Did you know that March is Maple Sugaring Month? Yes, that deliciously sweet pancake topping has an entire month dedicated to helping people learn more about exactly how it’s made. And, your local Huron-Clinton Metroparks are ready to provide an inside look!
From maple tree to the breakfast table, it’s quite an interesting process when it comes to Maple Sugaring. Whether you’re in the mood to learn more, to eat, or both . . . Huron-Clinton Metroparks have exactly the program you’re looking for all this month and next!
Read on to learn more about Maple Sugaring and what your local Huron-Clinton Metroparks have planned to spread the word about this sweet, sweet syrup!
March is Maple Sugaring Month. What exactly is Maple Sugaring?
Maple Sugaring season at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks is all about learning and appreciating the process of how the tasty sugary syrup we know and love comes to be–from inside a maple tree to atop a warm stack of pancakes. During this sweet season, the Metroparks celebrate by hosting a variety of Maple Sugaring programs across their locations.
Which of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks will be offering programs and activities for maple sugaring?
We’re so excited to be offering programs and activities at Hudson Mills, Indian Springs, Kensington, Oakwoods, and Wolcott Mill Metroparks!
What ages do you recommend for the different programs?
Many of our Maple Sugaring programs are open to all ages! Some programs, like our homeschooling programs, are open to specific ranges of school-age children. A full list of age limits per program is below.
For parents that want to try out something new for themselves, there is the Introductory Homesteading for Adults program. For parents with babies and toddlers, keep in mind that some programs like Maple Sweetness, Maple’s Sweet Story, and Maple Sugaring Through the Ages take place along more rustic trails where the use of strollers is not feasible. Most programs result in about a 0.25 mile or less hike, so not too long of a distance for younger children and toddlers.
Here are the recommended ages for each of our programs and activities:
For All Ages
- Journey to Sugarbush
- Maple Sugaring Through the Ages
- Maple Sweetness
- Maple’s Sweet Story
- Pancake Breakfast at the Farm
Recommended for Ages 2-6 (and their parent(s))
- Fun on the Farm
Recommended for Ages 9+
- Advanced Homeschool Explorations: 10-16
- Homeschool Arts & Sciences: 9-18
- Introductory Homesteading for Adults: 18+
What about my toddler or baby–can they come too?
We have a variety of programs and activities that are perfect for the littlest members of your family (see above under “For All Ages”).
In the event of inclement weather, is there a backup plan?
If programs are canceled due to inclement weather, you will be contacted and refunded for the program. There are no rain dates, but many programs do have additional dates that if spots are still available for them, you could register for those instead.
Do I need to pay extra to attend the Maple Sugaring programs?
Most programs do require an additional fee either for purchasing items (like Pancakes to Go) or registration fees. Maple Sweetness is free for all ages and the self-guided maple sugaring hikes at Hudson Mills, Kensington, Oakwoods, and Wolcott Mill Metroparks are free as well!
What should I know about obtaining an annual pass to the parks?
An annual or daily pass is required to enter all Metroparks. Daily passes are $10 per vehicle and can be purchased at park tollbooths or park offices. Annual passes are $40 for 5-county residents (Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne) and can be purchased online, at tollbooths, or in park offices.
An annual pass grants you access to all 13 Metroparks properties all of 2025!
Plan Your Maple Sugaring Family Outings!
Ready to learn more about Maple Sugaring? Here are the dates of everything we have planned. You’re sure to find something to add to your calendar!
Hudson Mills Metropark
- Journey to the Sugarbush | Feb 22 + 23; March 1, 2, 8, 9
- Pancakes to Go | February 22 + 23; March 1 + 2
Indian Springs Metropark
- Advanced Homeschool Explorations: Maple Lab | March 20
Kensington Metropark
- Fun on the Farm: Maple Sugaring | April 3
- Maple’s Sweet Story | February 15, 16, 22, 23; March 1, 2, 8, 9
- Pancakes to Go | February 15, 16, 22, 23; March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16
Oakwoods Metropark
- Maple Sugaring Through the Ages | February 22 + March 1
Wolcott Mill Metropark
- Maple Sweetness | March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23
- Pancake Breakfast at the Farm | March 29
- Homeschool Arts & Sciences: Maple Sugaring | March 13
- Intro Homesteading for Adults | March 12
Whether you want to learn more, enjoy a meal with family, or both, your Huron-Clinton Metroparks and ready and waiting to celebrate Maple Sugaring Month with you and your fam!
