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, so be sure to call to register, too.
Maple Sweetness at Wolcott Mill Metropark
Feb. 26-27, March 5-6, 12-13, 2022
- Address: Historic Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark, 63841 Wolcott Road, Romeo
- 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 learn what tools are necessary to tap the tree and boil the sap down. Dress for the weather because this event happens outdoors.
Maple’s Sweet Story at Kensington Metropark
Select dates Feb. 27, March 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2022
- Address: Kensington Metropark Farm Center, 4570 Huron River Road, Milford
- 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.
Journey to the Sugar Bush at Hudson Mills Metropark
March 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2022
- Address: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
- Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: program: $5/person, free/under 2, $10/vehicle entry
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.
Making Maple Syrup Tours at Maybury Farm
March 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26, 27, 2022
- Address: Maybury Farm, 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville
- Times: 12:30-5 p.m.
- Cost: $10/person, free/ages 2 and under
The maple tour begins with a wagon ride to the forested area of Maybury Farm. There, you’ll learn the amazing way sugar maple trees produce sap, why sap flows, how to tap and collect sap from the tree
Maplefest 2022 at MSU Tollgate Farm in Novi
March 5-6, 2022
- Address: MSU Tollgate Farm, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi
- Times: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cost: $10/person, free/ages 2 and under
Enjoy a wagon ride out to the sugar bush where you will snack on sweet maple-themed treats and sip a hot beverage. Learn how to identify a maple tree and tap the tree. Make sure to dress for the weather. Registration required.
Maple Sugaring at Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center
March 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2022
- Address: Stony Creek Metropark, Nature Center, 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township
- Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: $5/child, $5/adult, free/ages 2 and under
Learn how to identify maple trees and the history of sugar making. Afterwards, head to the bonfire and see how maple syrup is made. For all ages. Registration required.
Maple Sugaring Through the Ages at Oakwoods Metropark
March 5, 12, 2022
- Address: Oakwoods Metropark, 32911 Willow Road, New Boston
- Times: 2-4 p.m.
- Cost: $5/adults, $3/kids, $10/vehicle entry
Freezing cold temps won’t stop this event. Learn how maple sap is collected and melted down to make delicious maple syrup. Plus, find out how maple trees helped early Americans.
Maple Syrup Time at Stage Nature Center
March 5, 12, 19, 2022
- Address: Stage Nature Center, 6685 Coolidge Highway, Troy
- Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: $ $7/ages 4-12, $10/teens and adults, free/under the age of 4
Check out the sugar bush on the grounds at this local spot. Learn about the art, science and history behind maple sugaring, how to tap the trees and make the sap into syrup and sample maple sweets. Registration required.
Maple Sugaring: Sweet Science at Indian Springs Metropark
March 12, 19, 2022
- Address: Indian Springs Metropark, 5200 Indian Trail, White Lake
- Times: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cost: $3/child, $5/adult, $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. Registration required.
Maple Sweetness Pancake Breakfast
March 19-20, 2022
- Address: Historic Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark, 63841 Wolcott Road, Romeo
- Times: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Cost: $8/adult, $8/child, $10/vehicle entry
Families can come to this “all you can eat” breakfast at Wolcott Mill Metropark. Chris Cakes, who was featured on Food Network and holds two Guinness Book of World Records, will be serving pancakes. Take a self-guided tour before or after breakfast to learn how to identify and tap maple trees. Maple syrup will be available to purchase.
Maple Syrup Festival at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center
March 19, 2022
- Address: Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township
- Times: Noon-2 p.m.
- Cost: $5/resident, $7/non-resident, free/ages 2 and under
Learn how trees make sugar and how people through the ages have harvested it. There will be hands-on crafts and an opportunity to taste test our finished product. Maple syrup will be available for families to purchase. Registration required.
This post is updated annually.
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