Ready to end winter on a sweet note?
Maple Syrup around the state is about to spring to life. All around central Ohio, you’ll find various farms hosting Maple tours and festivals, encouraging visitors to get up close and personal with the process of turning sap into syrup.
Most of the festivals are free or included with your admission. there are plenty of places to learn how historical figures once harvested this invaluable resource.
Maple Sugar Celebration
Where: Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Road
Delaware, OH 43015
When: February 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
About: Stratford for a self-guided exploration to celebrate this special time of year. From farm to forest discover the early signs of spring. Celebrate the maple sugar season as you walk the Storybook Trail out to the Sugar Shack where you’ll learn how to tap a tree, taste maple sap and syrup, observe the cooking process, and more.
Website: Stratford Ecological Center
Maple Time
When: Slate Run Metro Park
Where: February 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
About: Join Metro Parks down at Slate Run Metro Park for their maple syrup festival! Visitors will learn how to tap trees, boil sap, and more. You’ll also get a chance to taste some of the fruits of your labor since there’s a syrup tasting!
Website: Facebook
Maple Syrup Day at Dawes Arboretum
Where: 7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH 43056
When: February 22 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
About: Take a guided walk along our Maple Syrup Trail to discover the many ways syrup has been made throughout history, peek inside the Log Cabin for a taste of this all-natural treat, and enjoy maple syrup activities for all ages!
Website: Dawes Arboretum
Jeffrey Woods Festival
Where: Clifton Shelter House at Jeffrey Park, 165 N Parkview Ave, Bexley, OH 43209
When: March 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
About: Bexley is inviting visitors to celebrate the Bexley Arboretum at the Jeffrey Woods Festival. Here, visitors will learn about the process of turning maple sap into maple syrup. In addition to all things syrup, the festival on March 7 will also feature a Wood Chop Shop, where participants will help process trees removed by arborists.
Website: Jeffrey Woods Festival
Malabar Farm Maple Syrup Festival
Where: Malabar Farm, 4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843
When: March 7-8 and 14-15 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
About: Head up to Malabar Farm to experience the sugar camp at Malabar Farm. Here visitors will find live historical demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, food, and delightful maple products you can buy. This event is free to attend.
Website: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Maple Sugaring in the Hills
When: March 14-15 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center, Hocking Hills State Park
About: Head down to the Naturalist Cabin located behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center to savor the taste of the season: maple syrup. You can learn all about the various ways maple syrup has been made throughout history, as well as take a guided hike. The event is family-friendly and free to attend.
Website: Maple Sugaring in the Hills
