Fly Creek, N.Y. – September 23, 2026 -- Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard has been voted the Best Cidery in the United States in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, marking the second national #1 ranking for the Upstate New York destination in three years.

The historic mill, located three miles from Cooperstown, previously topped the same list in 2024 and placed third in 2025. The USA TODAY 10Best competition nominated leading cideries nationwide, with rankings decided entirely by public vote.

The mill still runs on 19th-century water power

Built in 1856, Fly Creek presses cider using an 1889 Boomer & Boschert rack-and-cloth press. The equipment is powered by an 1872 water turbine that harnesses a 10-foot head of water from the on-site Millpond, letting visitors watch cider being made the same way it was generations ago.

"Our equipment isn't here simply for display," said owner Bill Michaels. "We continue to use water power and our 1889 press to make cider while giving visitors the opportunity to watch the process."

The site has grown into a full agritourism stop

Beyond cider production, Fly Creek now includes a branded specialty-food retail shop, a restaurant and bakery, a tasting room pouring New York hard ciders and wines, family attractions and seasonal events.

Michaels credited the honor to staff and longtime visitors to the Cooperstown region, calling the repeat #1 ranking "an extraordinary honor."

Fresh cider pressing is underway now

The Mill has started pressing cider for the 2026 harvest and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through December 20.