See how maple syrup goes from tree to table and get involved with the process with these maple syrup events in Minnesota.
Did we even have a winter this year? I’m not really sure, as temperatures are really starting to warm up. The timing on the calendar and the temperatures point to one of Minnesota’s signs of spring. This year, find a day to experience Maple Syrup Season!
If you have not yet experienced this process, it is something you should definitely try. With so many parts to the process, it truly can be a whole family event!
Last year we went to the event at The Pond House in Bloomington and it inspired us to try tapping our own trees at my mom’s house.
It was a success and although we only tapped one tree and didn’t get a huge amount of sap, it was still fun to experience the process on our own and make a bit of of “homemade” syrup.
From pancake breakfasts, to tapping trees, collecting sap, and tasting the syrup – our list of maple syrup events has something for everyone!
When Does Sap Run?
Maple sap runs best when daytime temperatures are in the high 30s to mid-40s and overnight temperatures are below freezing. In Minnesota, sap usually runs from mid-March to mid-April.
How Does Sap turn into Syrup?
Sap is converted to syrup through a boiling process. Most of the water boils out of the sap, leaving behind the sugar and flavor. It usually takes 30-40 gallons of sugar maple sap to produce one gallon of pure maple syrup!
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides information to try tapping trees at home. In addition, they have many events happening throughout the Minnesota State Parks.
We are fortunate that there are so many event opportunities throughout our state. Often times, participants can be a part of the maple syrup process.
Below is a list of events we have found so far. When you find a date that works for you, be sure to check out the event page for more information.
Some of these events are free, while others cost money and require registration. Act soon to register for the event you want to participate in!
If you are aware of additional events, please let us know and we will update the list.
March 2, 2024 – Altura – Whitewater State Park – Maple Syrup Making for the Whole Family
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park’s sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Meet at the the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center. Reservations are required.To sign up, email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301.
March 3, 2024- Eden Prairie- Outdoor Center- Maple Syrup Making
This is the time of the year that maple trees produce sap for making syrup, sugar or candy. Learn the history of maple syruping and sugar. Participants will tap a maple tree to collect sap, see sap boiling in our outdoor evaporator and make a makuk, which is a container for storing small items. Register one family member and bring the entire family. $12/person.
March 9, 2024- Eden Prairie- Outdoor Center- Maple Syrup Making
This is the time of the year that maple trees produce sap for making syrup, sugar or candy. Learn the history of maple syruping and sugar. Participants will tap a maple tree to collect sap, see sap boiling in our outdoor evaporator and make a makuk, which is a container for storing small items. Register one family member and bring the entire family. $12/person.
March 9, 2024- West St Paul- Dodge Nature Center- Maple Syruping
Celebrate the return of spring by observing the process of turning tree sap into syrup. Watch a tree-tapping demonstration, collect sap, visit the evaporator, and sample some delicious maple syrup and sugar! $8/person.
March 9, 2024- Bemidji- Lake Bemidji State Park- Maple Syrup: A Gift From the Trees
Embark on a sweet adventure in our short maple syrup program. Learn the art of tapping trees, collecting sap, and transforming it into the golden elixir we all love. Perfect for beginners, this brief yet educational experience unveils the essence of maple syrup production, leaving you with a delicious appreciation for this time-honored tradition. You will even get a chance to taste this authentic sweet treat!
March 9, 2024 – Altura – Whitewater State Park – Maple Syrup Making for the Whole Family
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park’s sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Meet at the the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center. Reservations are required.To sign up, email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301.
March 9, 2024- Maple Plain- Baker Outdoor Learning Center- Maple Syruping
Spring is in the air! Discover the art of tapping maple trees in the sugar bush and boiling sap into syrup. See if you can tell grocery store syrup from the real stuff. This program is entirely outdoors. Reservations required by two days prior. Everyone attending this program must register and pay. $6/person. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. All equipment will be provided. This program is outdoors; dress for the weather. This time of year can be snowy, muddy or dry!
Wearing layers is recommended: snow pants, gloves/mittens, hat and jacket.
March 9, 2024- Northfield- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park- Making Maple Syrup
The arrival of spring means that it is time for the annual tradition of maple syruping! Discover how sap is transformed into sweet, delicious syrup and find out what you need to make it at your own home. You will have a chance to experience tapping a tree, collecting and boiling sap, and of course sampling finished syrup! This program requires preregistration. Registration deadline is Friday, March 8th at 3 p.m. Contact Andy at 507-384-6145 or andrew.wendt@state.mn.us to sign up. Please specify program date and time when registering. Dress for the weather as the program takes place entirely outdoors. The program is free to attend, but a vehicle permit is required for all motor vehicles entering the park. It is $7 for a day or $35 for a 12 month permit. Permits can be purchased online or at the park office.
