The quiet melting of ice and snow in March means one thing: It’s time to tap the maple trees! Get your syrup on at any (or all) of these sugarbush-themed events.
1. The taps are ready at Carpenter Nature Center, where staff will help families hike to the sugarbush to turn sap into syrup, with plenty of samples along the way. $3 members, $5 nonmembers. For reservations, call 651-437-4359 or visit CarpenterNatureCenter.org.
2. All-you-can-eat pancakes with fresh maple syrup at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s 23rd Annual Pancake Brunch and Maple Syrup Tours. Visitors can work off the cakes, sausage, juice, and coffee by exploring the sugarhouse on self-guided tours. $8.50 members, $11 nonmembers, $5.50 for ages 4–7. For tickets or more information, call 952-443-1400 or visit Arboretum.umn.edu.
3. Head to Warner Nature Center where every hour on the hour families can watch a tree-tapping demonstration and taste the fresh syrup. Learn the history of syrup tapping and hike through the sugarbush, too. $5 adults, $3 children. For more information, call 651-433-2427 ext. 10 or visit SMM.org/warnernaturecenter
4. Gale Woods Farm lets families make their own syrup: tap a tree, evaporate sap, and boil it into your own liquid gold. Gather a variety of recipes to use at home.$6 per person. For reservations, call 763-694-2001 or visit GaleWoodsFarm.com.
