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?
Journey to the Sugar Bush at Hudson Mills Metropark
Feb. 25-26, March 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 2023
- 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. Pre-order pancakes to go ahead of time. Pre-registration required.
Maple’s Sweet Story at Kensington Metropark
Feb. 26, March 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2023
- 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. Pre-registration is required.
Maple Sugaring at Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center
March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023
- Address: 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township
- Cost: $5/adult, $3/child, free/ages 2 and under; $10/vehicle entry
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. Pre-registration required.
Maple Sugaring Through the Ages at Oakwoods Metropark
March 4, 11, 2023
- 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. Plus, find out how maple trees helped early Americans. For all ages. Pre-registration required.
Maple Sweetness at Wolcott Mill Metropark
March 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 2023
- Address: 63841 Wolcott Road, Romeo
- Cost: Free; $10/vehicle entry
Families can visit the wood-fired evaporator and discover how to turn sap into syrup. Venture out into the sugarbush on a self-guided nature hike. Pre-registration is not required.
Making Maple Syrup Tours at Maybury Farm
March 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, April 1-2, 2023
- Address: 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville
- 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. Purchase tickets in person.
Maple Sweetness Pancake Breakfast at Wolcott Mill Metropark
March 25-26, 2023
- Address: 63841 Wolcott Road, Romeo
- Cost: $6/child, $8/adult, free/under 2; $10/vehicle entry
Celebrate maple syrup season with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast served by Chris Cakes. Breakfast will be served outside, so dress for the weather. For all ages. Pre-registration required.
This post is updated annually.
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