Maple Weekend 2026 in Cattaraugus County: Sugarhouse Tours, Tastings & Local Maple Experiences
Maple Weekend 2026 in Cattaraugus County: Sugarhouse Tours, Tastings & Local Maple Experiences
From sugarhouse tours to maple tastings and family-friendly experiences, Maple Weekend offers a firsthand look at one of Western New York’s most beloved seasonal traditions.
As winter begins to fade and the first signs of spring emerge, one of Western New York’s most treasured traditions is back! Maple Weekend kicked off March 21-22 and continues through March 28-29, inviting visitors to experience the sights, smells, and flavors of maple season across Cattaraugus County.
Part of a statewide celebration of New York’s maple industry, Maple Weekend offers a behind-the-scenes look at how sap from local sugar maples is transformed into pure maple syrup. From steaming evaporators to snow-covered sugarbush trails, the event gives guests a firsthand appreciation for the craftsmanship and care that goes into every bottle.
Across the Enchanted Mountains region, maple producers are opening their doors for free tours, demonstrations, and tastings. Whether you’re a longtime maple enthusiast or simply looking for a fun weekend to venture out, there’s no shortage of stops to explore. Here are just a few:
WHERE TO GO IN CATTARAUGUS COUNTY
Planning your route? These local producers are offering a variety of experiences this upcoming weekend. Most locations will be open from 10:00am-4:00pm, though hours and activities may vary depending on location and weather conditions.
Maple Glen Sugar House (Gowanda) - Visitors can enjoy candy-making demos, learn how trees are tapped, and hop on wagon rides through the sugarbush. Free tours are available, and this year features new treats including maple ice cream and maple dirty sodas. If you’re coming out on Sunday, you can expect a special appearance by the Easter Bunny plus a Kids Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 1:00pm.
Moore’s Maple Shack & Pancake House (Freedom) - Come hungry. Moore’s will have its evaporator running while serving up its famous all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancakes. The restaurant is open daily through mid-April and is filled with family antiques and rustic charm, making every visit feel like a step back in time.
Sprague’s Maple Farms (Portville) - A favorite offering a traditional maple experience, including boiling demonstrations, tree tapping displays, and insights into early maple production. Guests can enjoy maple kettle corn, maple donuts, maple vine chardonnay samples (for those of age), and wagon rides (weather permitting).
Wright Farms (Farmersville) - This family-owned farm has been in business since 1840! Five generations of Wrights have worked to maintain the tradition of producing maple syrup and maple products on the farm. See a large-scale, modern maple operation with more than 8,000 taps. Be sure to try “jackwax,” a maple-on-snow treat that turns syrup and snow into a chewy, taffy-like confection.
Ulinger’s Maple Farm (East Otto) - Visitors to this welcoming, family-run farm can sample a wide variety of maple products, including pure maple cream and maple milkshakes, and connect with the people behind the process.
Sticky Paws (South Dayton) - Open Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00pm, this stop offers a laid-back opportunity to browse and sample small-batch maple products. From syrup and cream to fudge and candies shaped like maple leaves, there’s something sweet for every taste, all crafted with a focus on quality and local tradition.
Durow Farms Maple (Randolph) - A great family adventure featuring hayrides to the sap house, Saturday pancake breakfasts, and farm animals like calves and goats to visit. Enjoy tree tapping demonstrations and take part in a scavenger hunt - popular with the kiddos.
353 Maple (Cattaraugus) - While not limited to Maple Weekend, this local business is open year-round, offering maple products whenever the craving strikes. Ask about their aged Bourbon barrel maple syrup!
MAPLE SEASON CONTINUES IN ELLICOTTVILLE
The celebration of all things maple doesn’t end with Maple Weekend. In early April, Ellicottville Distillery will carry the tradition into the world of craft spirits with its upcoming Maple Spirit Release & Live Music event on Saturday, April 11 at 3:00pm. The event will feature the debut of a maple-inspired spirit alongside live music, offering a unique twist on the region’s signature flavor.
Known for using locally sourced ingredients in its small-batch creations, the distillery continues to showcase how maple can extend beyond the sugarhouse and into innovative craft beverages. It’s a natural next stop for maple lovers looking to keep the season going just a little bit longer.
Stay up-to-date on Ellicottville Distillery’s latest offerings and upcoming events by following them on Facebook or visiting ellicottvilledistillery.com. For more details on Maple Weekend and participating producers, head to enchantedmountains.com.
Maple Weekend in NYS is more than just a tasting event - it’s a celebration of local agriculture, family traditions, and the changing seasons. It’s also the perfect excuse to take a scenic drive through the countryside, discover new favorite spots, and support the hardworking producers who keep this sweet tradition alive. So grab your friends or family, map out a few stops, and enjoy a taste of spring - Cattaraugus County style!
