‘Maple Sugaring Day’ at Tahquamenon Falls State Park March 23


Tahquamenon Falls State Park will host “Maple Sugaring Day’ at the Upper Falls, Saturday, March 23, from noon to 4 p.m.

 

Free guided tours of the park’s sugar bush take place hourly beginning at noon, with the last tour leaving at 3 p.m. Participants will visit multiple demonstration stations set up along a hiking trail to learn about the process of converting maple sap into syrup. The demonstrations will include both historical and modern methods of making syrup.

 

“Maple sugaring is a great outdoor activity for families to enjoy in March, when the temperatures start to rise and the sap starts flowing,” said park interpreter Theresa Neal. “Visitors in the past have been amazed to learn that the trees in your own back yard can produce this seasonal treat.”

 

The sugar bush demonstrations will feature hands-on activities and maple syrup experts will be in attendance to answer questions and provide advice about at-home maple sugaring. Pancakes will be available for participants to taste a variety of homemade syrups from the region, and local vendors will have maple sugaring products available for purchase.

 

Park visitors will also have the chance to experience dog sled rides during the event. Nature’s Kennel will offer rides for $25, with one sled accommodating two adults or one adult and two children.

 

For more information about Maple Sugaring Day, contact Theresa Neal at 906-492-3415 or visit www.michigan.gov/tfallseducation.

 

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is located at 41382 West M-123 in Paradise. Semi-modern campsites and a modern lodge are available during the winter at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The campsites include electrical outlets, but no flush toilets; the lodge includes heat, electricity, a furnished kitchen, a bathroom and bedrooms. Reservations can be made by calling the park headquarters at 906-492-3415.

 

There is no cost to participate in the sugar bush tours; however, a Recreation Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park.

 

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

 

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan’s outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.