Maple Fest

Stories shared from the perspective of our staff, volunteers, and community.

Revel in the magic of maple season!

Sample maple beer, tour the sugarbush, watch the process, and take part in games and maple-themed activities that are sure to be fun for all ages.

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Maple Fest

Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11, 12-4 pm at Krippendorf Lodge

It’s opening weekend of maple season! Help us kick off this beloved time of year and get a special, behind-the-scenes tour of our maple operation. Complete with bourbon tastings, maple beer, maple foods and more!

Highlights of this year's event include:

• Join us on a Sugarbush Hike to learn all about the maple sugaring process, from tapping the trees, to checking the pails for sap. Then cozy up in the Sugar House to get a firsthand look at how we turn sap into maple syrup.

Sugarbush Hikes will depart every 30 minutes and will traverse about one mile of relatively flat, even trails. Each hike will last about 45 minutes.

• Sample warm maple syrup and other goodies made with nature's liquid gold.

• Enjoy an alcoholic beverage or sample maple beer made exclusively for Maple Fest in partnership with a local craft brewery.

• Sip on complimentary bourbon samples. Nothing pairs better with maple syrups than bourbon!

• Join in games and activities that tell the tale of syrup making.

• Purchase a cup of hot soup or grab a cup decadent hot cocoa!

Note: Select complimentary food and alcohol samples are included in the ticket price, with additional food and drink available for purchase. Cash and credit cards will both be accepted for purchases.

To enjoy free alcohol samples or to purchase alcohol, you must be 21+ and present your valid ID at Registration to receive an alcohol wristband.

Please note: Pets are not permitted at any Cincinnati Nature Center program or event.

‍Member adult $25; member child $8; nonmember adult $25; nonmember child $8.

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For registration questions, please contact our Registrar at (513) 831-1711 or email registrar@cincynature.org.

View Frequently Asked Questions

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This event is generously sponsored by:

Silver Maple Sponsor

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For a full list of event sponsorship benefits and information, please contact Corporate Relations at sponsorship@cincynature.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this event be held outdoors?

Yes! This event will be held almost entirely outdoors. Please bundle up and be prepared for the unpredictable February weather. 

Can I bring my dog?

No. Service animals only, please.

What ages is the event appropriate for?

This event is fun for all ages. Bring the whole family to enjoy this special time of year! Only adults 21 years and older can enjoy the adult beverages. 

Do I have to stay the whole time?

No. This event is open-house style. You may come any time after 1 pm. There will be plenty to do, so you are free to enjoy the experience at your own pace.

Is the trail difficult?

No. Most of this event will take place on flat, even ground. There will be optional activities in the sugarbush which will involve a short hike on easily navigable terrain.  Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. 

Do I have to purchase a ticket?

Yes. Preregistration is required.  We expect this event to sell out; reserve your tickets early!

Will there be parking at this event?

Yes. Parking at the Nature Center is always free. Please keep in mind, Cincinnati Nature Center will be open to the public on these days. On nice winter days, we experience large crowds. You may have to park in an alternate lot and take a short walk to where the event takes place. 

Can I explore other areas of the Nature Center outside of where the program will take place?

Yes! The ticket for this event includes daily admission to the Nature Center. We would love it if you enjoyed other parts of our property. Be advised, the Nature Center closes at 6 pm in February, so all guests are expected to leave the property by this time.