March 9, 2024- Lanesboro- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center- Maple Syrup Fest 2024
The snow is melting, the sap is flowing! Join us in Eagle Bluff’s sugar bush to learn about tapping maple trees. Be a part of the entire maple syrup making process, from identifying maple trees to a sap boil-off. Tours will start every half hour between 12-4pm a tasty treat of maple syrup and mini pancakes awaits you after your tour! Think you know your syrup? Take part in our maple syrup taste test! Kids 5 and under are free, youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Pre-registration and walk-in registration both welcomed.
March 10, 2024- Northfield- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park- Making Maple Syrup
The arrival of spring means that it is time for the annual tradition of maple syruping! Discover how sap is transformed into sweet, delicious syrup and find out what you need to make it at your own home. You will have a chance to experience tapping a tree, collecting and boiling sap, and of course sampling finished syrup! This program requires preregistration. Registration deadline is Friday, March 8th at 3 p.m. Contact Andy at 507-384-6145 or andrew.wendt@state.mn.us to sign up. Please specify program date and time when registering. Dress for the weather as the program takes place entirely outdoors. The program is free to attend, but a vehicle permit is required for all motor vehicles entering the park. It is $7 for a day or $35 for a 12 month permit. Permits can be purchased online or at the park office.
March 10, 2024- Maple Plain- Baker Outdoor Learning Center- Maple Syruping
Spring is in the air! Discover the art of tapping maple trees in the sugar bush and boiling sap into syrup. See if you can tell grocery store syrup from the real stuff. This program is entirely outdoors. Reservations required by two days prior. Everyone attending this program must register and pay. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult.
March 15, 2024- Center City- Wild River State Park- Homemade Maple Syrup
Join the Minnesota tradition of maple syruping! Learn to identify a sugar maple tree and tap it to collect the sap. We may see the evaporator in action if there is sap to boil, and we’ll certainly taste some finished syrup from Wild River maples. Attend this free program if you want to make your own syrup at home or just want to see how it’s done. You will need a vehicle during the program to drive to the sugarbush. This program starts at the visitor center. Register for free by contacting Sean at sean.hoppes@state.mn.us or 651-583-2125 x227.
March 15, 2024- West St Paul- Dodge Nature Center- Nature Playdate Syrup Season
Join us for the sweetest time of the year—maple syrup season! Read a syruping story and bring it to life by going on your own tree tapping adventure. Help tap a tree, collect sap, and enjoy sweet samples of maple syrup and sugar. Share your child’s joy in discovering and interacting with nature through outdoor adventures, live animals, and creative play. This is a sensory early childhood experience designed for children ages 2 through Pre-K. All children must be registered ($10/child), but adults do not need to pay. Please come dressed for the weather.
March 16, 2024- White Bear Lake- Tamarack Nature Center- Sap to Syrup
Start times: Noon, 12:20, 12:40, 1, 1:20, 1:40, 2 or 2:30 p.m. All ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. $7 per person. Ticket purchase required prior to event. The start of spring brings the drip of maple sap. Join us as we celebrate the season by tapping maple trees, boiling sap and enjoying maple crafts and treats. The program includes a 45-minute guided tour, followed by self-guided exploration and additional activities.
March 16, 2024- Center City- Wild River State Park- Homemade Maple Syrup
Join the Minnesota tradition of maple syruping! Learn to identify a sugar maple tree and tap it to collect the sap. We may see the evaporator in action if there is sap to boil, and we’ll certainly taste some finished syrup from Wild River maples. Attend this free program if you want to make your own syrup at home or just want to see how it’s done. You will need a vehicle during the program to drive to the sugarbush. This program starts at the visitor center. Register for free by contacting Sean at sean.hoppes@state.mn.us or 651-583-2125 x227.
March 16, 2024 – Altura – Whitewater State Park – Maple Syrup Making for the Whole Family
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park’s sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Meet at the the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center. Reservations are required.To sign up, email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301.
