Last weekend we visited Malabar Farm State Park near Mansfield Ohio to attend the annual Malabar Farm State Park Maple Syrup Festival.
The Butternut Trail Cave at Malabar Farm State Park
We got there a little before the festival started so we decided to do a little hiking. We chose the The Butternut Trail that leads to a small cave. We all had a great time exploring the cave.
After our hike we made our way back to the Sugar Bush to the walk the Sugar Bush Trail.
Native American Indian Maple Syrup Camp
The trail started at a Native American Indian Camp and the demonstrators explained how the Indians extracted the sap from the trees and used hot rocks to boil the sap.
Early Settlers making Maple Sugar
Then we made our way to the second stop where the Early Settlers explained how they boiled the sap in a kettle over a fire. When the sap reached the ideal temperature they poured it out into a hallowed log.
Early Settlers making Maple Sugar
Then they stirred the liquid as the air cooled it down and it turned into Sugar.
Sampling Freshly Made Maple Sugar
Which they then allowed us to sample. Delicious!
Sugar Shack at Malabar Farm State Park
Then we headed to the Sugar Shack to learn about how Maple Syrup is made today.
Sampling Maple Syrup
As soon as we entered we were treated to a sample of fresh Maple Syrup. More Please!
Maple Sugar Treats
After our tour was complete we purchased some maple treats for the kids and some maple syrup for later.
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
We then caught a horse drawn wagon ride back to our car.
Overall we had a great time at the Malabar Farm Maple Syrup Festival. While the festival is over for this year, there are many other Northeast Ohio Farms hosting Maple Syrup Festivals this month. I highly recommend making a trip. It’s fun, educational and delicious.
Of course, Malabar Farm State Park is a great destination any time of the year. Here are 15 Things to Do with the Family at Malabar Farm State Park.
Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Road. Lucas, Ohio 44843
419-892-2784
Have you ever been to Malabar Farm State Park? If so, what is your favorite thing to do while there?
We live only a few minutes from Malabar Farm. I’d planned to attend the Maple Syrup Festival, but my teens’ schedules dictated otherwise. I’m glad you had fun and had an opportunity to hike to the cave. Our favorite time of year to explore the cave is summer. After a hot walk along the trail, the cool air of the cave is so inviting. We love it every time.