Maple Syrup Time: 2024
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About the program
Maple syrup can only be produced in certain U.S states and Canada and only at a certain time of the year. Above freezing day temperatures and below freezing night temperatures bring out maple sugar farmers and park staff toting their supply of buckets, spiles, drills, and tubing to tap the trees and gather the sap. Aren’t we lucky to be in a part of the world where climate and conditions allow us to make pure maple syrup? Come witness this special time of the year.
Tapping Trees
Meet at the northeast Corner of the parking lot (near where the trails enter the woods) on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn how maple trees are tapped without harming the tree itself.
Sugar Shack
From tree to table - the sugar shack is where the sap is boiled, creating the sweet syrup we know and love! While you're hear grab your sample taste of Deep River Maple Syrup!
Voyageurs
Visit the colorful voyageur-era volunteers as they make maple syrup over an open fire. Learn a little history, like how maple sugar sustained Native Americans through long, difficult winters.
Wood's Historic Grist Mill
Meet the miller as he grinds corn into stone-ground cornmeal. Head up to the second floor to play some games, do some coloring, and watch a vintage movie about Maple Sugar Farming.
Deep River Store
Purchase your very own maple syrup, maple sugar candy, and a spile to start your own backyard sugaring! Plenty of other unique items and gifts available!
Maple Syrup Time Weekday Field Trip Reservations
- Deep River County Park Wood’s Historic Grist Mill - Call for available dates
- Tour Length and Times: 9:30 to11:30 a.m. or Noon to 2 p.m.
- Tour last 2 hours and includes inside and outside elements around the park. (Please dress for weather conditions)
- Fee: $8 per person, children and adults
- Program design: For 1st grade through adults. Great for groups with various ages
- Have younger students? New “Maple Syrup Monkeys” program available for preschool groups, View more information
- Reservation Restrictions: 15 person minimum, 120 maximum.
- Deposit: $20 deposit required at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Reserve: Call 219-769-7275 to reserve your group in January. You don’t want to miss this popular springtime educational experience.
Activities
- Tree Tapping: Learn the magic of nature. Find out what tree sap is, which trees produce sap that can be turned into syrup, and how and when sap can be collected.
- Sugar Shack: At the Sugar Shack, science takes over! This is where sap from the tree becomes pure maple syrup fit for the breakfast table. Our wood–fired evaporator turns sap into dark amber deliciousness.
- Voyagers: Hear the legend of how maple syrup was discovered as historical reenactors make maple sugar over an open fire.
- Deep River Store: Stop in our store, once a nondenominational church built in 1904, to view items that would have been for sale in a general store from the past. Also if you would like to shop, there are lots of souvenirs to choose from.
After registering for your tour, you will receive a resource packet to use in the classroom to complete with pre-trip and post-trip activities.
Much of the tour is conducted outdoors, so please dress according to weather conditions. There are indoor alternatives in case of extreme weather.