Spring in Tug Hill isn’t just about outdoor adventures and thawing trails—it’s also the time to celebrate one of the region’s most beloved traditions: Maple Weekend. Hosted annually in March, Maple Weekend gives visitors and locals alike the chance to experience the magic of maple syrup production firsthand. Lewis County is known for its rich maple syrup heritage, and during this special event, local maple producers open their sugar houses to the public, offering tours, tastings, and family-friendly activities. If you’re a fan of sweet treats and curious about the process behind pure maple syrup, Maple Weekend is the perfect springtime outing.

What Is Maple Weekend?

Maple Weekend is an event organized by the New York State Maple Producers Association, taking place over two weekends in late March. The event is designed to showcase the hard work and dedication that goes into producing pure, mouthwatering maple syrup, a staple of Tug Hill’s agricultural scene. During Maple Weekend, participating maple farms invite visitors to tour their sugar houses, learn about the sap-to-syrup process, and, of course, taste some of the freshest syrup available.

For those unfamiliar with maple syrup production, it all starts with the tapping of maple trees. As the days begin to warm and the nights remain cool, sap starts to flow from the trees, which is then collected and boiled down to produce pure maple syrup. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of syrup, making it a time-consuming but rewarding process.

Participating Farms and Sugar Houses

Lewis County is home to several renowned maple producers, and Maple Weekend is your chance to visit these farms and get an insider’s view of how syrup is made. Each farm offers its own unique experience, but all share the same dedication to quality and tradition. Check out the list below for farm’s that have been featured in the past! For the most up to date information, follow us in social media!

1. Moser’s Maple in Croghan
Moser’s Maple is a family-owned business that has been producing syrup for generations. During Maple Weekend, the Moser family invites visitors to tour their sugar house, learn about modern and traditional maple production methods, and sample a variety of maple products. In addition to syrup, Moser’s Maple offers maple cream, maple candy, and even maple cotton candy—making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

2. Pierce’s Sugar Spigot in Shady Grove
Another popular stop during Maple Weekend is Pierce’s Sugar Spigot. This family farm is known for its high-quality syrup and beautiful location in the heart of Lewis County. During your visit, you can watch as the sap is boiled down into syrup and learn about the farm’s history. The farm also offers wagon rides through its maple woods, providing a scenic and educational experience for the whole family.

3. Swiss’er Sweet Maple in Lowville
Located in Lowville, Swiss’er Sweet Maple is another must-visit stop on the Maple Weekend tour. The farm offers hands-on demonstrations of the syrup-making process, and visitors can even try their hand at tapping a tree or helping with the boiling process. The farm is famous for its maple candy, and guests are encouraged to sample and purchase some sweet treats to take home.

Family-Friendly Activities

Maple Weekend is more than just an opportunity to learn about syrup production—it’s a fun-filled event for the whole family. Many of the participating sugar houses offer a range of activities designed to entertain kids and adults alike. Wagon rides, petting zoos, pancake breakfasts, and sap-boiling demonstrations are just a few of the activities you can expect to find during the event.

One of the highlights of Maple Weekend is the chance to enjoy a traditional pancake breakfast, complete with fresh, locally produced maple syrup. Many farms partner with local community organizations to host these breakfasts, where families can sit down to a hearty meal before or after exploring the sugar house. There’s nothing quite like the taste of pancakes drizzled with syrup that was made just steps away from your table.

For the kids, activities like maple-themed scavenger hunts, tree-tapping demonstrations, and sugar-on-snow treats (maple syrup poured over fresh snow) offer a hands-on way to learn about the process and history of maple production in New York.

The Health Benefits of Pure Maple Syrup

While Maple Weekend is all about indulging in delicious treats, it’s worth noting that pure maple syrup offers some surprising health benefits. Unlike processed table syrup, which often contains artificial ingredients, pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener packed with nutrients. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and manganese, which are known to support immune health and metabolic function.

Because pure maple syrup has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, it’s also considered a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. Of course, moderation is key, but when compared to other sweeteners, maple syrup is one of the more nutritious options out there.

Maple Weekend is a celebration of tradition, community, and, of course, delicious maple syrup. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of this sweet treat or curious to learn more about how it’s made, this event offers something for everyone. From touring sugar houses to enjoying pancake breakfasts and sampling maple candy, Maple Weekend is the perfect way to welcome spring in Lewis County. So gather your family, hit the road, and get ready to experience the sweet side of Tug Hill.