Your Guide To Maple Sugaring Days

ST. CHARLES, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s Maple Sugaring Days will be held March 7 to 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles.

At the event, naturalists will demonstrate how to tap a maple tree and those stopping out can try drilling and setting their own tap and watch as sap simmers over an open fire and thickens to syrup.

You can also stop by the Maple Café for a variety of treats, including maple donuts, maple-drizzled frozen custard and hot beverages, according to a news release.

Riverlands Brewing Company will return to the festival and will be offering an exclusive brown ale, Maple River, which is brewed in collaboration with the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation. The craft brew features locally-sourced maple syrup from Driftless Gold, located just across the Wisconsin border, according to the news release.

Syrup will also be available for purchase while supplies last.

The beer honors the centuries-old tradition of maple sugaring, and will be available for purchase inside the tent at Maple Sugaring Days.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit nature education and other initiatives supported by the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation. Within the heated tent, visitors can also enjoy live acoustic music by local musician Jamey Darnold.

No registration is required for Maple Sugaring Days and admission is free. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is located at 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.