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This 117-Year-Old Wisconsin Orchard Serves Fresh Apple Cider Donuts Against The Stunning Baraboo Bluffs

Published: August 1, 2025

Breaking away from typical orchard experiences, Ski-Hi Fruit Farm transforms a simple apple run into something truly memorable.

Established in 1907, this family-owned gem sprawls across 364 acres of pristine Wisconsin countryside, where 8,000 apple trees representing 25 varieties create one of the state’s most historic agricultural destinations.

What sets this place apart isn’t just the breathtaking backdrop of the Baraboo Bluffs – it’s the incredible journey from Civil War-era homestead to modern-day orchard paradise.

You’ll discover an original 1862 log cabin that still stands on the property, where a German immigrant veteran once raised twelve children before selling to visionary farmer Arthur Kamp Bassett, who transformed rocky, unusable farmland into Wisconsin’s apple-growing legacy.

Apple Varieties & Seasonal Treats

Apple Selection Beyond Compare: Throughout the harvest season, you’ll find an incredible 30 varieties of apples ripening at different times, ensuring fresh picks from late August through November. Each variety offers distinct flavors perfect for different uses – some ideal for crisp snacking, others perfect for baking your next pie masterpiece.

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Apple Cider Donuts: These aren’t your average donuts. Made fresh on-site, these golden beauties capture the essence of fall in every bite. The exterior delivers a perfect cake-like texture while the interior stays moist and packed with apple flavor that pairs beautifully with their hot cider.

Fresh Apple Turnovers: Flaky, buttery pastry wraps around tender, spiced apples creating handheld perfection. These turnovers strike the ideal balance between sweet and tart, with just enough cinnamon to warm your taste buds without overwhelming the natural apple flavor.

Signature Apple Pies: Baked fresh in their on-site kitchen, these pies showcase traditional recipes with premium ingredients. The crust achieves that coveted flaky texture while the filling features perfectly spiced apples that maintain their structure without becoming mushy.

Fresh-Pressed Apple Cider: Made from their own apples, this unpasteurized cider delivers pure, concentrated apple flavor. Served both hot and cold, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any treat and captures the essence of autumn in every sip.

Gourmet Products & Local Collaborations

Artisan Hard Ciders: The farm now produces small-batch hard ciders that showcase their apple expertise in adult beverage form. These craft ciders balance sweetness and tartness while maintaining clean, crisp finishes that highlight the quality of their fruit.

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Local Partnership Products: You’ll discover an impressive selection of honey, maple syrup, rye whiskey, wine, local cheeses, and other Wisconsin-made specialties. The farm collaborates with local distillers and producers to offer unique spirits and gourmet items that complement their apple-focused offerings.

Caramel Apples: These aren’t your carnival-style caramel apples. Each apple gets dipped in rich, creamy caramel that hardens to create the perfect sweet shell around crisp, fresh fruit. At just $2.50 each, they’re an incredible value for the quality.

Seasonal Specialties: Beyond apples, you’ll find gourds, Indian corn, potatoes, onions, squash, and other seasonal produce that makes this a complete autumn destination.

Atmosphere & Scenic Setting

Warehouse-Style Market: The main retail space features a welcoming, spacious design that accommodates crowds without feeling cramped. Large windows showcase the surrounding orchards and bluffs, creating an inviting shopping environment that feels both rustic and modern.

Baraboo Bluffs Views: The farm’s location provides stunning vistas of Wisconsin’s distinctive geological formations. These ancient quartzite bluffs create a dramatic backdrop that makes every visit feel like a scenic escape from ordinary life.

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Historic Log Cabin: Walking the property, you’ll encounter the original 1862 homestead where the farm’s story began. This authentic piece of Wisconsin history adds depth to your visit and connects you to the land’s rich agricultural heritage.

Outdoor Seating Areas: Multiple picnic tables and grassy areas provide perfect spots to enjoy your treats while soaking in the beautiful countryside views. Whether you prefer shade under the trees or open views of the bluffs, you’ll find the ideal spot to relax.

Other Considerations

Family-Friendly Features: The recently added petting zoo delights children and adds an interactive element that extends your visit beyond shopping. This makes the farm an excellent destination for families looking to combine education with entertainment.

Pricing: Most treats fall into the reasonable range, with caramel apples at $2.50 and other baked goods competitively priced for the quality. While some visitors find the pies slightly expensive around $14, the fresh ingredients and on-site preparation justify the cost.

Seasonal Operations: The farm operates daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during peak season, but has recently expanded to year-round operations with updated facilities and expanded product offerings.

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No Pick-Your-Own: Unlike many orchards, Ski-Hi doesn’t offer pick-your-own experiences. Instead, they focus on providing perfectly selected apples and exceptional prepared foods, ensuring consistent quality for every customer.

Location Benefits: Situated just minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park, you can easily combine your orchard visit with hiking, swimming, or other outdoor activities, making it perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.

Food Truck Partnerships: During busy periods, you might find food trucks like Las Milpas offering additional dining options that complement the farm’s apple-focused menu.


Ski-Hi Fruit Farm
📍 E11219A Ski Hi Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

Writer: Alicia Verville
Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.