By 1812Blockhouse
As winter gives way to spring, Ohioans eagerly anticipate one of the state’s most beloved traditions—maple syrup season! This March, four Ohio state parks will host maple syrup festivals, inviting visitors to experience the age-old craft of sugaring while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities and delicious maple treats.
“There’s something truly special about witnessing the process of making maple syrup firsthand,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “These festivals bring together nature, history, and community, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.”
Malabar Farm State Park: 48th Annual Maple Syrup Festival
📅 Dates: Saturday, March 1 | Sunday, March 2 | Saturday, March 8 | Sunday, March 9
🕛 Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Experience Ohio’s maple sugaring heritage at Malabar Farm State Park, home to the state’s longest-running maple syrup festival. Visitors can watch both historic and modern syrup-making techniques in action while taking in the rustic charm of this historic farm.
Festival Highlights:
- Live syrup-making demonstrations
- Horse-drawn wagon rides through the scenic farm
- Local food vendors and delicious maple treats for sale
- Self-guided tours of the “Big House”, the former home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield
📍 Location: Malabar Farm State Park, a short drive from Mansfield
Hocking Hills State Park: Maple Sugaring in the Hills
📅 Dates: Saturday, March 8 | Sunday, March 9
🕛 Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Tucked within the breathtaking landscape of Hocking Hills, this festival takes visitors behind the scenes of the maple sugaring process. Guests can stop by the naturalist cabin behind Old Man’s Cave visitor center to learn how sap is transformed into syrup.
What to Expect:
- Live demonstrations of the sugaring process
- Insight into Ohio’s maple sugaring history
- Local maple syrup available for purchase
📍 Location: Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center, Hocking Hills State Park.
Hueston Woods State Park: 58th Annual Maple Syrup Festival
📅 Dates: Saturday, March 1 | Sunday, March 2 | Saturday, March 8 | Sunday, March 9
🕛 Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Step into the 200-acre “Big Woods” and take part in this time-honored tradition at Hueston Woods State Park. The festival offers a scenic hayride leading to a guided hike, where visitors will explore the science and tradition of syrup making.
Festival Highlights:
- Hayrides and guided hikes through the Big Woods
- Live syrup-making demonstrations
- Local maple syrup and refreshments for sale
- Breakfast Buffet at Hueston Woods Lodge
- ⏰ 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 💲 $10 for adults | $8 for children 10 and under
🚧 Travel Advisory: Two bridges are under construction near the park. Plan ahead and follow detour signs when arriving.
📍 Location: Hueston Woods State Park, near Oxford
Indian Lake State Park: Maple Syrup Festival
📅 Dates: Saturday, March 15 | Sunday, March 16
🕛 Time: Saturday (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.) | Sunday (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
At Indian Lake State Park, visitors can witness live syrup-making demonstrations and enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast featuring pure maple syrup. Hosted by the Indian Lake Development Corporation, this event is perfect for families looking to enjoy a hearty meal and a sweet experience.
Admission & Pricing:
- Festival Entry: Free
- Breakfast: 💲 $8 for adults | $4 for children
📍 Location: Indian Lake State Park, northwest of Columbus
A Taste of Ohio’s Heritage
All four maple syrup festivals are free and open to the public, though visitors are encouraged to bring cash to support local vendors and take home fresh Ohio-made maple syrup.
Whether you’re looking to explore Ohio’s rich maple sugaring history, take in scenic hikes, or indulge in homemade treats, these festivals offer a unique blend of nature, tradition, and delicious flavors.
Plan Your Visit:
✅ Dress warmly—Ohio’s early spring weather can be unpredictable.
✅ Arrive early to enjoy breakfast buffets and guided hikes.
✅ Bring cash to purchase local syrup and other sweet treats.
✅ Engage with experts—ask questions and learn about Ohio’s sugaring legacy!
Join Ohio State Parks this March and celebrate one of the sweetest traditions in the Buckeye State! 🍁🥞
Source: ODNR; Image by u_k2zoyqpmn7 from Pixabay
Be sure to turn on the sound!
