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Shedd Aquarium

Maple Syrup Festival

Sat, Mar 22 – Sun, Mar 23, 2025 • 9:00am - 4:00pm

1206 Touch of Nature Rd, Makanda, IL 62958

Enjoy two full days of family fun including maple syrup demonstrations, pancake breakfast, nature hikes, lumberjack demonstrations, children's activities, vendors and artisans, and much more.

Each year, the Maple Syrup Festival includes opportunities to participate in interactive programs, learn about arts and crafts, and purchase items from artisans from all over the Midwest and beyond. Additional activities and demonstrations include: Alpacas and alpaca wool products from Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch; Lumberjack demonstrations with the SIU Forestry Club; Hide tanning and primitive living skills by Kevin Clinton.

What would a Maple Syrup Festival be without a delicious pancake breakfast? Enjoy a home-cooked pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. topped with maple syrup harvested from trees on our own grounds. While the festival is free, there is some cost for the pancake breakfast.

Places to stay nearby...

Little Grassy Lodge at Touch of Nature

Makanda

Little Grassy Lodge is the hotel-style lodge at Touch of Nature.

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Touch of Nature

Makanda

Touch of Nature, with its outdoor spaces, indoor facilities, and lodging is capable of hosting several types of events, including: Business and Board Meetings, Conferences and…

Read more about Touch of Nature

Camp Manitowa – Cedar Point

Makanda

Camp Manitowa – Cedar Point is located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Cedar Point offers beachfront access with a new swim dock to…

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