ALL OVER THE MAP
Chilton: Maple Syrup Sunday. Help tap a tree, collect the sap and learn how it gets turned into syrup, plus enjoy a pancake breakfast. Tours and demonstrations are free from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19, with breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Breakfast is $8 for adults, $4 for kids 6-12 and free for those 5 and under. See ledgeviewnaturecenter.org.
Eau Claire: Wisconsin Sports Show. Browse outdoor exhibitors and see demonstrations and presentations at this show at the Menards Conference Center at Old Mill Plaza. It's open 3-8 p.m. March 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 18 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 19. Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Children 11 and under get in free. See wisportshow.com.
Horicon: Searching for Spring Open House. Get excited for spring with a variety of activities at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center including spring gardening tips, bird identification, what to do (and not to do) when you stumble on baby wildlife and more. The open house is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 and is free. See horiconmarsh.org.
New London: St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Fest. A group of mischievous leprechauns transform New London into New Dublin this week, with a handful of events planned including the state's largest St. Patrick's Day Parade at 1 p.m. March 18. A tent downtown will host Irish Fest from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Celtic music, Irish food, beverages and more. See newdublin.com.
Madison: Olbrich's Spring Flower Show. See the bright-colored flowers of spring including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths at this show March 11-26 at Olbrich
Botanical Gardens. The flowers will be arranged around artistic furniture from Midwest artists. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for kids 3-12 and free for those 2 and under and Olbrich members. See olbrich.org.
Milwaukee: Maple Sugar Time. Hike around the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center to learn about the stages of making maple syrup, then enjoy real syrup over dollar-size pancakes. There will be two sessions on March 18: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Pre-registration is required; admission is $11 for kids and $15 for adults ($6 and $10 for members). See schlitzaudubon.org.
Prairie du Chien: Villa Louis Behind the Scenes. Get an extended tour of this historic Victorian mansion along the Mississippi River, including a glimpse into the life of the Dousman family, who lived there in the 19th century. The twohour tours will be held at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. March 17 and 18. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children; reservations are required. See villalouis.wisconsinhistory.org.
Sherwood: Sap to Syrup: Making Syrup the Old-fashioned Way. Join a retired park naturalist for demonstrations and tips on making maple syrup in your own backyard. The session from 10 a.m. to noon March 18 is free, but a state parks admission sticker is required. Meet outside the General Store Museum. See dnr.wi.gov.