Maple Syrup Fest

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Some kids examine a hand drill.

A past Maple Syrup Fest.

media release: Maple sugaring has been practiced in this region for generations, first by Indigenous communities who developed the techniques for tapping trees and boiling sap into sugar. Maple Syrup Fest, taking place March 14, 2026 from 1-4pm at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona, creates an opportunity for families to explore this history while learning how maple syrup is made today. Designed for both longtime residents and those new to Wisconsin, the event offers an engaging, hands-on introduction to this iconic seasonal tradition. 

This free, family-friendly event offers a blend of indoor and outdoor activities found nowhere else in Dane County. Stations throughout the nature center grounds will lead visitors – at their own pace – through the process of making maple syrup while enjoying the warmth of spring. Visitors will learn when and how to tap trees for sap and be able to sample real Wisconsin maple syrup. Maple syrup ice cream sundaes will be available for a fee. Mark your calendars today for our sticky-sweet kick-off to spring!

Activities include:

Learn how to tap a tree and how maple syrup is made with hands-on activities  

Taste maple tree sap and sample maple cream

Try your hand at using early 20th-century tools

Tour the rustic Children’s Shack and take a spring nature hike

Watch maple syrup cooking demonstrations around a campfire

Take a maple syrup taste test 

For a fee…enjoy ice cream topped with real Wisconsin maple syrup

This event is FREE and open to the public. Free parking and a free shuttle are available at Ahuska Park (400 E. Broadway). Ice cream topped with maple syrup, bottles of 100% Wisconsin maple syrup, and food carts will be available for a fee.

Many thanks to our 2026 Event Partners, including International Flavors and Fragrances, for making this event possible!

If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact Lizzie Condon at lizzie@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org.