COLUMBUS, OH – As maple syrup season returns, Ohioans have the chance to experience one of the state’s sweetest traditions. Throughout March, four Ohio state parks will host maple syrup festivals, giving visitors a hands-on look at the sugaring process while offering delicious maple treats and outdoor activities.
“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.”
Festival Highlights:
🔸 Hocking Hills State Park – Maple Sugaring in the Hills
📅 March 8-9 | Noon – 4 p.m.
📍 Naturalist Cabin behind Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center
Visitors can watch live demonstrations on how sap transforms into maple syrup and explore the deep-rooted history of maple sugaring in Ohio. A local producer will be on-site with syrup available for purchase.
🔸 Hueston Woods State Park – 58th Annual Maple Syrup Festival
📅 March 1-2 & March 8-9 | Noon – 4 p.m.
📍 Scenic hayrides from the beach parking lot to the “Big Woods”
Enjoy a guided hike through the 200-acre “Big Woods” while learning about the science and tradition of syrup making. A breakfast buffet featuring pancakes will be available at the Hueston Woods State Park Lodge & Conference Center from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. ($10 for adults, $8 for children 10 and under). Note: Expect detours due to bridge construction near the park.
🔸 Indian Lake State Park – Maple Syrup Festival
📅 March 15 | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. & March 16 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 Indian Lake Development Corporation
Visitors can watch a live maple syrup demonstration while enjoying a pancake and sausage breakfast with pure maple syrup. Breakfast costs $8 for adults and $4 for children.
🔸 Malabar Farm State Park – 48th Annual Maple Syrup Festival
📅 March 1-2 & March 8-9 | Noon – 4 p.m.
📍 Sugar Camp at Malabar Farm
Guests can experience both historic and modern syrup-making demonstrations, take horse-drawn wagon rides, sample maple products, and explore the historic “Big House” on a self-guided tour.
A Sweet Taste of Tradition
All events are free and open to the public, but visitors are encouraged to bring cash to support local vendors and take home a bottle of Ohio’s finest maple syrup.
As winter fades and spring approaches, Ohio’s state parks provide the perfect setting to experience the magic of maple sugaring. Whether you’re here to hike, learn, or indulge in nature’s sweetest offering, these festivals offer something for everyone.
For more details, visit ohiordnr.gov.