March 16, 2024- Northfield- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park- Making Maple Syrup
The arrival of spring means that it is time for the annual tradition of maple syruping! Discover how sap is transformed into sweet, delicious syrup and find out what you need to make it at your own home. You will have a chance to experience tapping a tree, collecting and boiling sap, and of course sampling finished syrup! This program requires preregistration. Registration deadline is Friday, March 8th at 3 p.m. Contact Andy at 507-384-6145 or andrew.wendt@state.mn.us to sign up. Please specify program date and time when registering. Dress for the weather as the program takes place entirely outdoors. The program is free to attend, but a vehicle permit is required for all motor vehicles entering the park. It is $7 for a day or $35 for a 12 month permit. Permits can be purchased online or at the park office.
March 16, 2024- Hastings- Carpenter Nature Center- Minnesota Campus Maple Syruping
Welcome spring by joining the CNC staff in making maple syrup. Hike to the “sugarbush” to learn about the structure and function of trees, tap maple trees, watch the process of turning sap into syrup, and sample the final product. The program starts indoors, but be ready for spring snow and mud. Program Fee: $8 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC.’
March 16, 2024- Eden Prairie- Outdoor Center- Maple Syrup Making
This is the time of the year that maple trees produce sap for making syrup, sugar or candy. Learn the history of maple syruping and sugar. Participants will tap a maple tree to collect sap, see sap boiling in our outdoor evaporator and make a makuk, which is a container for storing small items. Register one family member and bring the entire family. $12/person.
March 16, 2024- West St Paul- Dodge Nature Center- Maple Syruping
Celebrate the return of spring by observing the process of turning tree sap into syrup. Watch a tree-tapping demonstration, collect sap, visit the evaporator, and sample some delicious maple syrup and sugar! $8/person.
March 16, 2024- Minnetrista- Gale Woods Farm- Maple Syrup Festival
Come out to Gale Woods Farm to tap a tree, collect sap and watch it boil down into delicious maple syrup. Sample Gale Woods syrup’s natural sweetness with pancakes! Drop in anytime. Avoid the lines and register ahead of time. Everyone attending this program must register and pay. $8/person. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. This program is a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Please dress for the weather and to get dirty.
March 17, 2024- Northfield- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park- Making Maple Syrup
The arrival of spring means that it is time for the annual tradition of maple syruping! Discover how sap is transformed into sweet, delicious syrup and find out what you need to make it at your own home. You will have a chance to experience tapping a tree, collecting and boiling sap, and of course sampling finished syrup! This program requires preregistration. Registration deadline is Friday, March 8th at 3 p.m. Contact Andy at 507-384-6145 or andrew.wendt@state.mn.us to sign up. Please specify program date and time when registering. Dress for the weather as the program takes place entirely outdoors. The program is free to attend, but a vehicle permit is required for all motor vehicles entering the park. It is $7 for a day or $35 for a 12 month permit. Permits can be purchased online or at the park office.
March 17, 2024- Maple Plain- Baker Outdoor Learning Center- Maple Syruping
Spring is in the air! Discover the art of tapping maple trees in the sugar bush and boiling sap into syrup. See if you can tell grocery store syrup from the real stuff. This program is entirely outdoors. Reservations required by two days prior. Everyone attending this program must register and pay. $6/person. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. All equipment will be provided. This program is outdoors; dress for the weather. This time of year can be snowy, muddy or dry!
Wearing layers is recommended: snow pants, gloves/mittens, hat and jacket.
March 22, 2024- Center City- Wild River State Park- Homemade Maple Syrup
Join the Minnesota tradition of maple syruping! Learn to identify a sugar maple tree and tap it to collect the sap. We may see the evaporator in action if there is sap to boil, and we’ll certainly taste some finished syrup from Wild River maples. Attend this free program if you want to make your own syrup at home or just want to see how it’s done. You will need a vehicle during the program to drive to the sugarbush. This program starts at the visitor center. Register for free by contacting Sean at sean.hoppes@state.mn.us or 651-583-2125 x227.
March 22, 2024- Victoria- Lowry Nature Center- Maple Syrup Fest
Join us for one of Minnesota’s oldest traditions…the making of maple sugar and syrup. The tradition of maple sugaring goes back hundreds of years. Learn about its beginnings, observe a tree being tapped along with different collection methods and finish up with a stop at the Sugar Shack for a taste of the sweet, liquid gold. Reservations required by 24 hours prior. Everyone attending this program must register and pay. $6/person. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. 20% discount for groups of four or more.
