There’s no sweeter way to welcome March in Evansville than pancakes and pure Indiana maple syrup in the heart of the forest. 🌳

The 48th Annual Maple Sugarbush Festival and Pancake Breakfast returns to Wesselman Woods on Saturday and Sunday, March 7–8, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Held the first weekend of March each year, this long-standing community tradition brings families together for breakfast, fresh air, and hands-on learning in one of Evansville’s most treasured natural spaces.

Here’s what to know before you go:

  • What: 48th Annual Maple Sugarbush Festival and Pancake Breakfast 🥞

  • When: March 7–8, 2026 | 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

  • Where: Wesselman Woods Nature Center

  • Admission: $18 adults (13+), $12 children (3–12), free under 3

  • Member Perk: Wesselman Woods members receive $3 off each ticket

Admission includes unlimited pancakes, two sausage links, and unlimited coffee, orange juice, and milk. Real Indiana maple syrup from Harris Sugarbush in Greencastle is available at every table.

Tickets are sold in pre-scheduled time slots (7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon), and purchasing in advance is encouraged. Limited tickets will be available at the door, but indoor seating may be limited.

Beyond breakfast, the festival offers plenty to explore. Guests can experience the sugar maple tapping and distillation process during guided hikes, visit educational activity booths, enjoy storytime with Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, meet resident animal ambassadors, and explore more than four miles of trails. The five-acre Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape, Arwood Family Treehouse, and Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary will also be open for adventure.

Compostable plates, cups, and cutlery will be provided, but guests are encouraged to bring reusable dishware as a greener option. Those who do will receive a free day pass to Wesselman Woods and the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape.

All proceeds support the mission of Wesselman Woods, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1972 to protect the 294-acre tract now known as Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. As the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States, the preserve is managed by the Wesselman Woods Nature Society in partnership with the City of Evansville. In addition to the main preserve, the organization also oversees Howell Wetlands on Evansville’s west side. Through environmental education, research, and outdoor recreation, Wesselman Woods works to awaken the senses and enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

Please note that Wesselman Woods will be closed on Friday, March 6, to prepare for the festival. The property will only be open during event hours on March 7–8, and all guests must pay event admission, whether or not they participate in breakfast.

For tickets and additional details, visit wesselmanwoods.org/msb.