As Ohio prepares to shake off the remnant chill of winter, the state parks gear up to welcome an age-old tradition that signals the incoming breath of spring - maple syrup season. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft is bringing back the sweetest festivals of the year, celebrating maple sugaring with a slate of family-friendly events across four state parks this March. "Maple syrup season is a special time in Ohio," said ODNR Director Mary Mertz, according to the Ohio DNR's official news release. She added, the festivals "offer a fun way for families to get outside, learn how syrup is made, and connect with the natural and cultural traditions that have been part of our state for generations."
Eager attendees to the 59th Annual Maple Syrup Festival at Hueston Woods State Park can anticipate a blend of education and indulgence. Scheduled for March 7, 8, 14, and 15 from noon to 4 p.m., visitors can embark on a hayride destined for a guided hike through the "Big Woods," a lush 200-acre state nature preserve, where the tradition and science behind syrup making unfold. Not only can guests treat themselves to local maple syrup, but they can also feast on a pancake breakfast buffet available at the lodge starting from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., with pricing at $10 for adults, while children 10 and under enjoy a discounted price of $8.
Those with a historical leaning may find themselves drawn to the 49th Annual Maple Syrup Festival at Malabar Farm State Park, occurring simultaneously on March 7, 8, 14, and 15. This festival offers a full-sensory experience—live syrup-making demos dating back to historic times, horse-drawn wagon rides, and delectable maple products await visitors alongside a self-guided tour of the celebrated "Big House." More details on the event can be found on the Ohio DNR’s website.
Hocking Hills State Park chimes into the festive spirits with "Maple Sugaring in the Hills" set for March 14 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Conducted behind the Old Man’s Cave visitor center, guests can watch the transformation of sap into maple syrup and comprehend its historical significance in Ohio, with local producers present to sell their syrup. Meanwhile, Indian Lake State Park closes the circuit with its Maple Syrup Festival on March 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and March 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A demonstration of sap-to-syrup transition will entertain the sightseers, paired with a scrumptious pancake and sausage breakfast highlighted by the pure maple syrup, $8 for adults and $4 for children.
