It is the sweetest time of the year in Lancaster County . . . maple sugar time! Did you know that Sugar Maples grow naturally all over Pennsylvania and there are LOT’S of FREE and cheap ways to learn about this amazing natural product.
As a family last year we took a tour of the “sugar bush” and “sugar shack” of Lancaster County Central Park, you can read all about our adventure. And then here’s a list of local maple sugaring events to make your own maple sugar memories!!
Lancaster County Central Park Presents: FREE Maple Sugaring
WHAT: Join County Park Naturalists for ongoing maple sugaring demonstrations in the sugar bush of Lancaster County Central Park. See trees tapped, sap boiled to syrup, and candy made from the syrup. Maple products will be on sale. Drop in anytime during the program hours for an educational tour of the maple syrup making process. Private programs, on days other than those listed above, are also available for a small fee. Come to Central Park and follow the signs or smells to maple sugaring. Call (717) 295-2055 to inquire about private programs.
WHEN: Events happening throughout the end of February and early March. Check their Facebook page for all their events—some are on weekdays for homeschoolers, and others are on weekends for everyone. There are a lot of opportunities!!!
WHERE: Lancaster County Central Park Pavilion 11 733 Williamson Road
** We visited this last year and absolutely loved it! Check out our photos to get a glimpse of what you’ll experience and taste.
Maple Sugaring Events at York County Park
Maple Sugaring Days
WHAT: Enjoy various programs about maple sugaring, outside tours, maple tastings, crafts, and activities set up throughout the Nature Center. Maple products from Patterson Farms will be on sale. $2 admission. Ages 5 and under free, Park members free. No registration required.
WHEN: Events occurring every weekend the end of February and early March. Check their calendar.
WHERE: Nixon County Park, 5922 Nixon Drive, York PA
Maple Sugar Story Walk
WHAT: Take a walk, read a story and learn about Maple Sugaring all at the same time. Enjoy a short self-guided stroll along the Quiet Walk & Hardwood trails while reading the story attached to posts spread along the walk. No fee, no registration.
WHERE: Nixon County Park, 5922 Nixon Drive, York PA
Tours of the Sugar Bush
WHAT: Join park staff and volunteers for ongoing tours through various stations. Learn the history and how-to of maple sugaring. Tours will include hands-on demonstrations. A trip to the Red Maple grove will occur every hour starting at 10 a.m. Included in weekend event fee, no registration (groups of ten or more should register at 717-428-1961).
WHERE: Nixon County Park, 5922 Nixon Drive, York PA
Maple Scavenger Hunt
WHAT: Prepare to search in and out as you answer questions along our trails and in the center about maple sugaring. Enjoy a sweet surprise when you finish! Included in weekend event fee, NR.
WHEN: February 23 and March 2 from 9:30am – 4pm
WHERE: Nixon County Park, 5922 Nixon Drive, York PA
Harrisburg’s Fort Hunter Mansion Presents: Maple Sugar Festival
WHAT: This sweet event is free for everyone. Enjoy learning the mysteries of maple syrup making, Native American sugar making, tree tapping and children’s activities. Taste tests different types of maple syrup and enjoy an educational video that includes all aspects of the syrup making process. Pennsylvania maple products for sale in the Tavern House during the event. Download walking map.
WHEN: April 18, 2021. Check their calendar of events for full details.
WHERE: Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg PA
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve Presents: Mount Hope Maple Madness
WHAT: They are offering a 60 minute tour this year! Please contact the Strawberry Hill office at 717-642-5840 to learn more and book your program. Check their brochure for more programs.
Strawberry Hill offers private programs where guests are led through a 60-minute tour of the maple sugaring process, from tree to table. We address the process that occurs within the tree that allows the sap to flow during the late winter. We look at the tools used for maple sugaring as well as the process. Finally, we discuss the grading of maple syrup, the method used to classify syrups.
After participating in the program, visitors will have the knowledge needed to do sugaring on their own in their backyard – we even practice tapping a tree!
WHEN: Strawberry Hill offers private group tours during sugaring season, mid-February through mid-March.
