Escape to Apple Country

The roads rising, falling and twisting between Crawford County’s apple orchards are some of my favorite motorcycling roads, and who wouldn’t smile at the sight of saddlebags bursting with freshly picked apples and a bright orange pumpkin strapped behind the rider. Bicyclists love our hills, too, and will find delicious apple cider and a stunning view as their reward for reaching the top. Cars are just as good, holding much more in the way of apples, pumpkins, home-canned goods and excited children. Whatever your transportation fancy, we hope you’ll take a sunny fall Saturday or Sunday to explore Southwest Wisconsin’s own apple country.

Around Gays Mills in Crawford County, you’ll find one of the most concentrated areas of apple orchards with 1,500 acres (second only to Door County with 2,000 acres). Arrive on September 24 or 25 and you’ll be welcomed by the 53rd annual Gays Mills Apple Festival celebrating the county’s apple harvest. Below is a list of area orchards and their offerings. Come pick your own or grab a pre-picked peck, browse their gift shops filled with jams, jellies and cider, and enjoy this rolling, fruitful countryside.