In the early spring months, the maple trees in Michigan celebrate the end of winter by contributing enough sap to produce tubs full of sugary syrup. Get ready to whip up a batch of pancakes, waffles and other breakfast foods that deserve a good drizzle!
Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are all offering a plethora of opportunities for the whole family to learn more about the maple sugaring process — from tapping a tree to turning sap into syrup.
Some events and maple syrup festivals also feature hikes through nature and the opportunity to enjoy maple treats.
Check out this list to explore the variety of pleasantly sticky situations to take part in. After all, what’s a good flapjack stack without a rich shower of Michigan-made maple syrup?
Important weather + COVID-19 note
Weather plays a big role in the maple tapping and sugaring process. On the days when it’s below freezing, the sap won’t flow through the trees.
Some of these events will cancel, others will go on to show you the “tapping” process without the sap, and some programs may cancel portions of their demonstrations.
In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these events may be canceled due to an uptick in COVID cases in the area. You may also have to follow strict face mask and social distancing protocols.
It’s a good idea to call ahead if you aren’t sure. Also, some events require advance registration (which we note), be sure to call to register when needed.
Maple’s Sweet Story at Kensington Metropark
Select dates Feb. 28-April 4, 2021
- Register: Not required
- Address: Kensington Metropark Farm Center, 4570 Huron River Road, Milford
- Phone: 248-684-8632
- Times: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Tours begin every half hour)
- Cost: $5/adult, $3/child, $10/vehicle entry
Head to this local spot to take a guided walk of the farm’s sugar bush, which starts every half-hour and lasts around an hour. While on the walk, you’ll get to identify the perfect tree, and watch a demonstration on how trees are tapped to get the sap. Face masks and social distancing required.
Maple Sugaring at Farmington Hills Nature Center
March 7 and 21, 2021
- Register: ASAP in advance; spots are limited and program sells out
- Address: Farmington Hills Nature Center, 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
- Phone: 248-477-1135
- Times: 10:30-11:30 a.m., noon-1 p.m., 2-3 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Cost: $7/person
This event marks the beginning of spring as families learn to identify maple trees, collect their sap and boil it to make maple syrup. Take notes on how to make syrup at home, and be sure to stick around for a PURE maple syrup treat toward the end of the program.
4-H Virtual Interactive Maple Sugaring Series by MSU Tollgate Farm
March 1-5, 2021
- Register: Required, ASAP
- Address: Online
- Phone: 248-701-9956
- Times: Varies
- Cost: $40/first student, $25/additional students
This virtual event for kids in grades 1-5 will explore the history of maple syrup and will break down the process of making it from sap.
Maple Sweetness at Wolcott Mill Metropark
Select dates March 6-27, 2021
- Register: Required, ASAP
- Address: Historic Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark, 64162 Kunstman Road, Ray Township
- Phone: 586-749-5932
- Times: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cost: $5/adult, $3/child, $10/vehicle entry
Families are invited to get their hands dirty at this hands-on maple-sugaring event. Start by exploring the history of maple syrup. Then head to the trees to learn how to identify the right trees, and what tools are necessary to tap the tree and boil the sap down. Dress for the weather because this event happens outdoors. Face masks required.
Journey to the Sugar Bush at Hudson Mills Metropark
Select Dates March 6-21, 2021
- Register: By 4 p.m. the day before the program of your choice
- Address: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
- Phone: 734-426-8211
- Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: program: $5/person, free/under 2, $10/vehicle entry, $6-$26/pancake breakfast
This program will show you the history behind the area’s maple-making, and will take you to the park’s sugar bush to tap a tree. Once the sap has been gathered, you can watch the sap be melted down into syrup. End your visit with a pancake and sausage breakfast.
Maple Syrup Days at Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center
March 6 and 13, 2021Â
- Register: ASAP in advance; tours fill quickly
- Address: Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center, 6685 Coolidge Highway, Troy
- Phone: 248-688-9703
- Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: $9/ages 13-plus, $6/ages 4-12, free/ages 3 and under
Check out the sugar bush on the grounds at this local spot. Learn about the art, science and history behind maple sugaring and how to tap the trees and make the sap into syrup and sample maple sweets. New this year are guided tours along the nature trails.
Maple Sugaring Through the Ages at Oakwoods Metropark
March 7 and 13, 2021
- Register: By 4 p.m. the day before the program of your choice
- Address: Oakwoods Metropark, 32911 Willow Road, New Boston
- Phone: 734-782-3956
- Times: 2-3:30 p.m.
- Cost: $5/adults, $3/kids, $10/vehicle entry
Freezing cold temps won’t stop this event, where you’ll learn how maple sap is collected and melted down to make delicious maple syrup, and the ways that maple trees helped early Americans.
Maple Sugaring: Sweet Science at Indian Springs Metropark
March 13 and 20, 2021
- Register: Pre-registration is required and program fee is due when registering
- Address: Indian Springs Metropark, 5200 Indian Trail, White Lake
- Phone: 248-625-7280
- Times: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cost: $3-$5/person, $10/vehicle entry
Warm days and cold nights make the perfect combo to get the sap flowing. Learn this, and other facts, how to identify and tap trees, melt down the sugar and do some taste-testing at this sweet, sweet program. Families can expect to walk around one mile on gravel nature trails. Social distancing and face masks are required.
This post is updated annually. Â
