Just as the snow starts to melt and trees prepare to bud for spring, Indiana Dunes National Park gets ready to host the annual Maple Sugar Time Festival, March 7-8, 2026. This yearly tradition is a fun way to learn about the process behind making maple syrup while enjoying some quality family time.
The festival takes place at Chellberg Farm, where you can explore both Native American traditions of maple syrup production and get a close look into how early settlers lived in the woody Dunes. It’s also a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the warming spring weather as the park wakes up to the change of season.
If you’re looking for an engaging outdoor activity for early March, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Maple Sugar Time at Chellberg Farm.
What to See and Do at Maple Sugar Time
As you make your way to Chellberg Farm, you may notice buckets hanging from the old maple trees and a sweet-smelling steam that cuts through the crisp March air. That’s how you know you’ve arrived at Maple Sugar Time.
The festival displays different ways of turning sap into syrup, as well as all the products that result from this process. You’ll learn about the methods used by Native Americans to the tools and technology that settlers brought in.
As you walk inside the different historic farm buildings and through the woodland paths, you’ll run into plenty of hands-on demonstrations that kids are sure to love.
Exploring Chellberg Farm
Modern convenience makes it easy to forget what life was like when working the land was the norm. Chellberg Farm invites you to step onto an authentic farmstead and see how it all used to run just a couple hundred years ago. With historic structures preserved down to every tool, wide outdoor spaces to roam freely around, and live animals to interact with you won’t run short of fun learning experiences.
This immersive setting is a fantastic way for the whole family to discover the history of maple production while enjoying a sweet treat (or two) from the on-site food stalls and demos.
Tips for Attending the Festival
This self-guided tour is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both days, so budget for around three hours to make the most of your visit. You can even spare some time to hit a few other famous spots and make the most of your daylight hours.
Before you go, remember that early-spring weather at the Dunes can be frosty, and paths might be slippery from melting snow. Make sure to layer up appropriately and bring your sturdiest boots. The good news is you’ll have plenty of tasty treats to help you warm up.
When it comes to having fun while learning something new, there is no age limit. And with park rangers who love sharing nature and history, your visit is in good hands. Make your way to the Maple Sugar Time festival and welcome spring in a sweet way.