March 23, 2024- Lino Lakes- Wargo Nature Center- Maple Syrup Festival
It’s time to celebrate spring! Learn about the tradition of gathering maple sap and cooking it down to make maple syrup and sugar. We’ll go through the syrup process, make maple crafts, participate in a spring scavenger hunt, and taste some maple-y treats. Fun for the whole family! Pre-registration required.
March 23, 2024 – Altura – Whitewater State Park – Maple Syrup Making for the Whole Family
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park’s sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Meet at the the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center. Reservations are required.To sign up, email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301.
March 23, 2024- Sandstone- Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center- Maple Syrup Day 2024
As winter gives way to spring, the sap starts flowing in the maple trees. That’s maple syrup time — at Osprey Wilds! Come join us for our annual Maple Syrup Day which includes a pancake brunch and hands-on maple syruping program. Enjoy a lovely pancake brunch and learn about the history and process of making maple syrup. Actively participate in all the phases of syrup-making including identifying and tapping maple trees, collecting sap, observing the sap being boiled down into liquid gold maple syrup and tasting the result! Tours last around an hour. Last meals served at 3:30 PM. Tickets are required.
March 23, 2024- Center City- Wild River State Park- Homemade Maple Syrup
Join the Minnesota tradition of maple syruping! Learn to identify a sugar maple tree and tap it to collect the sap. We may see the evaporator in action if there is sap to boil, and we’ll certainly taste some finished syrup from Wild River maples. Attend this free program if you want to make your own syrup at home or just want to see how it’s done. You will need a vehicle during the program to drive to the sugarbush. This program starts at the visitor center. Register for free by contacting Sean at sean.hoppes@state.mn.us or 651-583-2125 x227.
March 23, 2024- White Bear Lake- Tamarack Nature Center- Sap to Syrup
Start times: Noon, 12:20, 12:40, 1, 1:20, 1:40, 2 or 2:30 p.m. All ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. $7 per person. Ticket purchase required prior to event. The start of spring brings the drip of maple sap. Join us as we celebrate the season by tapping maple trees, boiling sap and enjoying maple crafts and treats. The program includes a 45-minute guided tour, followed by self-guided exploration and additional activities.
March 23, 2024- Hastings- Carpenter Nature Center- Minnesota Campus Maple Syruping
Welcome spring by joining the CNC staff in making maple syrup. Hike to the “sugarbush” to learn about the structure and function of trees, tap maple trees, watch the process of turning sap into syrup, and sample the final product. The program starts indoors, but be ready for spring snow and mud. Program Fee: $8 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC.’
March 23, 2024- Roseville- Civic Center Drive- Tapping Time!
Experience the maple syrup process from tree to table! Participate in a variety of hands-on activities and discover a little more about the science and history behind this sweet treat. Free drop-in event; come when you can and stay as long as you like. Maple syrup and treats will be available for purchase. 12-4pm
March 23, 2024- Osseo- Eastman Nature Center- Maple Syrup Festival
Visit the sugar bush, collect fresh sap and explore the history and science of maple syrup. Warm up by a steaming cauldron and watch sap transform into syrup (weather permitting). Taste maple syrup, learn how to make maple sugar and enjoy syrup sundaes. Drop in anytime. Everyone attending this program must register and pay. $6/person. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please wear closed-toe shoes. All equipment will be provided. This program is outdoors; please dress for the weather.
March 23, 2024- Brooklyn Park- Eidem Farm- Maple Syruping at the Farm
Have you ever wondered where the syrup you put on your pancakes comes from? Join Farm staff to experience the process of collecting sap from maple trees and turning it into syrup. After, warm up around a bonfire and enjoy a treat with maple syrup! Everyone attending this program must register and pay. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person
March 23, 2024- Chanhassen- Landscape Arboretum- Maple Fest
Did you know the Arboretum taps more than 350 trees every winter? Learn more about our trees and the maple tapping process at several interpretive stops at Frog Hollow Workshop and the Maple Sugar House including sugar maple tree tapping demos and tree identification. Visitors will watch Arboretum staff cook down the sap to make pure maple syrup. Afterward, warm up in the Eatery (open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.), offering a variety of maple-themed items for purchase. Included in general admission.
March 24, 2024- Bloomington- Wood Lake Nature Center- Maple Syrup Wrap Up
Hike into Wood Lake’s sugar bush and help pull the taps and boil the last of the sap as the syrup season comes to an end. Discover the cultural significance and natural history of this amazing tree as we taste delicious maple treats! $5/person, 50% off for members
Sunday, March 24 1:00-2:30 & 3:00-4:30 pm.
