HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK — Celebrating its 54th year, the Maple Syrup Festival is hosted on the grounds of the Hueston Woods State Park. This festival is held the first two weekends in March — this year,Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, then again on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15.

Each day begins with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Trailblazing Dining Room inside the Hueston Woods Lodge (5201 Lodge Road, College Corner) from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.. Cost is $7.50/adults and $5.50/kids (ages 10 and under).

Meet at the Hueston Woods Beach parking lot to board a a free hayride from noon-4 p.m. This ride will take participants to the starting point for the guided hike. During the hike through the Big Woods (a designated State Nature Preserve), visitors learn all about the art of syrup production. The tour ends at the Hueston Woods Sugar House, where participants can sample and purchase syrup, popcorn, beverages, and more. No dogs or other pets allowed on tour.

Stop by the Hueston Woods Nature Center for both indoor and outdoor exhibits about reptiles, birds, and more from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There will be a professional naturalist on-site to answer everyone’s nature-related questions.