The Ohio Department Of Natural Resources Is Hosting 4 Maple Syrup Festivals At State Parks In 2023

It's the sweetest time of year! While Valentine's Day has passed and spring has yet to begin, we're celebrating another sweet season in the Buckeye State: maple syrup season. Each year, this sweet nectar is tapped from the state's sugar maples, and folks are invited to join in the fun at maple syrup festivals across Ohio. In 2023, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting four different maple syrup festivals at as many state parks, so no matter what part of the Buckeye State you hail from, there's a sweet fest happening near you.

Vermont might be known for its maple syrup, but Ohio holds its own in terms of maple syrup production.

Just as the first signs of spring begin to happen across the Buckeye State, you'll see the tell-tale sign of maple syrup production: lidded metal buckets collecting sap, and...

...steam from the sugar houses sending literal smoke signals that the syrup is almost ready!

In Ohio, there are lots of maple syrup festivals that celebrate this sweet nectar, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosting numerous events at its most beloved parks.

Mark your calendars: this month, the Ohio DNR is hosting four different maple syrup festivals at as many state parks.

• Maple Tapping Festival at Hocking Hills State Park: March 11-12 from 12-4 p.m.
• 57th Annual Maple Syrup Festival at Hueston Woods State Park: March 4-5 and March 11-12 from 12-4 p.m.
• 37th Annual Maple Syrup Festival at Indian Lake State Park: March 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and March 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Annual Maple Syrup Festival at Malabar Farm State Park (pictured): March 4-5 and March 11-12 from 12-4 p.m.

Modern life often feels so far removed from the natural world. There's something so grounding and fascinating about going back to basics; seeing how our food is grown and getting to be part of the process.

For instance, did you know that a grove of maple trees for sugaring is called a "sugarbush" because originally, the maple sap was used for its sugar, not the syrup?

Speaking of which, several of these Ohio maple syrup festivals have pancake breakfasts as well as numerous tastings of the freshly tapped syrup, which is most certainly an opportunity you shouldn't pass up!

Have you ever been to any of these Ohio maple syrup festivals? It really is the sweetest season of the year! Visit the Ohio DNR website for more information on each of these events.