Events

Maple Syrup Season 2026 in Onaway, Michigan

In Onaway, Michigan, maple syrup season typically runs from late February through early April, depending entirely on weather conditions rather than fixed calendar dates.

Maple sap begins to flow when nighttime temperatures fall below freezing and daytime temperatures rise above freezing. This freeze-thaw cycle creates pressure inside the tree that allows sap to move, making collection possible.

Typical Season Breakdown

• Season Start: Late February to early March
  
• Peak Production: March
  
• Season End: Early April, or when maple trees begin to bud
  

The active season usually lasts 4–6 weeks, though some years may be shorter or longer based on temperature swings.

Why Timing Varies Each Year

No two maple seasons are the same. Warm winters may delay sap flow, while early spring warmth can end the season quickly once buds appear and sap quality declines.

In northern Lower Michigan, including Onaway, producers closely watch daily temperatures to determine when tapping begins and when the season is over.

🍁 Maple Syrup Open House Weekend

Sponsored by Earth Week Plus

📅 Dates: Saturday & Sunday, March 14–15, 2026

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Location:

Bonz Beach Farms

20706 Bonz Beach Hwy

Onaway, MI 49765

See Local Maple Syrup Production in Action

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at real Michigan maple syrup production during this free, family-friendly open house weekend.

Owners Jeff and Gary Shepherd operate a modern maple syrup operation featuring:

• Over 4,300 tapped maple trees
  
• Nearly 2 miles of tubing moving sap through the sugarbush
  
• A central pumphouse feeding a 4,200-gallon collection tank
  
• An automated syrup processing system producing up to 40 gallons of syrup per hour
  

Visitors will:

• Watch sap being pumped directly from the trees
  
• Learn how approximately 43 gallons of sap become 1 gallon of finished maple syrup
  
• See the full process from tree → syrup → sugar → candy → mustard
  
• Gain insight into how a maple season runs from mid-February through April
  

“I started with just 60 taps in my first year,” says Gary Shepherd.

“Now we’re tapping about 4,300 trees — and the season still flies by.”

🛒 Products Available for Purchase

• Pure Michigan Maple Syrup
  
• Maple Sugar
  
• Maple Candy
  
• Maple Mustard
  

🌎 Event Details

• Sponsored by Earth Week Plus
  
• Part of a county-wide program series across Cheboygan County, Michigan
  
• FREE admission
  
• Suitable for all ages
  

🔗 Learn more and view the full schedule at https://earthweekplus.org

🍁 Maple Syrup Open House Weekend

Sponsored by Michigan Maple Syrup Association

📅 Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Location:
Bonz Beach Farms
20706 Bonz Beach Hwy
Onaway, MI 49765

As part of the statewide Maple Syrup Open House Weekend, Bonz Beach Farms will once again open its doors to the public in partnership with the Michigan Maple Syrup Association.

What You’ll Experience

• A guided look at commercial-scale maple syrup production
  
• Sap collection via extensive tubing systems
  
• Live evaporator demonstrations (weather permitting)
  
• Education on sustainable maple forestry
  
• Opportunities to ask questions directly to the producers
  

🛒 Maple Products for Sale

• Syrup
  
• Sugar
  
• Candy
  
• Mustard
  

🌲 Event Details

• Part of a statewide celebration of Michigan maple syrup
  
• FREE admission
  
• Family-friendly and educational
  
• Great for first-time visitors and returning guests alike
  

🔗 Learn more about the association at https://www.michiganmaple.org

RV Camping at Bonz Beach Farms (Harvest Hosts Location)

Bonz Beach Farms is proud to be a Harvest Hosts location, welcoming RV travelers to experience a peaceful stay at a working maple syrup and produce farm in Onaway, Michigan.

Guests enjoy camping among mature sugar maples near our sugar shack, with wide open skies, quiet nights, and easy access to walking trails, ponds, gardens, and the heart of our farm operation.

What to Expect

• Level grassy RV sites in a scenic farm setting
  
• A working maple syrup operation with host-led tours available
  
• Tastings of pure maple syrup and specialty maple products
  
• Seasonal farm produce, eggs, honey, and cottage goods
  
• A relaxed, authentic farm-to-table experience
  

RV & Stay Details

• Max Rig Size: Up to 45 ft
  
• Electric Hookups: 30A available
  
• Generators: Allowed
  
• Pets: Welcome
  
• Check-In: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET
  
• Check-Out: Before 12:00 PM ET
  
• Parking Surface: Grass
  
• Parking Style: Pull-through and back-in options
  

Extra nights may be available depending on availability.

Visit the On-Site Market During Your Stay

All Harvest Hosts guests are encouraged to visit Bonz Beach Market, our on-site farm store, open daily year-round.

