Fly Creek Cider Mill in Fly Creek, NY – a cozy hamlet tucked just outside of Cooperstown – makes an encore appearance in the USA Today 10BEST Cider, Cidery, and Gluten-Free space.
The mill harvested a 2025 Readers’ Choice Award. Fans of the favorite fall haunt for all things apple in upstate voted in numbers enough to rank it #3 in the country among 10 best American Cideries, after winning 10BEST #1 kudos in the same category last fall.
On it’s website, Fly Creek , shares a history that dates back 168 years to when Johnny Appleseed himself planted their first tree in the fertile Central New York moraine. Today, the mill invites visitors to “a fall family destination complete with entertainments, foodservice and fresh, sweet cider produced in a historic mill with original equipment.”
Readers of USA Today have voted Fly Creek Cider Mill in Fly Creek, NY as America’s best cidery in the USA TODAY 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards.
Fly Creek owner Bill Michaels, took the top-3 10BEST tip-o-the-hat in stride, focusing on getting up every day and joining his team in doing what they love to do.
“We are quite honored to be included in USA Today’s Top Ten Cideries in the Nation and we thank all of our supporters for voting for us daily,” said Michaels of the 2025 honor. “This is our “Squeezing Season” and we enjoy operating our historic press that makes over 20,000 gallons of cider the old-fashioned way using our water-powered, water-hydraulic 1889 Boomer and Boschert Cider Press.”
The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard’s owner, Bill Michaels, center, and his son, Henry, accept a Golden Telly Award at the New York State Apple Association Board of Directors’ Meeting June 16. The award was chosen for their video to promote apples and cider from New York.
The Fall Creek Cider Mill story
In keeping with central New York’s savvy history of engaging its surplus of waterways – rendering the region preeminent in the nation in transportation and industry – the storied mill mined the power churned by the coursing waters of Fly Creek to grind apples into cider. It became the Michaels’ family business in 1962, currently owned and operated by its 2nd generation. Bill and Brenda Michaels leaned into FCCM’s tradition of “diversification and innovation,” and evolved with the times. While keeping what worked, including original equipment, they have reimagined the Mill into an ‘agri-tainment’ experience.
The Fly Creek Cider Mill “experience”
Fly Creek Cider Mill is part of the overall experience, as fall foliage is now beginning to burn upstate New York foothills with autumn colors, thus a ‘peak’ time to visit through the end of October.
The mills offers fun for grown-ups, too, whether it be date night, ladies night out, or a beer outing with the boys. The Tasting Room, a 2nd-story walk-up with a view of the Millpond, features flights of estate hard cider, wines, and apple-distilled spirits, including “Apple Pie Moonshine.”
Fly Creek proudly proclaims it curates all its libations from “100%” New York State grown apples and fruits. Craft beers are brewed by neighboring Madison County-based Critz Farms Specialty Draughts in Cazenovia, NY. Adult beverages are also available at the Snack Barn Restaurant.
While self-guided tours are fun and free, consider making an event of the evolution of Fly Creek with an ‘Exclusive, Behind-the-Scenes Tour” for up to six people, hosted by owner, Bill Michaels. The ticket price includes a personal tour, autographed copy of The Fly Creek Cider Mill Cookbook and four Tasting Room flights of choice, and a $50 gift card to spend at the venue.
Enjoy live local entertainment fit for all at the FCCM Sunday Sounds series. Coming up Oct. 5 and 12 is comic lyricist and impressionist, Ody B. Goldy.
“It is always fun to see our returning visitors from the Mohawk Valley,” said Michaels, “coming to get their taste of Fall right here in Fly Creek!”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: NY agritainment destination, Fly Creek Cider Mill, voted 10BEST in US