COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is inviting residents to attend its annual Maple Syrup festivals, offering a glimpse into the making of the sweet treat. From guided hikes to maple syrup demonstrations and sweet samples, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“Shake off the winter blues and connect with a traditional Ohio pastime at one of our maple syrup festivals,” said Glen Cobb, the Chief of ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. “Guided hikes, maple syrup demonstrations, and sweet samples are just some of the fun planned for this year’s crowds.”
Festivals are being held across the state, including at Hocking Hills State Park, where visitors can learn how to tap trees for sap and watch the process of making maple syrup at the Naturalist Cabin just outside the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. The event takes place on Mar. 11-12 from 12-4 p.m. daily.
At Hueston Woods State Park, the 57th Annual Maple Syrup Festival will take place on Mar. 4-5 and 11-12 from noon-4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a hayride, guided hike, and maple syrup demonstration, as well as a pancake breakfast each day at the lodge.
Indian Lake State Park’s 37th Annual Maple Syrup Festival will be held on Mar. 18 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and Mar. 19 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will feature wagon rides, sap extraction and syrup product demonstrations, living history displays, live entertainment, and a pancake and sausage breakfast.
Malabar Farm State Park’s Annual Maple Syrup Festival takes place on Mar. 4-5 and Mar. 11-12 from 12-4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy historical demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, food, and a variety of maple products to taste and buy.
All events are free and open to the public, but visitors are encouraged to bring money to purchase their favorite maple products. To learn more about the Maple Syrup Festivals, visit the ODNR website.
