A working sugar camp classroom.
From school field trips to homeschool co-ops, garden clubs, and scout troops — we love showing people how real maple syrup gets made.
What you'll see
A tour of the whole process
Tree Tapping
Tubing lines, taps, and the biology of a maple tree in springtime.
Pump-house & RO
How we move sap uphill and concentrate before it hits the evaporator.
Evaporator
How the sap moves through the evaporator and is cooked into maple syrup.
Filter & bottling
Why it is important to filter the maple syrup and store it properly until it is bottled or made into delicious products.
Tasting
Taste all four grades of maple syrup and other maple products. Creemees and cotton candy are a favorite!
Q&A
Your chance to ask us anything about maple production.
Book a group
Schools, scouts & groups
Details
The sugar camp is a working facility. There are hot surfaces, steam, and woodland footing. Closed-toe shoes required. Kids must stay with a chaperone at all times. Not fully wheelchair accessible, please let us know accessibility needs when you book so we can adjust.
Tour Information for Maple Syrup Production
For public school students, we only accept those in fifth grade or older, as it can be challenging for younger children to grasp the process of making maple syrup. However, if your group includes children of all ages, that's fine, as parents will be present to assist the little ones.
Seasonality
Maple syrup can be produced anytime the temperature is above 35 degrees from January until the end of March. We can't guarantee that tours scheduled during this period will feature maple syrup production in action.
If you would like to see the boiling process and participate in a walkthrough tour with an educational table, this is only available during the Somerset County Maple Taste and Tour, held on the first two weekends in March (Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM to 4 PM).
We also offer tours throughout the year, where you can learn about various topics related to maple syrup production.
If you would like to see the boiling process and participate in a walkthrough tour with an educational table, this is only available during the Somerset County Maple Taste and Tour, held on the first two weekends in March (Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM to 4 PM).
We also offer tours throughout the year, where you can learn about various topics related to maple syrup production.
Also great for
Who tours with us
Elementary schools
Scout troops
Homeschool co-ops
Garden & farm clubs
Bus tours
Family reunions
Corporate retreats
Corporate retreats
Photography groups
FFA Groups
4-H Groups
Hillegas Sugar Camp
Group Tour Request Application
Please complete and return this form. Submission does not guarantee the requested date.
