What Is the Michigan Maple Syrup Association Website?
Updated
michiganmaple.org is the official website of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (MMSA), a membership organization that promotes pure Michigan maple syrup and supports the people who produce it. Use the site if you want to find a Michigan sugarbush to visit, learn how syrup is made, attend an MMSA event, join the association, or see award-winning producers. It is an information and community hub rather than an online store—the site describes events, membership, awards, and producer locations, and includes a checkout link, but the available page content does not list prices or state whether any purchase or membership step requires an account.
What the Organization Is
The site presents the MMSA as a statewide group of maple producers. Its own figures describe a community of 150+ members, 150,000+ taps, and 50,000+ gallons produced. The association's stated purpose is to help people "explore and enjoy this tasty pure Michigan treat," covering three angles:
- History and heritage — how Michigan's early inhabitants made maple syrup.
- Science and technology — how syrup is produced and recent technological innovations.
- Access — where to see syrup being made and how to make it yourself.
Main Content Areas
Events
The homepage leads with "Meet Up at our Next Event" and lists a recurring calendar:
| Event | Timing and Location |
|---|---|
| Fall Tour 2026 | September 18–19, Eastern Upper Peninsula (Rudyard area); Sept 18 is a SAWW training / chainsaw safety class, Sept 19 is the Fall Tour |
| Winter Meeting | January 16–17, Mt. Pleasant |
| Key Maple Weekend | Southern Lower Michigan March 21–22; Northern Lower Michigan March 28–29; Upper Michigan April 11–12 |
The Fall Tour listing points to a mail-in registration form, so plan for postal registration rather than an online signup flow.
Producer Locations
A "Find a Sugarbush Near You" section links to an explore map and a full listing of Michigan sugarbush locations. This is the most practical feature for visitors: it tells you where syrup is actually being made and where you can watch the process.
Membership
A "Join Us" section explains how MMSA membership benefits people interested in maple. The page describes the benefits at a general level; specific dues and application steps are not detailed in the available content, so check the membership page directly before assuming cost or process.
Awards
The site recognizes producers through an annual contest—the 2026 Best of Show winner is listed as Maple View Farms (the Zimmerman family)—with a "View All Awards" link for past results.
Ice Storm Relief Fund
The association has set up a relief fund for producers affected by the 2025 ice storm, with donations going directly to affected families. The page notes support from Iron Fish Distillery (Ice Storm Whiskey) and Grand Traverse Pie Company (Michigan Maple Walnut Pie). A quote from president David Noonan frames the fund as both recovery aid and awareness for Michigan maple.
How to Use the Site
- Planning a visit — open Producer Locations, use the explore map to find a sugarbush, and check Key Maple Weekend dates for your region of the state.
- Attending an event — pick the Fall Tour or Winter Meeting, then follow the linked registration instructions; for the 2026 Fall Tour, expect a mail-in form.
- Learning the craft — read the "What we offer" material on production science and innovations, then look for a nearby producer to see the process in person.
- Supporting producers — use the Ice Storm Relief Fund section if you want to donate after the 2025 storm.
What to Keep in Mind
- The site is English-language and Michigan-focused; its value is local—events, producers, and awards are all state-specific.
- Event dates shown are for the upcoming cycle (Fall Tour 2026, Winter Meeting in January, Key Maple Weekends in March and April); confirm details on the event pages before traveling, since schedules can shift.
- The presence of a checkout link does not by itself confirm online payment options or pricing; the available content does not specify costs, so verify on the relevant page before committing.