Visit a Real-Life Sugar Mill on a Vermont Maple Syrup Tour

Every fall, thousands of visitors head to Vermont to admire the dappled autumn colors of its rolling hills. Most of the vibrant leaves belong to sugar maple, Vermont’s state tree and source of the state’s famous maple syrup. From the first metal juice nozzle in the 19th century to the local sugar mills that still thrive today, the tradition of harvesting maple syrup each spring has become deeply embedded in Vermont’s history. When you book our Vermont vacation rentals, be sure to check out a trip to the sugar mills.

Baird Farm – Chittenden

Baird Farm covers 560 acres and produces some of Vermont’s finest syrup. The farm produces certified organic syrup following strict USDA and VOF (Vermont Organic Farmer) guidelines. Learn about the whole process with a guide, and you can schedule a tour on their website.

The Baird gift shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and free samples are available at the sugar mill. This is a family business in a beautiful corner of the state!

KK. Ruane Maple Farm – Tinmouth

K. Ruane Maple Farm is a small, family-run farm that welcomes guests year-round. They love to take tourists on tours of their farm, which produces up to 3,200 gallons of maple syrup per year. If you come over on the Open House weekend, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh pancakes topped with their signature syrup.

Sugarbush Cheese and Maple Farm – Woodstock

Sugarbush Farm has about 8,500 trees that produce the Luce family’s famous maple syrup, which is open to visitors almost every day of the year. While learning about the mashing process, taste four different grades of syrup and sample some homemade cheddar cheese during the making.

A nature trail winds through the woods, taking you past the farm’s animals and trees. From peak sugar production to lively summers to enchanting snow holidays, there is a different view for each time of year.

Green Mountain Sugar Mill – Ludlow

Make Green Mountain Sugar House your destination in search of the best maple syrup. This family-owned factory introduces visitors to sugar production and, of course, samples.

Head to the gift shop to shop for a variety of maple products, including the popular pancake mix and syrup combo set. Order a cup of maple cream — Green Mountain’s signature maple sugar cone soft-serve ice cream — and enjoy it on the spacious lawn.

Mickey’s Maple – Chester

Mitch’s Maples has been a sugar staple for more than 70 years, opening their sugar mill to the public every day, selling their wares and showcasing the sugar process. During the spring harvest season, they offer excursions on weekends when the syrup boils.

Maple syrup isn’t the only tree food here — maple sugar and maple cream also fill store shelves. If you want to eat their sweets after your visit, you can buy Mickey’s products online so you can replenish your maple inventory from anywhere.

Goodrich Maple Farm – Cabot

Ever been to a snow sugar party? Goodrich received them during sugar season, when there was snow on the ground. Here, the hot syrup (231 degrees to be exact) meets fresh snow, immediately caramelizes, turning into chewy toffee.

Goodrich also offers farm group tours. Be sure to call in advance to make a reservation. On the way out, buy some of their maple products as souvenirs for those who are not lucky enough to come.

Merck Forest & Farmland Center – Rupert

The Merck Forest and Farmland Center introduces visitors to the importance of sustainable agriculture and forestry, which includes producing delicious organic maple syrup. Visit the farm’s 40-acre sugar grove, where about 3,000 taps produce syrup each year.

Visitors can explore the grounds and even hike on site. There are family-focused events throughout the year, so stay by for agricultural demonstrations, hiking, festivals, and more. Of course, sweet syrup can be purchased at the gift shop when you go out.