Historic, water-powered, and still pressing apples nearly 170 years later, Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard has become one of the most beloved cider destinations in the country.
Recently ranked #3 Best Cidery in the U.S. by USA Today readers, this Upstate New York gem delivers cozy fall vibes, homemade treats, and cider tastings that have been a tradition for generations.
Founded in 1856, Fly Creek Cider Mill continues to serve residents and visitors of Historic Fly Creek, one of Upstate New York’s most underrated small towns.
The mill sits on the banks of Fly Creek in the heart of Central New York, just minutes from Cooperstown.
Its water-powered machinery still drives the cider-making process, allowing guests to witness the historic tradition in action from the expanded Learning Center and Cider Gallery.
And while watching “how it’s done” is all cool and great at the Mill, the center of the experience is the Mill Store Marketplace, which offers over 150 specialty foods, most made on-site.
Sample apple salsa, zesty salad dressings, fudge, dumplings, cookies, and everything in between.
In the equally incredible Tasting Room, you can taste test the various hard ciders and apple wines the Mill produces from 100% New York State apples.
Favorites include the semi-sweet Original Cider and the semi-dry Apple-Raspberry Cider, plus Apple Wines in flavors like Cranberry, Blueberry, Peach, and Strawberry Kiss.
Seasonal limited editions even appear, like the Apple Frost which offer a dessert wine type of flavor!
Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard isn’t just for grown-ups either!
Kids can explore Tractorland, ride little trikes, and watch the antics of the Millpond’s ducks and geese.
For gemstone hunters, the “Quack & Honk” Gemstone Mining Sluice offers a hands-on adventure and even Rubber Ducky races will bring out the competitive side for the whole family!
For additional bites, treats, and seasonal drinks— head to the adjacent Restaurant & Bakery which serves freshly baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and ice cream treats daily.
The FAMOUS Pot Roast Sandwich with Old English Horseradish Sauce is literally a legendary menu item across this area of New York, and the cider slushies, floats, and pies pairs perfectly with hard cider or wine for dessert.
We highly recommend sitting outside on the boardwalk overlooking the Millpond makes the fall experience even more memorable!
How to get there from NYC
Fly Creek is about 4 hours north of New York City, making it an easy weekend escape for fall foliage, cider, and homemade treats!
If you’re making the fall foliage drive, take I-87 North to I-90 East toward Cooperstown, and consider adding scenic stops along the Central New York Cheese Trail or the Cooperstown Beverage Trail.
The 10 best cideries in the U.S., according to USA Today readers
- Cider Corps — Mesa, Arizona
- Bohemian Circus Cider Company — Kingsport, Tennessee
- Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard — Fly Creek, New York
- Vermont Cider Lab — Essex, Vermont
- Ash & Elm Cider Co. — Indianapolis, Indiana
- ERIS Brewery and Cider House — Chicago, Illinois
- James Creek Cider House — Cameron, North Carolina
- Excursion Ciders — Kimberton, Pennsylvania
- OK Cider Co — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Waldschänke Ciders + Coffee — Denver, Colorado
📍 Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard — 288 Goose St, Fly Creek, NY