Maple Syrup Fest

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Some kids examine a hand drill.

A past Maple Syrup Fest.

(2023 Isthmus pick) What did the cave people think when they first tapped a maple tree and figured out how to create syrup? “Mmm, Thag like happy tree sauce, make pancake better!” Okay, we'll never really know, but you too can experience happy tree sauce at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s free Maple Syrup Fest. Learn when and how to tap trees for optimal sap, how much sap it takes to make one bottle of syrup (it's a lot), sample some Wisconsin maple syrup, see cooking demos and more. Parking is available at Ahuska Park, 400 E. Broadway, with a shuttle to the ALNC.

media release: Celebrate spring with Maple Syrup Fest—a family-style festival at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center!

Come one, come all to our unique and unforgettable celebration of the season! This family-friendly event offers a blend of indoor and outdoor activities found nowhere else in Dane County. Stations throughout ALNC grounds will lead visitors through the history and science of maple syruping. Visitors will learn how to tap trees for sap and can enjoy free samples of maple syrup and maple cream. Maple ice cream sundaes will also be available for purchase. It really is a sticky-sweet way to kick-off spring!

Learn how maple syrup is made with hands-on activities

Sample real tree sap, maple syrup, and maple cream

Test your nature smarts with maple syrup trivia

Visit the rustic Children’s Shack

Hike the trails, looking for signs of spring

Enjoy ice cream topped with maple syrup, for a fee

This event is FREE and open to the PUBLIC! Ice cream topped with maple syrup available for a fee.

FREE parking is available approximately two blocks away at Ahuska Park (400 E. Broadway) with a FREE shuttle (runs every 15-20 minutes).