Welcome warmer weather and shake off cabin fever during Naper Settlement’s annual tribute to the changing of the seasons. Learn the time-honored method of collecting sap the old-fashioned way and see a maple tree tapping demonstration. Enjoy hands-on activities and presentations that recount Illinois’ Native American heritage and pioneer past and try a tasty maple treat. Each of the historic buildings will have a different theme and special activities for families to enjoy. 

Maple sugaring was an integral part of American life in the 1800s and was the foremost sweetener until the end of the Civil War. A community social event celebrating the arrival of spring, the difficult work involving in collecting and processing the sap required many hands. This festive gathering was a welcome diversion following a long winter. Until the end of the Civil War, maple products were the most important food sweeteners in the United States because they were far less expensive and more available than cane sugar.

See the 2014 coverage of Maple Sugaring Days from NCTV17!

Time: Saturday 10 am-4 pm Sunday 1-4 pm  Ticket Information: $12/adult, $10/senior (62+), $8/youth (4-12)  Naper Settlement Members, Naperville residents (with proof of residency) and children under 4 years receive free admission.

   
Throughout the Weekend:
Maple Tree Tapping Demonstrations   
Saturday: Noon and 3 p.m. and Sunday: 3 p.m.

Learn to dance a reel with live music by the Battlefield Balladeers        
Saturday:1:30 p.m. and Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

Hear about Native American Spring Traditions
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and Sunday: 2:00 and 3:30 p.m.
           
All Day...
Samples of Maple Taffy available
Pick up crossword puzzle to solve as you walk the grounds
Beverages available for purchase $1
Enjoy a coloring station or play in the History Connection
Visit the Riverwalk Quilters Guild display
Try your hand at the Log Drilling Station
Check out the Four Seasons of Illinois Activity Cart and make some animal track rubbings
Learn how to pronounce animal names using the Potawatomi language
"Make and Take It” - Whitewash a fence

Special Spring-Themed Tours in the Buildings:
Log House: See how sap was boiled down to create maple syrup and maple sugar
Schoolhouse: School is in session!
Print Shop: Stop by for a Spring-themed bookmark
Blacksmith Shop: Tool making demonstrations
Paw Paw Post Office: Has your mail order catalog arrived?
Martin Mitchell Mansion: 1st floor tours on the hour and half hour
Halfway House: Help this farming family with their Spring Chores 
Pretend to plant a garden with hoes and rakes