The Best Maple Syrup Farms in Minnesota in 2025
Nothing signals the arrival of spring in Minnesota quite like maple syrup season. From tree tapping and sap collecting to pancake breakfasts drenched in fresh syrup, maple syrup farms and events across the state offer unique, hands-on experiences for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to enjoy some sweet treats, these Minnesota maple syrup destinations are a must-visit this season!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum MapleFest – Chaska, MN
📅 March 22, 2025
📍 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s MapleFest is an immersive celebration of all things maple. Learn about the syrup-making process from tree tapping to boiling sap, explore a scavenger hunt, and enjoy demonstrations of traditional syrup-making techniques. The highlight? A pancake breakfast covered in fresh, locally made maple syrup. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts!
St. John’s Maple Syrup Festival – Collegeville, MN
📅 April 6, 2025
📍 St. John’s Outdoor University
This event blends learning, tradition, and great food into an unforgettable experience. At St. John’s University, visitors can tap their own maple tree, explore the sugar shack, and enjoy a community breakfast featuring fresh St. John’s maple syrup. With its picturesque setting and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no surprise this celebration is a springtime favorite!
Osprey Wilds Maple Syrup Day – Sandstone, MN
📅 March 22, 2025
📍 Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
For those craving a Northern Minnesota experience, Osprey Wilds offers a hands-on approach to sustainable syrup production. Activities include tree tapping, boiling demonstrations, and enjoying locally sourced maple-inspired treats. The nature center’s beautiful setting enhances this fun and educational day.
Eastman Nature Center Maple Syrup Festival – Dayton, MN
📅 March 16 & 23rd 2025
📍 Eastman Nature Center
Located just outside the Twin Cities, this interactive festival invites visitors to get involved in the maple syruping process. Drill tree taps, collect sap, and observe the boiling process firsthand. A cozy campfire and maple-themed treats make the experience especially memorable for families with kids!
Baker Park Reserve Maple Syruping – Maple Plain, MN
📅 March 16 & 23rd 2025
📍 4001 County Rd 24, Maple Plain, MN 55359
Learn the art of maple syruping at Baker Outdoor Learning Center. Discover how to tap trees, boil sap into syrup, and sample the difference between store-bought syrup and the real deal. The program is entirely outdoors and family-friendly. Reservations are required, so make sure to plan ahead!
Dodge Nature Center Maple Syruping – West St. Paul, MN
📅 March 20-22, 2025
📍 1701 Charlton Street
Head to Dodge Nature Center to experience the full syrup-making process, from tree tapping to sap collection and evaporation. Sample delicious syrup and sugar treats while learning about this cherished spring tradition. Pre-registration is required for this family-friendly event.
Carpenter St. Croix Nature Center – Hastings, MN
📅 March 14 & 22, 2025
📍 12805 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN
Celebrate spring with a short hike to the sugarbush, then learn how to tap maple trees and turn sap into syrup. Families can participate in hands-on activities and end the day with a sweet sample of fresh maple syrup. Don’t forget to dress for the weather—mud and snow are likely!
Tamarack Nature Center – White Bear Township, MN
📅 March 18, 2025
📍 5287 Otter Lake Rd
Tamarack Nature Center’s guided tours allow visitors to explore the entire maple syrup-making process. From tapping trees to boiling sap, this event is a fantastic family option. Registration is required for staggered start times, so plan ahead for this popular experience.
Gale Woods Farm – Minnetrista, MN
📅 April 11, 2025
📍 7210 County Road 110 W, Minnetrista, MN
Get hands-on at Gale Woods Farm, where visitors can collect sap, watch syrup being made, and enjoy syrup-topped pancakes. This is an educational event perfect for adults and kids alike. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of syrup to take home!
Lowry Nature Center – Victoria, MN
📅 March 20, 22, 2025
📍 7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria, MN
Lowry Nature Center offers both daytime and nighttime maple syruping events. Participants can explore the sugarbush under lamplight or join the daytime festival to learn about history, watch demonstrations, and enjoy maple-themed treats. Registration is required for this fun-filled outdoor activity.
Historic Eidem Farm – Brooklyn Park, MN
📅 March 22, 2025
📍 4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN
Follow farm staff as they guide visitors through the maple syruping process. Learn everything from tapping trees to boiling sap. Pre-register as space is limited for this family-friendly event.
Pond-Dakota Mission Park – Bloomington, MN
📅 2025 TBA
📍 401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN
Experience how maple syrup was made in the past. Learn about tree selection, sap collection, and boiling methods while exploring the history of this sweet treat. This drop-in event is free and perfect for families with young children.
Maple Syrup Making at Various State Parks
📅 March 21, 2025
📍 Multiple Locations: Fort Snelling, Whitewater, Nerstrand Big Woods, Wild River, Lake Bemidji
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State parks across Minnesota offer an authentic glimpse into the history of maple syruping. Naturalists demonstrate both traditional and modern methods for collecting sap and transforming it into syrup. Visitors can participate in the process and enjoy samples of freshly made syrup. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to connect with nature while learning about this age-old tradition.
Conclusion
Minnesota is a haven for maple syrup lovers, offering a variety of festivals and hands-on events that celebrate this sweet slice of spring. Whether you’re learning to tap trees at a state park, enjoying pancakes at the Arboretum, or exploring the history of syruping at a nature center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make it a family outing, soak in the traditions, and savor the delicious tastes of pure Minnesota maple syrup. Plan your visit to these incredible destinations now!
