March not only makes us think about spring, but it’s also known as the sweet maple syrup season. Did you know that it takes 30 to 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup?
Learn more about this valuable commodity (and taste!) at these family fun events, many hosted by Chicagoland nature centers. Read some of our picks below and find the most updated list on our calendar.
Sap’s Rising at River Trail Nature Center
Feb. 25-26, 2023
- Address: 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
- Cost: Free
Walk in the sugar maple forest at River Trail Nature Center to learn about the sweet process of maple syrup making. Registration required.
Maple Sugaring at Kline Creek Farm
March 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2023
- Address: 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
- Cost: $5/person
Using tools from the 1890s, experts demonstrate how to tap a tree, check collection buckets and thicken sap over the fire. For ages 3 and up. No registration required.
Maple Syrup Harvest at The Preserve of Highland Park
March 4, 2023
- Address: 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
- Cost: $12
Hear how maple syrup was discovered and made. For ages 6 and up. There are two different sessions to choose from. Registration required.
Maple Syrup Hike at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
March 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 2023
- Address: 21950 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield
- Cost: $6/ages 4-plus, free/under 3
Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Everyone gets a taste of the syrup. Dress for the weather. Registration required.
Maple Fest at Red Oak Nature Center
March 18-19, 2023
- Address: 2343 S. River St., Batavia
- Cost: $5
Enjoy a short presentation on maple trees before heading out into the woods for a short hike to learn how people through the years have tapped maple trees and collected the delicious treat.
Sugar Bush Fair at Merkle Cabin at Spring Valley
March 18-19, 2023
- Address: 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
- Cost: Free admission; Pancake breakfast: $6.50/advanced registrants, $8/at the door (if available)
Fill your plates with pancakes and sausage and learn about the longtime practice of making maple syrup. A limited number of breakfasts will be served each morning. Pre-registration is recommended because the event sells out fast.
Maple Syrup Festival at River Trail Nature Center
March 19, 2023
- Address: 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the arrival of spring with tree tapping, maple syrup history, crafts, games and more.
Maple Tree Festival at North Park Village Nature Center Park
March 19, 2023
- Address: 5801 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Participate in activities and observe (and taste) the maple syrup process at this maple sugaring event.
Self-Guided Maple Syruping at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
March 20-31, 2023
- Address: 21950 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield
- Cost: Free
Hike along the self-guided trail to learn the science behind how trees make sap and how it’s turned into real maple syrup. There are informational signs placed along the trail. No registration is required.
Spring Break Syruping at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
March 28, 2023
- Address: 21950 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield
- Cost: $6/ages 4-plus, free/under 3
Enjoy a weekday Maple Syrup Hike to learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. You’ll receive a taste afterwards. Registration required.
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