Join in at Maple Sugaring Weekends at Lake Metroparks Farmpark for a sweet and educational adventure! Take a wagon ride to the Woodland Center to learn all about maple sugaring. Witness the fascinating process of collecting sap from maple trees using both traditional and modern methods. Then watch how the sap is boiled and processed into pure syrup and candy. Kids can even tap a tree!

"It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of syrup," explains Andy McGovern, Farmpark event manager. "Sap is obtained in a brief window between winter and spring, as it runs out of the maple trees when the temperature is around 40 degrees following a night when the temperature drops below freezing."

Venture out to the woods to explore the sugarbush on a guided hike, where you'll collect sap from maple trees and pour it into a horse-drawn sled. Discover how to make maple syrup at home and see the fascinating process of collecting sap through a vacuum tubing system.

Get a taste of the sweetest treat nature has to offer! Sample fresh maple syrup, candy and maple stirs. Farmpark’s own pure maple syrup and maple candy will be available for sale (while supplies last) in both the Woodland Center and gift shop.

Bring the maple sugaring process full circle from tap to table and enjoy a pancake breakfast served throughout the event in the cafe (additional fee).

Maple Sugaring Weekends take place March 2 & 3 and 9 & 10. Farmpark admission applies. Farmpark members, children younger than two and active military and their families receive free admission.

For an event schedule visit goto.lakemetroparks.com/maplesugaring.