Maple Syrup Events in Minnesota

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 “real” winter this year? I’m not really sure, as temperatures are really starting to warm up and most of the state doesn’t have much snow on the ground. 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 in Minnesota?

If you’re eager to tap maple trees for their sweet sap, timing is everything! In Minnesota, the sap season typically runs from late February to early April, but the exact timing depends on the weather.

Sap begins to flow when temperatures follow a freeze-thaw cycle – meaning the nights drop below freezing (32°F) and the days warm up above 40°F. This temperature swing creates pressure inside the tree, allowing the sap to move up from the roots.

How Does Sap Turn Into Syrup?

Once collected, sap is filtered to remove debris, then boiled to evaporate excess water and concentrate its natural sugars. When it reaches 219°F, it thickens into syrup. After a final filtering, the syrup is bottled and stored. Since it takes about 40 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup, the process is time-consuming but rewarding!

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.

2025 Minnesota Maple Syrup Events

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 1 – 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! Registration is required.

March 2 – Bloomington – Richardson Nature Center- Maple Syruping

Learn about the maple syrup process from start to finish at this informal demonstration. Explore different tools used to collect, hold and boil sap into sweet syrup. Ask questions, learn how to identify a maple tree and sample real maple syrup. Use your newfound knowledge to tap a tree at your own home. Syruping kits are available for purchase during the program. No reservation needed; drop in anytime.

March 2 – 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. $6/person.

March 2 – St. Paul- Fort Snelling State Park- Maple Syruping In Your Backyard

come join the naturalist for this “Maple Syruping in Your Backyard” workshop. Learn how you can make your own sweet maple syrup from you own trees. Find out what equipment are required, how to tap trees, and turn those clear saps into sweet syrup. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

March 8 – 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! Registration is required.

March 8 – 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/family.

March 8 – Lanesboro – Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center – Maple Syrup Fest

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 with a tasty treat of maple syrup and mini pancakes after your tour! Think you know your syrup? Take part in a 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 $10 ticket. Pre-registration and walk-in registration both welcomed.

March 8 – Minnetrista – Gale Woods Farm – Maple Syrup 101

Minnesota has a long tradition of harvesting maple sap to produce sugar and syrup. Learn how the Dakota and Ojibwa have been harvesting maple sugar long before Europeans arrived. Tap trees, gather and boil sap, and see how to turn sap to syrup and even to sugar. Participants will leave with two bags, two bag holders (used) and two spiles to tap trees at home. Reservations required by 24 hours prior. $35

March 9 – Prior Lake – Cleary Lake Regional Park – Maple Sugaring

Join a historical interpreter for a hands-on maple sugaring experience. Hike to the sugarbush and discover the cultural significance of this winter-end activity. Tap a tree, gather the sap and learn how to transform it into real maple syrup and sugar. Enjoy a sample of the sweet rewards of your labors. Reservations required by four days prior. $6/person

March 9 – Bloomington – Richardson Nature Center – Maple Syruping

Learn about the maple syrup process from start to finish at this informal demonstration. Explore different tools used to collect, hold and boil sap into sweet syrup. Ask questions, learn how to identify a maple tree and sample real maple syrup. Use your newfound knowledge to tap a tree at your own home. Syruping kits are available for purchase during the program. No reservation needed; drop in anytime.

March 9 – 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 9 – 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. $6/person.

March 15 – Bloomington – The Pond House – Maple Sugaring

Early Minnesota settlers collected maple sap to make syrup and sugar. Now you can experience maple sugaring during this free event! Learn about choosing trees to tap, collecting the sap, and boiling it down to make syrup. Then watch syrup transform into maple sugar over the fire in the Pond House fireplace. No registration required.

March 15 – 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 sample finished syrup! This program requires preregistration at least 2 days prior to the event. 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.

March 15 – 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 15 – White Bear Lake – Tamarack Nature Center – Sap to Syrup

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. Start times are staggered from 11:30am to 4 pm. All ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. $7.50 per person. Ticket purchase required prior to event.

March 16 – 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/family.

March 16 – 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. $6/person.

March 16 – 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 sample finished syrup! This program requires preregistration at least 2 days prior to the event. 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.

March 16 – Dayton – Eastman Nature Center – Maple Syrup Sap Collecting

Step into spring and the maple syrup season by helping to collect sap from our maple trees. Visit the boiling cauldron and learn how sap becomes syrup! Free.

March 16 – Prior Lake – Cleary Lake Regional Park – Maple Sugaring

Join a historical interpreter for a hands-on maple sugaring experience. Hike to the sugarbush and discover the cultural significance of this winter-end activity. Tap a tree, gather the sap and learn how to transform it into real maple syrup and sugar. Enjoy a sample of the sweet rewards of your labors. Reservations required by four days prior. $6/person

March 16 – St. Paul – Fort Snelling State Park – Maple Syruping In Your Backyard

Come join the naturalist for this “Maple Syruping in Your Backyard” workshop. Learn how you can make your own sweet maple syrup from you own trees. Find out what equipment are required, how to tap trees, and turn those clear saps into sweet syrup. Pre-registration is required.

