CARBONDALE, Ill. (KFVS) - Not only did the Maple Syrup Festival offer a breakfast topped with maple syrup, but it also offered an educational look at how maple syrup is made!
Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center hosted the 2026 Maple Syrup Festival March 21-22.
Visitors saw a firsthand demonstration of how maple syrup is made. Visitors also enjoyed lumberjack shows, pottery and rope-making demonstrations, blacksmithing demonstrations, walks, live music and children’s activities.
“The Maple Syrup Festival is really something special,” said Brian Croft, executive director of Touch of Nature and the Office of Sustainability. “We tap the trees and make our very own syrup at Touch of Nature. When people attend, they can enjoy fresh maple syrup and see what all is involved in the intensive process that converts the sap to syrup. And there’s so much happening that day, ensuring people of all ages have a great time.”
A pancake breakfast with all the trimmings was offered.
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Fresh, homemade maple syrup was also available for purchase each day at the center’s Maple Syrup Store.
The festival was held at the facility located about eight miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road.
For more information, visit the website, email ton@siu.edu or call 618-453-1122.
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