Tickets go on sale November 10, 2025!

Registration Requirements: Preregistration required. Register all adults and children 3 and over. This event is expected to sell out!

Intended Audience: This program is designed for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 21 and up must present an ID to partake in alcoholic beverages. 

Program Description: 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 event will 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. Afterward, cozy up in the Sugar House to get a firsthand look at how we turn sap into 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 (Bring your ID to enjoy adult beverages, please!)   
• Sip on complimentary bourbon samples. Nothing pairs better with maple syrup than bourbon!
• Join in games and activities that tell the tale of syrup making.
• Purchase a cup of hot soup or grab a cup of decadent 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.

What to Expect: Event time is from 12 to 4 pm.  No entry to the event venue will be allowed before 11:45 pm.

• This program is entirely outdoors.
• Restrooms are available throughout the program.  
• Trails/areas used during this program are rated as accessible (packed gravel trails, mild hills) for an optional distance of less than 1 mile at a slow pace.
• Program runs rain or shine.
• For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed at events.

What to Wear: Please dress in layers to ensure proper warmth and comfort. 

Where to Meet: Registered participants will meet at the Krippendorf Lodge at our Rowe Woods location. (4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150) Event time is from 12 to 4 pm.  No entry to the event venue will be allowed before 11:45 pm.

Pricing: Ticket fees are as listed. All sales are final. This event is a fundraiser for Cincinnati Nature Center and all revenue earned goes towards our mission of Inspiring Conservation.

This event is generously sponsored by Silver Maple Sponsors Ameritas®and Edible Ohio Valley.

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 12 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.     

Will there be bathrooms on site?  

• Yes. There are several restroom facilities on site.   

Check your email for registration information regarding this transaction. SAVE A TREE, please retain your order number or save an electronic copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program. Visitor Services associates can also verify your etickets from the order number or by name.

Please note that our program and cancellation policies vary. By completing registration for this program, you agree to the following fundraising program policies.