Maple Syrup: A Sign of Spring

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Dina Miller

In Indiana’s Cool North the tapping of maple trees means that spring is right around the corner!  During this peak season, nights bring freezing temperatures while the days are sunny, providing optimal conditions for tapping. The sugar shack boils the 40 gallons of sap it takes to produce just 1 gallon of maple syrup.  Experience the process yourself at a number of festivals and events in the region celebrating this time honored tradition.

Maple Sugar Time

March 9-10, 2024, Indiana Dunes National Park, Chelberg Farm

Indulge in the sweet flavors of spring at the annual Maple Sugar Time festival hosted by Indiana Dunes National Park. At the historic Chellberg Farm, visitors can enjoy self-guided tours and participate in maple sugaring activities from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10. Regular national park fees will be in effect.

Maple Syrup Time

March 9, 10, 16 & 17, 2024; Deep River County Park, Hobart

Maple Syrup Time at Deep River County Park is a chance to witness this special time of year as the buckets, spiles, drills, and tubing are toted around to tap the trees and gather the sap. Visit the Sugar Shack where the sap is boiled down to the sweet syrup, and you can grab your sample.

Sugar Camp Days

March 16-17, 2024; Bendix Woods County Park, New Carlisle

Come celebrate the arrival of spring with us at Sugar Camp Days! Witness the transformation of sap into syrup, savor a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast, explore the Sugar Bush on a guided tour, indulge in homemade baked goods featuring pure maple syrup, sample a maple hot dog, engage in fun kids’ crafts, and discover so much more!

Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival

April 26-28, 2024; Downtown Wakarusa

As a cherished spring tradition, Wakarusa kicks off the festival season by inviting visitors to its delightful and welcoming downtown for the Maple Syrup Festival. Explore maple sugar camps, take a leisurely ride in an Amish buggy, and indulge in delicious food and entertainment.

Maple Syrup Days

March 16-17, 2024; Maple Wood Nature Preserve, LaGrange

Maple Syrup season is worth celebrating and that is what we do at Maple Syrup Days in LaGrange!   There’s much more to experience than the meal of pancakes and syrup from 7am to 1:30pm.   We show three different ways to make maple syrup: how we used to do it, how we do it now, and how you can do it at home.  Horse wagons carry visitors into the maple woods to see the tapped maples. Interpreters introduce you to the trees and explain their life cycle.

Find even more exciting things to do—all while surrounded by spring blossoms, of course—here.