“A big draw of the Maple Syrup Festival is this is truly a family-friendly event. Attendees of all ages enjoy watching the trees being tapped. We also do maple syrup tours from noon to 4 p.m., which begin with a hayride at The Pioneer Farm,” Helton said.
“This is a huge event that takes place over the course of two weekends, which absolutely fills the park and the lodge. Again, it has that family feel. When you come to the breakfast, or participate in one of the tours, you’re interacting with other families, and guests are excited to learn about the maple syrup process, or to purchase some maple syrup. Many of our visitors spend the day at the park, she said.
The Maple Syrup Festival is a longstanding tradition at the park. It also serves as educational opportunity for visitors to watch the trees being tapped. During the festival, there are about 30 trees that are tapped each year. The tapping is for demonstration purposes only. There is no boiling or production of syrup at the festival.
Festivities will include an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast at the lodge in the Trailblazer Dining Room from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., daily. The cost is $6 for adults; and $5 for children ages 10 and under. 800 to 1,000 guests are served each day. Every year, about 3,000 visitors enjoy the pancake breakfast.
A hike through The Big Woods, a designated State Nature Preserve, is another festival highlight. On the hike, participants will learn the art of maple syrup production as well as the cultural and natural history of the area. Over the course of the four-day event about 2,000 guests participate in a hike.
The maple syrup hiking tours are free.
Additionally, the Nature Center will be open from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for visitors to tour and to see the various exhibits on display, including reptiles, birds of prey and other animals. An eagle’s nest is also a popular attraction.
Reportedly, the Maple Syrup Festival is one of park’s biggest annual events, along with the July 5th fireworks.
How to go
What: Maple Syrup Festival
Where: Hueston Woods State Park, near College Corner
When: March 4, 5, 11 and 12
Details: The pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost for the pancake breakfast is $6 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and under. Maple syrup tours will be hosted from noon to 4 p.m. (No dogs or pets are allowed on the tours.)
More info: www.huestonwoodslodge.com
Contact this contributing writer at gmwriteon@aol.com.
How to go
What: Maple Syrup Festival
Where: Hueston Woods State Park, near College Corner
When: March 4, 5, 11 and 12
Details: The pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost for the pancake breakfast is $6 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and under. Maple syrup tours will be hosted from noon to 4 p.m. (No dogs or pets are allowed on the tours.)
More info: www.huestonwoodslodge.com
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