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!
Metro Detroit offers 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.
Journey to the Sugar Bush at Hudson Mills Metropark
Feb. 24-25; March 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, 2024
- Address: 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
- Cost: $5/adult, $3/child, free/under 2; $10/vehicle entry
This program will show you the history behind the area’s maple syrup-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. Order pancakes to go ahead of time. Registration required.
Maple’s Sweet Story at Kensington Metropark
Feb. 25; March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30, 2024
- Address: 4570 Huron River Road, Milford
- Cost: $5/adult, $3/child, free/under 2; $10/vehicle entry
Take a guided walk out to the sugar bush to learn how to pick the perfect maple tree to tap. Then watch how the trees are tapped and visit the sugar shack to see the sap being turned into syrup. Real maple sugar products will be available for purchase. Registration is required.
Making Maple Syrup Tours at Maybury Farm
March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30, 2024
- Address: 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville
- Cost: $11/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. Purchase tickets in person.
Maple Sugaring Through the Ages at Oakwoods Metropark
March 2 and 9, 2024
- Address: 32911 Willow Road, New Boston
- Cost: $6/adult, $4/child, free/under 2; $10/vehicle entry
Cold temps won’t stop this event. Learn how maple sap is collected and melted down to make delicious maple syrup. Find out how maple trees helped early Americans. This event is for all ages. Registration required.
Maple Sweetness at Wolcott Mill Metropark
March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24, 2024
- Address: 63841 Wolcott Road, Romeo
- Cost: $5/adult, $3/child, free/under 2; $10/vehicle entry
Families can visit the wood-fired evaporator and discover how to turn sap into syrup. Venture out into the sugar bush on a self-guided nature hike. Registration is not required.
Wayne County Parks Maple Sugaring at Cass Benton Park
March 2, 2024
- Address: 18951 Northville Road, Northville
- Cost: $5/person
Learn the history of maple sugaring and observe the process of syrup production at this event. Make sure to dress warmly and wear good trail shoes because this program is entirely outdoors. For ages 5-plus. Not stroller-friendly. Pre-registration required.
Maplefest 2024 at MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
March 9, 2024
- Address: 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi
- Cost: $17/person, free/ages 2 and under
Enjoy a wagon ride out to the Sugar Bush where you will learn maple tapping, taste test maple sap and syrup, tour the sugar shack and explore fun maple-themed activities. All-you-can eat pancakes with sausage and pure maple syrup will be served. Make sure to dress for the weather. Pre-registration required.
Old-Time Maple Sugar Festival at the Eddy Discovery Center
March 9, 2024
- Address: 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea
- Cost: Free
Families can take a guided walk to see various methods of collecting sap and learn how to boil it down to make syrup. No registration needed.
Pancake Breakfast at the Farm at Wolcott Mill Metropark
March 30, 2024
- Address: 63841 Wolcott Road, Romeo
- Cost: $8/person, free/under 2; $10/vehicle entry
Celebrate maple syrup season with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the farm. Take a wagon ride to the sugar bush before or after breakfast to discover how sap is turned into syrup. Real maple syrup will be available for purchase to take home. This event is for all ages. Registration required.
This post is updated annually.
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