March 19, 2025
SIU’s 2025 Maple Syrup Festival is Saturday and Sunday
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The 2025 Maple Syrup Festival, a delightful, palate-pleasing springtime tradition, returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center on Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23.
This popular annual event isn’t just a tasty breakfast; it’s an extraordinary experience featuring demonstrations, outdoor activities, nature hikes and fun for the entire family. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the scenic facility located about eight miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road. The pancake breakfast with all the trimmings is served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily; organizers say those planning to eat should arrive by 1:45 p.m.
“The Maple Syrup Festival is really such a special time,” said Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature. “We make our very own syrup on-site. And not only can people enjoy pancakes with fresh maple syrup, but they can also see for themselves part of the extensive process that takes place after we tap the maple trees and extract the sap to convert it to syrup. We hope everyone will come enjoy the breakfast and make a day of it, taking in all of the other fun activities as well.”
Breakfast is served, help welcome
Tickets for the pancake breakfast featuring real maple syrup will be available at the door of Freeberg Hall, with special pricing offered for the first time ever for Saluki students this year. Ticket prices are:
- Ages 11 and older: $15.
- Ages 4-10: $8.
- Ages 3 and younger: free.
- SIU students: $8 with valid student ID.
Volunteers from the community, including Scout troops, church groups and service clubs, as well as from the university community are needed to assist with the breakfast on Sunday. Volunteers receive a complimentary pancake breakfast at the beginning of their shift. If you or your students are interested in lending a hand, you can sign up through either the Saluki Volunteer Portal or the Community Volunteer Portal.
All-day fun
Maple syrup making demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the day. And that’s just the beginning. Numerous other activities are happening during the weekend, and most are free. There will be a host of activities especially for children from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lumberjack game shows will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily, and there will be live music from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The bar and grill will serve food made to order from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for a nominal fee, you can try your hand at the big climbing wall (10 a.m.-noon, 12:30-3 p.m.) or the giant swing (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-3 p.m.).
Organizers say Touch of Nature and Maple Syrup Festival truly offers something for everyone and the show will go on, rain or shine as there will be plenty of activities and entertainment to enjoy regardless of what Mother Nature presents.