As late winter gives way to early spring, that can only mean one thing: Maple sugaring season is here!
There are many interactive, hands-on maple sugaring events that are perfect for kids and families and happening this weekend:
Maple Sugar Time! (Schlitz Audubon Nature Center)
Saturday, March 18, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.
Admission: Members $10; Non-Members $15
Hike through Schlitz Audubon’s trails and learn how maple sap turns into syrup, how to identify a maple tree, and practice tapping a log with a hand drill. Before you leave, enjoy a delicious treat. Upon check-in, all participants will receive a wristband and a map via QR code. This program will take place both indoors and outdoors. Arrive anytime from the start of the program to one hour before the program ends.
Maple Sugarin’ Festival (Riveredge Nature Center)
Saturday, March 18, 2023, Noon-4 p.m.
Admission: $3 (Children Under 2 FREE)
At the annual Maple Sugarin’ Festival, you can take a half-mile hike through the forest, where you’ll trade nature items for maple candies, collect wood cookies with a maple brand from a blacksmith, and complete a sappy scavenger hunt. Learn how sap is made into golden, sweet maple syrup, and enjoy live music and maple-themed refreshments at the Sugarbush House. New this year is the Maple Sugaring’ Adventure Challenge, where you can tree climb among the maple trees ($5, Ages 7+).
Maple Sugaring at Hawthorn Glen
Saturday, March 18, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.
Admission: $5 City of Milwaukee residents ($8 non-residents)
Explore Hawthorn Glen in search of Wisconsin’s state tree, the sugar maple. Learn how to identify and tap a maple for sap (to boil into syrup), and the traditional and modern way to create this valuable liquid food that once sustained the Native Americans. For ages 5+.
Maple Sugar Days (Wehr Nature Center)
March 18-19, 2023, Noon-4 p.m.
Admission: $10, (Children 2 and Under FREE; $5 per car parking fee for non-members)
This program includes a short walk to the sugarbush, a visit to an old-time sugaring’ camp, a build down demonstration, and stories about the Native American origins of maple sugaring. Everyone will receive a warm pancake with real Wisconsin maple syrup to enjoy, and other maple treats and DIY tapping equipment will be for sale. Hikes begin at noon and will run every 20 minutes.