Since 1913: The Story of Kickapoo Orchard
More than 100 years of harvests, hospitality, and Driftless beauty
Our History
1913 Kickapoo Orchard has been part of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region for more than a century. Established in 1913, the orchard quickly became a cornerstone of the Gays Mills apple-growing community. Generations of families have made the trip to Kickapoo to pick apples, enjoy cider doughnuts and caramel apples, and take in the fall colors that make this valley so special.
In 2023, lifelong growers Noel Miller and Harrison Heilman became the new stewards of the orchard. To honor its long legacy, they added the founding year to the name—1913 Kickapoo Orchard—a reminder that every harvest builds on more than 100 years of history. Today, the orchard continues to thrive with the same spirit of tradition and hospitality, while also expanding into new offerings like craft cider, wine, and locally inspired treats.
From its earliest rows of apple trees to the bustling destination it is today, 1913 Kickapoo Orchard has always been about more than fruit—it’s about bringing people together to share in the simple, lasting joys of the Driftless.
Meet Harrison Heilman
Harrison’s path to orchard life wasn’t a straight line. After earning his undergraduate degree, he served in the Peace Corps as an English teacher in the Philippines, then spent a season working in Yellowstone National Park’s Canyon Village. In 2017, he joined his partner Noel Miller in the nursery business, where he discovered a true passion for plants and people.
“What I love most is the variety of people you meet,” Harrison says. “There’s no stereotype for who enjoys plants—customers come from all walks of life, and you get to meet the entire spectrum.”
His earliest tree memory is a 95-year-old ginkgo across from his mother’s house. Every October, it turned a brilliant yellow before dropping its leaves in one dramatic night—an image that still inspires his appreciation for trees today.
When it comes to apples, Harrison’s favorite is, fittingly, the Harrison apple. Once nearly lost to history, this rare yellow apple produces cider that is vinous, thick, and full of flavor—just the kind of unique character Harrison values in the orchard.
Meet Noel Miller
Noel’s love for growing things started young. At just eight years old, he grew the largest zucchini in his hometown, earning a spot in the local paper. That early passion eventually turned toward apples. In 2005, Noel began working in the fruit tree nursery business, and his curiosity soon became a calling.
Wanting to grow his own trees, Noel connected with Bill Meyer of Kickapoo Orchard. Bill not only encouraged him, but also shared his knowledge of grafting, growing, and pruning apples. That mentorship inspired Noel to put down roots in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, where he built a nursery business and developed a lasting love for the land.
Among the many apple varieties Noel has worked with, his favorite is the Creston—a large, beautifully red apple with hints of yellow and green. Known for being both sweet and exceptionally crunchy, the Creston is difficult to grow and found at only a handful of orchards, making it a rare treasure that mirrors Noel’s dedication to cultivating the uncommon.
Our Team
Our orchard wouldn’t be what it is without the hard work, care, and passion of our team. From harvest to bakery to customer service, every smiling face makes 1913 Kickapoo Orchard a place people love to visit.
BUILDING BEYOND THE ORCHARD
Noel and Harrison don’t just care for 1913 Kickapoo Orchard—they’re building connections across the Driftless. From restoring historic spaces to growing the next generation of fruit trees, their work extends beyond the orchard to strengthen agritourism and commerce in Crawford County.
Tobacco Warehouse Inn
In Soldiers Grove, Noel and Harrison transformed a 1923 tobacco depot into the Tobacco Warehouse Inn—a boutique hotel that blends historic character with modern comfort. It’s the perfect year-round base for exploring orchards, rivers, and Driftless ridges.
Reserve your suite minutes away from the Orchards!
Roots to Fruits Nursery
Noel and Harrison also founded Roots to Fruits Nursery in 2017, specializing in hardy, grafted fruit trees. Available locally and shipped nationwide as bare-roots & regionally in containers, their trees help gardeners and growers start orchards of their own.
Order trees & bring the orchard home!