Bonz Beach Market

Daily: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

20706 Bonz Beach Hwy
Onaway, MI 49765

How to Stay With Us

Overnight RV stays are available through Harvest Hosts membership.

Search for “Scenic Maple Syrup Farm Retreat – Onaway, MI” on HarvestHosts.com to book your stay.

Things to Do Near Bonz Beach Farms (Onaway, Michigan)

Whether you’re staying overnight as a Harvest Hosts guest or visiting the area, Onaway and the surrounding region offer classic Northern Michigan experiences — from lakes and waterfalls to trails, racing, and small-town dining.

Outdoor & Nature Attractions

Onaway State Park

Located on Black Lake, this state park offers beaches, swimming, fishing, boating access, hiking trails, and peaceful shoreline views.

Ocqueoc Falls Nature Preserve

Home to the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. A short walk leads to scenic falls surrounded by forest — a must-see local landmark.

Black Mountain Recreation Area

A large forested recreation area featuring hiking trails, ORV routes, horseback riding, biking, and wildlife viewing.

Awakon Park

A unique sculpture and ruins park built around the remains of a historic factory — perfect for a short walk and photos.

Clear Lake State Park

A peaceful park offering swimming, picnicking, hiking trails, and access to one of Michigan’s clearest inland lakes.

Recreation & Entertainment

Onaway Speedway

Catch local stock car racing and special events during race season — a longtime community favorite.

Huron Sunrise Trail

A scenic biking and walking trail that follows the Lake Huron shoreline through Presque Isle County.

Local History & Culture

Presque Isle County Historical Museum

Learn about the area’s logging, farming, and railroad history inside a historic courthouse building.

Local Dining & Small-Town Favorites

Wood Winds Restaurant

A classic local restaurant serving American comfort food.

Manzana’s Restaurant

A casual dining spot popular with locals and visitors alike.

Ma’s Diner

A small-town diner known for hearty breakfasts and lunches.

211 Bar & Grill

A laid-back place for dinner, drinks, and local atmosphere.

Havel’s Northland Grill & Lounge

Food, drinks, and a classic Northwoods lounge vibe.

Easy Day Trips

Cheboygan

Explore Lake Huron, marinas, beaches, and riverfront dining just a short drive away.

Indian River

Gateway to the Inland Waterway with boating, restaurants, and outdoor recreation.

Gaylord

Shopping, dining, trails, and year-round outdoor activities.

Produce Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Season in Onaway, Michigan

In Onaway, Michigan, the produce season follows a distinct northern growing calendar shaped by cool springs, warm summers, and early fall frosts. Most fresh produce is grown between late spring and early fall, with timing closely tied to soil temperature and weather conditions.

Planting Season

• Typical Start: Late April to early May
  
• Cold-hardy crops (leafy greens, root vegetables) may be planted first once soil is workable.
  
• Warm-season crops are planted after the risk of frost has passed, usually by mid-May.
  

Growing Season

• Primary Growing Months: May through August
  
• Long daylight hours and cooler nights help promote steady growth, strong flavor development, and nutrient density.
  
• Consistent rainfall and careful irrigation are key during peak summer growth.
  

Harvest Season

• Early Harvests: June (greens, herbs, early vegetables)
  
• Peak Harvest: July through September
  
• Late Harvests: Into October for frost-tolerant crops
  

Many crops are harvested multiple times throughout the season, while others are picked once at full maturity.

Season Length

The typical frost-free growing window in the Onaway area lasts approximately 110–130 days, though season-extension methods such as hoop houses and row covers can significantly extend planting and harvest windows.

Why Timing Varies Each Year

Weather plays a major role in northern Michigan farming. Late frosts, cool springs, or early fall freezes can shift planting and harvesting dates, making flexibility and close field monitoring essential each season.

Visit Bonz Beach Market — Open Year-Round

Bonz Beach Market is our on-site farm store in Onaway, Michigan, offering local maple products, farm goods, and seasonal favorites straight from our operation. Whether you’re stopping in for syrup, gifts, or fresh produce when it’s in season, the market is open and welcoming every day of the year.

Store Hours

Daily: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Open year-round

Location

Bonz Beach Market

20706 Bonz Beach Hwy

Onaway, MI 49765

What You’ll Find

• Pure Michigan maple syrup & maple products
  
• Seasonal farm produce
  
• Local goods and gift-ready items
  
• A direct connection to where your food is produced
  

Contact Information

For questions, product availability, or bulk purchases, visit our website or contact us directly:

Website: bonzbeachfarms.com

In-person: Stop by the market daily, 8am–8pm

2026 Information coming soon!

2026 Information coming soon!