Feel a yearning for a sweet taste of old-fashioned Americana? Look no further – the Cleary Lake Regional Park is rolling out Hands-On History: Maple Sugaring for a hands-on, sticky-sweet educational experience. On March 16, from 10:30 AM to noon or 1:30 to 3 PM, participants can join a historical interpreter and embark on a hike to the fabled sugarbush, where they’ll learn to tap a tree and collect the sap, a tradition dating back centuries.

An authentic transformation awaits as visitors are shown how to turn sap into true maple syrup and sugar. Wrapped up in the past, eager sugar-makers will get to savor the fruits of their labor – a tasting session is part of the deal, according to the official announcement. And it won’t burn a hole in your wallet; the experience costs just $6 per person. A 20 percent discount is up for grabs for groups of four or more.

Booking this historical adventure is not a spontaneous event; reservations are necessary and must be dialed in by two days before the hike. Interested syrup-seekers should call 763-559-6700 to secure their spot. It’s an all-ages affair, but remember, kids 11 and under need an adult to tag along.

Whether you're an avid historian or just looking to sweeten up your weekend, this trip down memory lane is sure to be a hit. Wrapped in history, it’s more than just a walk in the park – it’s an invitation to step into the shoes of those who've sweetened their lives with the toil of maple sugaring for generations. Don't just tap into nature, tap into a piece of cultural heritage, one delicious drop at a time.