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Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

Step back in time at this historic, water-powered cider mill just minutes from Cooperstown, where visitors can watch traditional cider-making, sample local flavors, explore the millpond and enjoy family-friendly activities.

About this Attraction
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    A Taste of Upstate New York

    Established in 1856, Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard has been a fixture in the Fly Creek community for more than 170 years. Today, the working mill combines historic machinery and traditional cider-making with a marketplace, tasting room, restaurant and family activities.

    Visitors can take a complimentary, self-guided tour of the mill and watch the cider-making process from the Cider Gallery and Learning Center. Outside, the Millpond Boardwalk offers views of the water-powered mill, while families can enjoy activities including duck racing, Tractorland and gemstone mining.

    The Mill Store Marketplace features fresh apples, sweet cider, New York cheeses, fudge, baked goods, specialty foods and other locally inspired products. Upstairs, the Tasting Room offers flights of hard ciders, wines, craft beers and spirits.

    A rustic wooden cider mill, known as Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, with green-and-white awnings, a vintage red car parked in front, and a person sitting on a bench beside blooming flowers, under a bright blue sky.

    History

    The Fly Creek Cider Mill was established in 1856 by Hosea Williams, who used the power of Fly Creek to operate a grinder and water-powered press. The mill eventually expanded its operations to include woodworking, ice and grain milling.

    After closing in the 1950s, the property was purchased by Charlie and Barbara Michaels in 1962. They restored the historic mill and reopened it in 1964, transforming it into a family business and seasonal attraction.

    The Michaels family continues to operate the Mill today. In 1999, their son Bill and daughter-in-law Brenda purchased the property and expanded its offerings. The Mill became a New York State Farm Winery in 2002, returning hard cider and apple wine production to the historic site.

    A large wooden cider barrel sits in a flower bed under a green umbrella in front of a rustic building with a sign reading Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard. Colorful flowers surround the barrel, adding to the charming atmosphere of this beloved destination.

    Events & Activities

    The Mill hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including live entertainment, food events, agricultural celebrations and its annual cider-pressing season.

    Cider pressing begins Sept. 17, 2026, when the historic Boomer and Boschert press returns to operation for the fall harvest. Visitors can watch the traditional rack-and-cloth pressing process and see fresh apples transformed into cider.

    Other scheduled 2026 events include Sunday Sounds throughout the fall, Big Squeeze Day on Oct. 3 and Blown-Glass Holiday Ornament Night on Nov. 21 and 22.

    Hours

    Open daily, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., through Dec. 20, 2026. Hours may change seasonally.

    Admission

    Admission to the Mill grounds and complimentary self-guided mill tours is free. Additional activities, food, tastings and products are available for purchase.

    A group of people walk toward the rustic wooden Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard building, adorned with signs for bakery, ice cream, and deli. Trees with autumn leaves are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

    Where is Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

    288 Goose Street
    Fly Creek, NY 13337

    Directions

    Take Amtrak to Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

    Take Amtrak to Utica, which is the closest Amtrak station to Fly Creek. From the station, continue by rental car, taxi or rideshare. The Mill is approximately 47 minutes from Utica by car and just 3.6 miles from Cooperstown, making it an easy addition to a Cooperstown-area trip.

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    A vintage red truck is parked in front of a rustic wooden building labeled Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard. Blossoming tree branches frame the scene, and green awnings cover the windows.
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