Vermont’s maple sugaring traditions run deep, offering a sweet taste of history and culture.
Each sugar shack in Vermont has its unique charm, blending heritage with modern practices.
Explore these ten remarkable sugar shacks that continue to uphold the state’s sweetest tradition.
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, nestled in Montpelier, is an iconic Vermont landmark. With a legacy dating back to the 1700s, the Morse family has mastered the art of maple sugaring.
Visitors can explore the traditional wood-fired techniques and learn through engaging video presentations. The sugarworks offer an educational maple trail, explaining every step of the sugaring process.
Open year-round, it invites guests to savor maple creamies and different syrup grades. The site also hosts a delightful gift shop, making it a perfect destination for maple enthusiasts.
Goodrich’s Maple Farm
Goodrich’s Maple Farm in Cabot combines heritage and modernity. This longstanding family operation offers insights into antique maple sugaring methods.
Visitors can enjoy hands-on tours, tasting various maple products. The farm maintains a balance between old and new, preserving its rich history while embracing modern upgrades.
Special events like “Sugar on Snow” add to its charm, making it a must-visit for those looking to experience a blend of tradition and innovation.
Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Merck Forest & Farmland Center, a non-profit educational hub in Rupert, integrates conservation with maple syrup production.
It’s not just about sugaring; it’s about sustainability and education. The center’s sugarbush tradition is preserved through public classes and maple meet-ups. Engaging trails and the purchase of farm products offer a wholesome experience, blending nature with heritage.
The center’s commitment to organic farming and environmental education makes it a unique and inspiring destination.
Silloway Maple
Tucked into the rolling hills of central Vermont, Silloway Maple is a ninth-generation family farm that blends tradition with sustainability.
The Silloway family still taps hundreds of maple trees in their sugarbush, using a wood-fired evaporator powered by solar energy—a rare mix of old and new.
Visitors can tour the sugarhouse during the season, sample their certified organic syrup, and see firsthand how Vermont’s sweetest heritage is kept alive through generations of hands-on care.
Palmer’s Sugarhouse
For over 50 years, Palmer’s Sugarhouse in Shelburne has been a family favorite. Known for live boiling demonstrations, the sugarhouse offers a rich, participatory experience.
During sugaring season, families can enjoy events like farm barns and horse rides. The sugarhouse is accessible year-round, with many group tours available.
Its commitment to preserving the old-time sugaring process makes it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.
Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop
Bragg Farm Sugarhouse in East Montpelier is an 8th-generation marvel. Visitors can explore traditional methods like wood-fired evaporators amidst beautiful maple woods.
The farm’s architecture and crafts add to its charm. Families can enjoy free tours and tastings, making it a year-round destination.
The gift shop offers a variety of maple products, ensuring a sweet experience for all. With its rich legacy and picturesque setting, Bragg Farm is a must-visit.
Sugarbush Farm
Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock is renowned for its diversified operations. Not just a sugarhouse, it offers a unique blend of maple products and farm-made cheese.
The farm takes pride in integrating sugarbush into its broader agrarian traditions. Visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, and scenic outdoor views.
The combination of food experiences, like cheese and syrup, makes it a delightful visit for culinary enthusiasts.
Baird Farm
Baird Farm in North Chittenden stands out for its organic maple syrup production. This family tradition emphasizes sustainable practices while preserving the sugarbush model.
Visitors are welcomed for tours and product sampling, offering a genuine connection with nature.
The scenic setting enhances the experience, making it a refreshing escape for those seeking tranquility and tradition.
The Sugar Shack
The Sugar Shack in Arlington offers a quaint, intimate sugaring experience. This smaller operation, often family-owned, embodies the sweetness of traditional sugaring.
Visitors can relish local treats like waffles with syrup, experiencing the charm of seasonal turns. The hands-on interaction and the warm, inviting atmosphere make it a cherished stop for maple lovers.
Runamok Maple
Runamok Maple represents the fusion of tradition and innovation. Known for its creative flavors and infused syrups, it maintains core sugaring methods while offering public education.
The family heritage and small sugarbushes contribute to its charm. Visitors can enjoy tastings and explore the scenic woods, making it a delightful exploration of maple diversity.