About Us
Our Market
Our History
Our History
NOTICE! HOURS HAVE CHANGED.
our store hours are now Thursday, Frida, Saturday, and Sunday 11am to 6pm.
Come visit the Carlson’s on their farm located just one half mile north of Sister Bay, WI, at the intersection of Highway 42 and Wildwood Road.
We are a traditional small operation with a variety of local fruits and produce. Our family has
NOTICE! HOURS HAVE CHANGED.
our store hours are now Thursday, Frida, Saturday, and Sunday 11am to 6pm.
Come visit the Carlson’s on their farm located just one half mile north of Sister Bay, WI, at the intersection of Highway 42 and Wildwood Road.
We are a traditional small operation with a variety of local fruits and produce. Our family has harvested cherries since the first trees were planted by John C. Carlson in 1915.
Pick-Your-Own cherries is a Door County tradition that we are happy to carry on. Cherry season usually runs from mid-July through August.
If you’re looking for a fun day picking produce, learning some history, shopping, or just having a chat come on in and see us. We can’t wait to meet you!
Our History
Our History
Our History
For five generations the Carlson family has called Carlson’s Island View Orchard home of the Door County Wildwood Market their own.
In 1846 at the age of 19 Adolf Carlson came to the United States from Sweden. He settled in Sister Bay Door County shortly after his arrival. He fell in love with the land instantly and decided to settle d
For five generations the Carlson family has called Carlson’s Island View Orchard home of the Door County Wildwood Market their own.
In 1846 at the age of 19 Adolf Carlson came to the United States from Sweden. He settled in Sister Bay Door County shortly after his arrival. He fell in love with the land instantly and decided to settle down. Since then, the land originally bought by Adolf Carlson has belonged in the Carlson family; making Door County Wildwood market a true century farm.
Cherry trees weren’t always the main focus here. Adolf originally homesteaded the land for cattle. He planted crops to feed his family and his cattle. It wasn’t until 1915 when Adolf’s son John C. planted the first cherry tree. He had heard of the success the Reynolds brothers had in Sturgeon Bay and decided to try this new crop himself. The trees were a huge success! Soon all the cattle were replaced by cherry trees. Five generations later cherries are still being produced right here on the Carlson land.
When the cherry harvest had to be picked completely by hand farmers needed all the help they could get. Workers from across the country and around the world flocked to Door County by train and steam boat to help in the fields harvesting cherries or working in the canneries.
During World War Two there was a huge shortage of workers due to rations of tires and fuel.With nobody able to harvest the whole cherry crops rotted on the trees. To solve the problem in 1945 German prisoners of war were brought to Door County to help with the cherry harvest. Many of these workers including the prisoners of war were housed in the very building our store sits in today.
After the war ended it became apparent that we could no longer depend on workers to hand pick the cherries every year. Soon the limb shaker was invented to make harvesting quicker and easier. Over the years the shaker was improved and today a whole tree can be harvested in less than thirty seconds.
Although the cherry harvest has changed over the years here at the Door County Wildwood Market in Sister Bay we do what we can to preserve history. All the cherries are still harvested by hand by the Carlson family and seasonal workers.
Special Events
Pick Your Own Cherries Season!
PYO 2024 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.