March 20 – 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 22 – 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! Registration is required.

March 22 – Bemidji – Lake Bemidji State Park – Maple Syrup: A Gift From the Trees

Step into the forest and learn how maple trees are tapped, what tools you need, the age-old cultural traditions and more. Discover the history, science and delicious rewards of making maple syrup. Perfect for all ages, the program will start in the Visitor Center and head outside to learn more about maple trees and see a demonstration of tapping. Afterwards, head back to the Visitor Center and play a tasty guessing game.

March 22 – 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, enjoy a treat with maple syrup! $8/person.

March 22 – Brooklyn Park – Zane Sports Park – Tap Into Spring: The Magic of Maple Syrup

Have you ever wondered where the syrup you put on your pancakes comes from? Join Historic Eidem Farm staff to experience the process of collecting sap from maple trees and turning it into syrup! After warmup around the bonfire and enjoy a treat with maple syrup! $8/person.

(Please note: There are two similar events held in Brooklyn Park on the same day with Eidem Farm staff. One is at Eidem Farm in the morning, one is at Zane Sports Park in the afternoon.)

March 22 – 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. Register in advance.

March 22 – 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. Included in general admission of $15 members, $25 non-member adults and $5 children 3-10. Afterward, indulge in a delicious pancake breakfast (pancake tickets sold separately).

March 22 – 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 22 – 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 22 – 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 sample finished syrup! This program requires preregistration at least 2 days prior to the event. 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.

March 22 – 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. 

March 22 – Sandstone – Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center – Maple Syrup Day

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. See web site for costs.

March 22 – 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. $6/person. 20% discount for groups of four or more.

March 22 – White Bear Lake – Tamarack Nature Center – Sap to Syrup

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. Start times are staggered from 11:30am to 4 pm. All ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. $7.50 per person. Ticket purchase required prior to event.

March 23 – Dayton – Eastman Nature Center- Maple Syrup Sap Collecting

Step into spring and the maple syrup season by helping to collect sap from our maple trees. Visit the boiling cauldron and learn how sap becomes syrup! Free.

March 23 – 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/family.

March 23 – 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. $6/person.

March 23 – 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 sample finished syrup! This program requires preregistration at least 2 days prior to the event. 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.

March 23 – 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. 

March 23 – St. Joseph – Wildwood Ranch Maple Syrup Tours

The hour long tours beginsat the Sugar Shack and include a short walk to the maple forest to see both traditional and modern ways of collecting maple sap with buckets and vacuum pipelines. In the sugar house, the tour will demonstrate how processing equipment like reverse osmosis machines and evaporators are used to convert sap from the trees into syrup. Registration is required for this free event.

March 25 – 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! $10/person. Ages 2 and under are free. Participants will go on a 1 mile walk to/from the woods.

March 28, 29, 30 – Lake Elmo – Salla Manzara Interpretive Nature Center Maple Syrup Demo

There’s sap to boil down and they’ll be doing it at the center this weekend. Ever been curious about making maple syrup? Stop by during regular hours when Paul Red Elk, and other volunteers, will be boiling down syrup. See how it’s done, ask questions and take notes for next year! 

March 29 – 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

March 29 – Center City – Wild River State Park – Homemade Maple Syrup (FULL)

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. Register in advance.

March 29 – Grand Rapids – Maple, Music, & Phenology

See demonstrations that show how trees are tapped, learn what maple sap tastes like, and discover how to boil the sap to turn it into syrup. While the boil is happening, partake of music around the fire! Hear tunes from the past and even join in. Visitors of all musical abilities are welcome – bring your own instrument! While you’re waiting for the sap to boil, you can join a guided nature hike with skilled naturalists and also see draft horses in action. Regular site admission fees apply: $12 adults, $8 kids, under 4 free.

March 29 – Northfield – Nerstrand Big Woods State Park – Making Maple Syrup (FULL)

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 sample finished syrup! This program requires preregistration at least 2 days prior to the event. 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.

March 29 – St. Paul – Fort Snelling State Park – Maple Syruping In Your Backyard (FULL)

Come join the naturalist for this “Maple Syruping in Your Backyard” workshop. Learn how you can make your own sweet maple syrup from you own trees. Find out what equipment are required, how to tap trees, and turn those clear saps into sweet syrup. Pre-registration is required.

March 30 – Henderson – Ney Nature Center – Maple Syrup Sap to Sugar

Join an immersive tour of Ney Nature Center’s maple syrup operation, where you’ll discover the journey from tree to table! This experience takes you through the syrup process to learn about traditional and modern maple syrup and sugaring methods, as well as the science behind it all. To conclude, indulge in a tasting session and see if you can guess which syrup is ours and which is store-bought. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the process—and enjoy some delicious maple syrup! $5 members and $7 non-members.

March 30 – St. Paul – Fort Snelling State Park – Maple Syruping In Your Backyard (FULL)

Come join the naturalist for this “Maple Syruping in Your Backyard” workshop. Learn how you can make your own sweet maple syrup from you own trees. Find out what equipment are required, how to tap trees, and turn those clear saps into sweet syrup. Pre-registration is required.

April 12 – 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. Register in advance.