Enjoy maple history, fresh pancakes and syrup, live music, handcrafted goods, hands-on activities, sweet and savory seasonal treats, storytelling, and more!

Nature Center Activities

GCV&M's Nature Center is maple-central, where the work of producing syrup from the sugarbush happens.

• Uncover each step of the sugaring process with their in-house producers and modern evaporator
• Get a sweet taste of sugar-on-snow
• Tour their historic Sugar Camp
• Try the DIY tree-tapping station 
• See coopers in action crafting sap buckets and barrels
• Travel the Maple History Trail to discover the evolution of sugaring
• Fill your senses at the maple-themed sensory table

For those unable to make it out to the sugar camp, they'll have a video experience in the Nature Center Lobby that showcases what the historical educators are up to out on the trails! 

Historic Village Highlights

Visit historic homes bustling with costumed educators sharing stories about maple syrup and sugar in the 19th century.

• Enjoy seasonal storytelling with Hodinöhsö:ni’ partners Perry Ground, Veronica Reitter, and Allie Hargrave
• Discover ice harvesting and 19th-century refrigeration
• Try a historical two-person saw! Slice a tree cookie to take home as a unique keepsake
• See a traditional maple sled and learn how sap moved from sugar bush to kettle
• Indulge in historical maple receipts (recipes)
• Investigate one of the earliest boycotts – white sugar
• Delve into 19th-century winter wear
• Join the Flint Hill Dance Troupe in a lively romp

Arrive hungry! 

The festival offers plenty of options if you want to get a sweet taste of the season! On Fridays, stop by the Meeting Center Cafe to grab a pancake plate special or soup or sandwich of the day to fuel your outdoor adventures. 

On Saturdays and Sundays, the Depot Restaurant, Freight House Pub, and Hosmer Taproom are all great options if you are looking for a meal. The Whistlestop Bread Sale is also taking place if you are interested in some freshly-baked bread! Keep in mind that the Breakfast Buffet ticket is a separate ticket from the festival itself. Click Here to purchase tickets for the Breakfast Buffet. 

Under the Festival Tent

This is where maple, music, and handmade treasures meet on Saturdays and Sundays.

Enjoy the spirited folk sounds of Dennis & Lainie, a dynamic musical duo rooted in Western New York traditions. They bring lively, history-infused tunes—some inspired by local stories and old-time dance music—to life for all ages.

For more information about these exciting seasonal activities and everything happening at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, follow their socials or visit their website at www.gcv.org.

Warmly,

Debra Ross
Publisher,  KidsOutAndAbout.com