Located near a small waterfall on the Kickapoo River, Gays Mills is named for founder James B. Gay who built a sawmill on the river in 1847. The village is now famous for its apple orchards, several of them perched along “Orchard Drive” atop the hill along Highway 171. Together they comprise the largest concentration of apple orchards in the tri-state area.

A distinctive era of Wisconsin’s past can be observed at Log Cabin Heritage Park, which was established to “preserve folk architecture of the Kickapoo Valley.” In late summer, Gays Mills comes alive with the Crawford County Fair, featuring the rich heritage of rural fairs – crafts, livestock judging, carnival rides, and the ever-popular demolition derby.

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