About Us
Our Market
Nestled just one-half mile north of Sister Bay at the corner of Highway 42 and Wildwood Road, Carlson's Wildwood Orchard is a small, family-owned orchard with roots dating back to 1915, when John C. Carlson planted the first cherry trees on the property.
Today, we continue that tradition as a seasonal orchard open during Door County's che
Nestled just one-half mile north of Sister Bay at the corner of Highway 42 and Wildwood Road, Carlson's Wildwood Orchard is a small, family-owned orchard with roots dating back to 1915, when John C. Carlson planted the first cherry trees on the property.
Today, we continue that tradition as a seasonal orchard open during Door County's cherry harvest. During harvest season, visitors can enjoy Pick-Your-Own cherries, along with a selection of locally grown fruits, vegetables, jams, honey, and other locally made goods.
As a small family operation, our regular store hours are limited to the cherry harvest season. Outside of harvest, we may occasionally open the store when we're working on the farm and have fresh products available. Follow us on social media or watch for roadside signs for the latest updates.
Whether you're continuing a family tradition, exploring Door County's agricultural heritage, or simply looking for fresh local products, we invite you to stop by, say hello, and experience a piece of Door County history.
We look forward to welcoming you to the orchard!
Our History
For five generations, the Carlson family has called this land home.
In 1846, at just 19 years old, Adolf Carlson immigrated from Sweden and settled in Sister Bay. Drawn to the beauty and opportunity of Door County, he purchased the land that has remained in the Carlson family ever since, making it a true Century Farm.
Originally, the far
For five generations, the Carlson family has called this land home.
In 1846, at just 19 years old, Adolf Carlson immigrated from Sweden and settled in Sister Bay. Drawn to the beauty and opportunity of Door County, he purchased the land that has remained in the Carlson family ever since, making it a true Century Farm.
Originally, the farm was home to cattle and crops. In 1915, Adolf's son, John C. Carlson, planted the family's first cherry trees after hearing about the success of cherry growing elsewhere in Door County. The trees thrived, and over time the farm transitioned from livestock to orchards. More than 100 years later, cherries are still grown on the same land.
In the early days, every cherry had to be picked by hand. During harvest season, workers traveled from across the country—and around the world—to help in the orchards and canneries. Many of those workers lived in the very building that now houses our market.
During World War II, labor shortages threatened the cherry harvest throughout Door County. In 1945, German prisoners of war were brought to the area to help save the crop. Some of those workers were also housed here on the farm.
Today, visitors can step back in time by exploring the restored room at the back of our store, which has been recreated to resemble a migrant worker apartment from the orchard's early years. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who helped make Door County's cherry industry possible.
While modern harvesting equipment has changed the way many orchards operate, we remain committed to preserving the history and traditions of our family farm. We are proud to continue sharing our orchard, our stories, and our Door County heritage with visitors from near and far.
Special Events
Pick Your Own Cherries Season!
PYO 2025 SEASON IS OVER. Mother Nature told us we are done picking for the season. Check back again next year.
Take part in a time honored Door County tradition. Bring your whole family to our cherry orchard to pick you own pail or just a few. We charge by the pound instead of the pail. It is a perfect way for everyone to experience this tradition even if they don't have space or time for a whole pail. We also have also have four different varieties to choose from!
Montmorency Tart cherries are the original Door County cherry. Not only are these great for a healthy snack fresh, they are also perfect for baking, freezing, and canning. $3.00 a pound for pick your own.
Balaton Tart cherries are a European tart cherry that is gaining popularity quickly. It has the same versatility and health benefits of the Montmorency with a little more sweetness. Pick you own for $4.00 a pound.
We have two varieties of sweet cherries. Balaton Sweet cherries are probably the most well known cherry for fresh eating. The Rainier Sweet cherry is a crowd pleaser with its beautiful blush color. Both of these are great for a fresh healthy snack. $4.50 a pound. Pick your own sweet cherries go fast! Watch our Facebook page for the most current Pick your own information.
Farmers Markets and Festivals
Tuesdays we are at the Jacksonport farm market located at the park across from the Island Fever Rum Bar. We also frequent local festivals. To find out where we will be check out our Facebook page or join our mailing list.
Pumpkin Season
Every year we offer an exciting variety of pumpkins and decorative gourds either pre picked or pick your own from our patch. Take a picture with our signature fall sunflowers. You can even pick your own flower bouquet to go along with you new pumpkins.