthy of display and preservation. The museum offers a refreshing counterpoint to traditional tourist attractions in the Kickapoo Valley region.
7. Kickapoo River
SCENIC PADDLING ADVENTURE
The Kickapoo River offers visitors to Gays Mills an opportunity to paddle through one of Wisconsin's most picturesque waterways. The winding river is known for its gentle current and stunning views of the surrounding Driftless Region landscapes untouched by glaciers. Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy the peaceful experience of floating through the valley while observing local wildlife and the natural beauty of the area.
8. Gays Mills Mercantile Center
LOCAL ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
The Gays Mills Mercantile Center serves as a hub for local businesses and artisans to showcase their products in the heart of the community. Visitors can support small businesses by purchasing unique handcrafted items, local produce, and specialty goods that reflect the region's cultural heritage. The center embodies the community spirit of Gays Mills and provides an authentic shopping experience for tourists seeking locally-made souvenirs.
9. Kickapoo Valley Reserve
PROTECTED NATURAL WILDERNESS
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve encompasses 8,600 acres of protected wilderness just north of Gays Mills, offering hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. This ecological treasure showcases the unique topography of Wisconsin's Driftless Region with its deep valleys, dramatic rock outcroppings, and diverse plant and animal life. Visitors can explore over 40 miles of trails that wind through forests, prairies, and along the Kickapoo River, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round.
10. Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail
HISTORIC RAIL-TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail, known as the grandfather of rail-trails, offers a 32-mile scenic cycling route through the countryside near the Kickapoo Valley. The trail features three impressive rock tunnels, including one that stretches for three-quarters of a mile, providing a unique biking experience through Wisconsin history. Cyclists can enjoy the relatively flat terrain as they pass through charming small towns, over wooden bridges, and alongside streams in this beloved recreational corridor.
11. Apple Festival
AUTUMN HARVEST CELEBRATION
The annual Apple Festival in Gays Mills celebrates the region's famous apple harvest with a weekend of family-friendly activities, typically held in late September. Visitors can enjoy apple tastings, craft vendors, live music, a parade, and various competitions that showcase local talents and traditions. The festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to experience the charm of this small Wisconsin town during the peak of its apple season when the surrounding hillsides display vibrant autumn colors.
12. Stump Dodger Bash
LOCAL MUSIC CELEBRATION
The Stump Dodger Bash is an energetic music festival that brings together local and regional talent for a celebration of community and culture in Gays Mills. This event features multiple musical acts, food vendors, and activities that showcase the spirited character of the Kickapoo Valley region. The festival's unique name pays homage to the area's logging history and the skill required to navigate the river during log drives.
13. Crawford County Fair
TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Crawford County Fair brings together the best of rural Wisconsin traditions with agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and homecraft displays near Gays Mills. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, fair food favorites, demolition derbies, and grandstand entertainment that appeal to all ages. This annual event celebrates the farming heritage of the region while providing a nostalgic and entertaining experience for both locals and tourists.
14. Driftless Area Scenic Byway
BREATHTAKING DRIVE ROUTE
The Driftless Area Scenic Byway offers one of Wisconsin's most spectacular driving routes through the unique landscape surrounding Gays Mills. The winding roads follow ridgetops and valleys, providing dramatic views of an area untouched by glaciers, with steep hillsides, limestone outcroppings, and rolling farmland. Travelers can stop at numerous overlooks to photograph the scenery, particularly stunning during spring apple blossoms and fall foliage seasons.
15. Kickapoo Valley Ranch
RUSTIC OUTDOOR RETREAT
Kickapoo Valley Ranch provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Driftless Region near Gays Mills. The ranch offers cabins, camping, and outdoor activities including horseback riding, fishing, and hiking trails that showcase the pristine natural environment. Visitors can experience the tranquility of rural Wisconsin while enjoying comfortable accommodations and access to the recreational opportunities of the Kickapoo Valley.