7 Ohio Maple Events Sure to Sweeten The Season

It’s that time of year again, when below-freezing temperatures at night and warm, sunny days create the perfect conditions to get maple sap flowing. For centuries, Ohioans have taken advantage of this natural phenomenon by catching sap in taps and buckets and boiling it down into sweet and sticky maple syrup. And lucky us, we get to reap the benefits in more ways than one. Check out these seven maple festivals and pancake breakfasts across the state that serve up an experience that is quintessentially springtime Ohio.

Pancake Town USA | Sundays in March
With over 2 million pancakes and thousands of gallons of syrup served to hungry patrons over the course of several decades, it’s no wonder that Burton is known as Pancake Town USA. While several local businesses host pancake breakfasts throughout the month, the centerpiece of the celebration is the 1931 Burton Log Cabin, where visitors can stop by to see sap-boiling demonstrations and grab a maple stir — a creamy, whipped maple treat — or premade maple candies.

Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast | March 8-9, 15-16 & 22-23
For the first three weekends in March, Hale Farm & Village in Bath offers a unique opportunity to witness Ohio’s rich maple syrup history firsthand through presentations from the site’s experienced storytellers. See a traditional sap boil, cooking and craft-making demonstrations and more. The celebration always kicks off with a hearty pancake breakfast at the Gatehouse Visitor Center.

Maple Sugaring in the Hills | March 8-9
Head to the historic cabin behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center to see the history of maple syrup production in the area come to life during this free, family-friendly event. Sample locally made maple syrup and shop a variety of maple-flavored goods. Plus, enjoy a guided hike through this popular spot in the Hocking Hills just on the cusp of springtime.

Maple Syrup Festival | March 8-9
Celebrate the sweet taste of tradition at the 58th Annual Maple Syrup Festival held at Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner. Start your day with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in the Hueston Woods Lodge before taking a hayride through Big Woods Preserve to learn about maple syrup production. The Hueston Woods Nature Center will be open throughout both days of the festival, welcoming visitors to explore the indoor and outdoor animal exhibits as the critters prepare for the arrival of spring.

Maple Syrup Festival at Malabar Farm | March 8-9
Explore an authentic sugar camp at this free festival in Lucas that features both historic and modern syrup-making demonstrations. Visitors can take a horse-drawn wagon ride, sample maple-themed treats and more. A self-guided tour of the on-site Big House, former home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, is a great way to finish the day at this state park just outside of Mansfield.

The Geauga County Maple Festival | April 24-27
Experience a true Ohio tradition at the oldest maple festival in the state. The first rendition of this maple syrup celebration was held in 1926 and has since grown to feature a variety of activities such as bathtub races, amusement rides, a pancake-eating contest, the Sap Run race and much more. Traditional events such as the lumberjack competitions and sap boil remain beloved staples.

Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival | April 25-27
There’s more than just maple syrup to appreciate at this festival in Bellbrook. Enjoy an expanded entertainment tent with plenty of activities for families, catch live music from two popular local bands — Britches Down and Stranger — shop from over 70 vendors and much more. Saturday brings a sap-boil demonstration at the old Sugar House and a hot dog-eating contest hosted by the Bellbrook Fire Department, while Sunday brings the annual dog show and even more entertainment. 

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