March 24, 2024- Roseville- Civic Center Drive- Tapping Time!
Experience the maple syrup process from tree to table! Participate in a variety of hands-on activities and discover a little more about the science and history behind this sweet treat. Free drop-in event; come when you can and stay as long as you like. Maple syrup and treats will be available for purchase. 12-4pm
March 24, 2024- Maple Plain- Baker Outdoor Learning Center- Maple Syruping
Spring is in the air! Discover the art of tapping maple trees in the sugar bush and boiling sap into syrup. See if you can tell grocery store syrup from the real stuff. This program is entirely outdoors. Reservations required by two days prior. Everyone attending this program must register and pay. $6/person. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. All equipment will be provided. This program is outdoors; dress for the weather. This time of year can be snowy, muddy or dry!
Wearing layers is recommended: snow pants, gloves/mittens, hat and jacket.
March 29, 2024- Center City- Wild River State Park- Homemade Maple Syrup
Join the Minnesota tradition of maple syruping! Learn to identify a sugar maple tree and tap it to collect the sap. We may see the evaporator in action if there is sap to boil, and we’ll certainly taste some finished syrup from Wild River maples. Attend this free program if you want to make your own syrup at home or just want to see how it’s done. You will need a vehicle during the program to drive to the sugarbush. This program starts at the visitor center. Register for free by contacting Sean at sean.hoppes@state.mn.us or 651-583-2125 x227.
March 30, 2024- Center City- Wild River State Park- Homemade Maple Syrup
Join the Minnesota tradition of maple syruping! Learn to identify a sugar maple tree and tap it to collect the sap. We may see the evaporator in action if there is sap to boil, and we’ll certainly taste some finished syrup from Wild River maples. Attend this free program if you want to make your own syrup at home or just want to see how it’s done. You will need a vehicle during the program to drive to the sugarbush. This program starts at the visitor center. Register for free by contacting Sean at sean.hoppes@state.mn.us or 651-583-2125 x227.
March 30, 2024- St. Paul- Fort Snelling State Park- Maple Syrup
Join us for our annual “Maple Syruping in Your Backyard” workshop. Learn how you can make your own sweet maple syrup from you own trees. Find out what equipment is required, how to tap trees, how to process sap into syrup, and the best part – tasting the syrup. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Registration deadline by 12:00pm Friday, March 29.
March 31, 2024- St. Paul- Fort Snelling State Park- Maple Syrup
Join us for our annual “Maple Syruping in Your Backyard” workshop. Learn how you can make your own sweet maple syrup from you own trees. Find out what equipment is required, how to tap trees, how to process sap into syrup, and the best part – tasting the syrup. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Registration deadline by 12:00pm Saturday, March 30.
April 2, 2024- Norwood Young America- Baylor Regional Park- Family Maple Syrup Tour
Experience a true northern tradition through tour and taste! Our informational walking tour through Baylor Regional Park’s maple forest provides an in-depth history of this seasonal tradition. Experience the entire maple syruping process from tapping the tree to boiling down the syrup. Participants even get to take home a little extra! Ages 2 and under are free. Participants will go on a 1 mile walk to/from the woods.
April 6, 2024- Brainerd- Clayhill Farm- Maple Syrup Farm Tour
Come out to Clayhill Farm & Forest to learn all about maple syruping! During this outdoor experience and tour you will trek the forest and tap a maple tree, learn how sap is boiled down, and taste test with pancakes! Space is limited so sign up today! Pre- Registration Required! $10 Adult, $5 Children
April 6- Norwood Young America- Baylor Regional Park- Maple Syrup Festival
Tap into the fun and join us at Baylor Regional Park for a sweet time! Experience the entire maple syruping process, from tapping the tree to boiling down the syrup and learn about its ties to Minnesota history. Then taste test the final product with our delicious Maple Syrup Brunch including pancakes, bacon, oatmeal, coffee, and ice cream! Children 2 and under are free. To allow time to experience all the activities, we recommend arriving by 12:00pm.
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Kim has worked in the field of Education prior to staying home to spend more time with her three children. She enjoys hunting for deals, especially on everyday items and family outings.
Kim has grown up and continues to live in Central Minnesota. She enjoys being active outdoors, gardening, attending sporting events, and spending time with her family.
Antoinette M says
I’ve never been to an event like this. Sounds very interesting!