As winter melts away and spring begins to peek through, it’s the perfect time to embrace one of Michigan’s sweetest traditions—maple syrup season! Families around Greater Lansing can experience the magic of maple sugaring with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and of course, delicious tastings. Whether you’re looking to learn about the maple syrup-making process, enjoy a pancake breakfast, or take a walk through the woods, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate. Here are some of the best maple syrup events and activities happening in and around Greater Lansing this season!
Maple Syrup Events & Activities Around Greater Lansing🍁
Fenner Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Festival, Lansing
Date: March 21 and 22 2026, 11 am to 5pm, FREE, $5.00 suggested donation
Each year, Fenner Nature Center hosts an incredible Maple Syrup Festival that gives families an up-close look at how maple sap is turned into syrup. From tapping trees and collecting sap to watching the boiling process in action, kids and adults alike will love learning about this age-old tradition. Don’t forget to sample some fresh syrup and enjoy a variety of maple-themed treats!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Tickets are $10 for ages 5 and up | $6 for ages 4 and under. Tickets include:
- All-you-can-eat pancakes
- One side of sausage
- Butter and pancake syrup
- Orange juice
- One sample of real Michigan maple syrup
GLAMoms spoke with Tina Nguyen(Marketing Director) and Sam Ansaldi (Education Director) about what families can expect:
🍁Road Trip Ideas:
MSU Maplefest at Tollgate Farms, Novi– March 7 & 8
Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival | April 22-26
Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival | April 24-26
Fun Facts About Maple Syrup & Michigan
- Michigan is the 5th largest producer of maple syrup in the United States.
- It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of maple syrup.
- Maple syrup is 100% natural and free of additives, making it a great alternative to processed sweeteners.
- The sap used for maple syrup flows best when temperatures are above freezing during the day and below freezing at night
Delicious Maple Syrup Recipes to Try
Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes! Here are some easy ways to incorporate this natural sweetener into your meals:
Maple Glazed Carrots
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook carrots in butter over medium heat, then drizzle with maple syrup and season with salt and pepper. Cook until glazed and tender.
Maple Granola
- 2 cups oats
- 1/2 cup nuts of choice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Mix all ingredients, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 300°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Maple Dijon Salad Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Whisk together and drizzle over your favorite salad.
Enjoy the Sweetness of the Season
Maple syrup season is a special time in Michigan, offering families a chance to connect with nature and enjoy one of our state’s most delicious traditions. Whether you’re heading to a festival, enjoying a pancake breakfast, or trying your hand at tapping your own trees, there are so many ways to celebrate.
Have you attended a maple syrup event in Greater Lansing? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos with us on social media. Happy syrup season! If we missed a local event, please share [email protected]
Photos Courtesy of Fenner Nature Center
More from Greater Lansing Area Moms:
10 Things to Know About Maple Syrup
