Tackle a Few Corn Mazes for Ultimate Fall Fun
Every year my family tackles a corn maze as an item on our fun fall activities bucket list. We take it seriously and make a pact beforehand to complete the entire maze. Failure is not an option!
The result? Over the years, I’ve been lost in many corn mazes at local family farms.
Thankfully, my husband passed on his excellent sense of direction to my sons, and with the help of an occasional aerial photo of the maze downloaded in desperation, we’ve always succeeded. (That’s not cheating, by the way.)
There’s a sense of accomplishment when you make it through one of these corn mazes. Celebrating with donuts and cider make it all worth it!
West Michigan Corn Maze List
Ready to try your luck in a corn maze?
Here are over 20 corn mazes of all levels, shapes, and sizes that promise to keep you mystified until you’ve reached the end.
1 –Deep Roots Produce Corn Maze
8570 84th St SE, Alto, MI 49302
This Happy Gilmore-themed corn maze even has mini putt putt! The 9 hole mini putting course is at the start of the maze. You can also bypass the putting course and go straight to the maze entrance.
Deep Roots Produce has three different trails within this 11 acre corn maze, each for different skill / age levels.
The Kid’s Maze is really short at 0.3 miles. The Intermediate Maze is 1.4 miles long, and the Advanced Maze clocks in at 3.2 miles!
You can also take it up a notch with Glow Night maze events, where you receive glow sticks for your evening maze challenge. And retro fans can dress up on 9/17 for 80’s night.
There are two platforms in the maze to help you get your bearings and NEW THIS YEAR: Live GPS map for maze-goers. Your maze pass also comes with a punch card that’ll help guide you through each trail. Find all 12 checkpoints to successfully complete the maze!
Tickets are available online under the Corn Maze tab.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $10 for ages 10+, $7 for those under 10. Glow Nights are $13.
• Special: Glow Nights & Mini Golf included
• Opening Day: September 3, 2022
• Good for all ages – 3 lengths to choose from.
• Theme: Happy Gilmore
Farm Info
Also at Deep Roots Produce:
Deep Roots Produce in Alto used to be just a seasonal roadside farm stand offering u-pick produce, but over the years they’ve been adding on little by little.
Now the farm stand has a corn maze, pumpkin patch, lots of fresh produce, and regularly hosts food trucks on the weekends.
Swing by Deep Roots Produce in August to enjoy the sunflowers. Pick your own sunflowers, buy some pre-picked and get lost in the sunflower maze. Maze admission is $8 per person, kids 3 and under free.
There are several photo spots, a couple of farm animals, and lawn games out front.
2 – Ed Dunneback & Girls Fruit Farm Corn Maze
3025 6 Mile Rd, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
(616) 784-0058
The whole family can get lost in the 8 acre corn maze at Ed Dunneback & Girls. This year you have to make your way through “Good Vibes & Tractor Rides.”
Buy a 2022 Weekend Fall activities pass for $10 per person and get access to all fall activities including 5 new attractions. Good Fridays – Sundays in September & October.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Fri-Sun Prices: $10 per person, 3 and under free
• Opening Day: September 9, 2022
• Hours: Tues & Th – 9am – 8 pm; Wed & Fri 9am – 9 pm; Sat 9 am – 5 pm; Sun 11 am – 5 pm
• Theme: Good Vibes & Tractor Rides
Farm Info
Also at Ed Dunneback & Girls:
Edwin Dunneback purchased the farm in 1922. He farmed 170 acres of apples, peaches, corn, hay, and a herd of dairy cows.
Today, this is a fifth-generation family farm.
The barn was built in 1938 and is now home to a fresh produce market, gift shop, bakery with homemad donuts, kitchen & taproom.
U-pick fruit, sunflowers, a corn maze, playground, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and other events round out their offerings.
3 – Fruit Ridge Hayrides Corn Maze
11966 Fruit Ridge NW, Kent City, MI 49330
(616) 887-5052
Head over to Fruit Ridge Hayrides to tackle the Giant Maize Quest. Four interactive games are incorporated into the maze, making it fun, challenging, and educational for all ages.
This huge 10-acre corn maze has a new theme each year. The theme for 2022 is Magical Wizards and Witches.
Bonus: Fruit Ridge Hayrides’ smartphone app (Maze Tracker) uses GPS positioning to pinpoint and follow your exact location in the maze. The prompts ensure that you never get lost again.
Two mazes for the price of one! Admission is good for the 10-acre Challenge Corn Maze & the family-friendly Mini Corn Maze. The 1-acre, this mini corn maze is great for younger explorers. Older participants can experience both mazes.
Check their website and Facebook page to find out when Flashlight nights will be happening this year.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $8 per person or $15 combo ticket with hayride
• Opening Day: September 24, 2022
• 10-acre main maze; 1-acre mini maze
• Special: Flashlight Nights
• Theme: Magical Wizards and Witches
Farm Info
Also at Fruit Ridge Hayrides:
Fruit Ridge Hayrides checks all the boxes for fall fun.
Whether it’s picking apples in the orchard, taking a ride on a horse-drawn wagon, or finding your way through one of the largest corn mazes in Western Michigan, there’s sure to be something for everyone this fall at Fruit Ridge Hayrides.
Open weekends from mid-September through October. Private groups by reservation only during the week.
They also have a great playground and fire pit area, as well as a donut barn.
4 – Cotant’s Farm Market Corn Maze
2500 S M 37 Hwy, Hastings, MI 49058
(269) 945-4180
The 14-acre corn maze at Cotant’s Farm Market is filled with twists, turns and winding trails – plus a special game.
The maze is family-friendly and there is a night maze option on some weekends throughout the season.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: TBA; 2021- 6 and up $6.00 per person, 5 and under free
• Opening Day: TBA
• 14-acre maze
• Special: Night maze on select weekend nights
• Theme: In remembrance of Bill Cotant
Farm Info
Also at Cotant’s Farm Market:
Cotant’s Farm Market, located one mile south of Hastings on M-37 Highway, is a family-owned and operated business that set their roots four generations ago in 1947.
Every fall, the Market celebrates the season with apple picking, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, donuts and cider, and more.
Their greenhouse specializes in hanging baskets, flowering annuals, a wide range of perennials, and vegetable plants. The Farm Market has a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
5 – Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo Corn Maze
4180 West M-20, New Era, MI 49446
(231) 861-5730
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo celebrating 90 years of farming with their maze this year. This L-shaped maze is different from the traditional rectangular or square mazes.
Does this make it easier or harder? We don’t know. Check it out and let us know!
Lewis’s maze is part of their general admission and a good buy, since this farm is loaded with things to do.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: Corn Maze included with admission; online rates: weekends – $19.95, weekdays $14.95
• Opening Day: September 3, 2022
• Know: Plan to spend the day – Lewis Farms General admission includes maze access to 40+ other activities.
• Theme: Celebrating 90 Years
Farm Info
Also at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo:
Owned by the same family for five generations, Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo is a great destination for families of all ages.
Visit with over 100 animals and enjoy nearly 50 different activities and attractions.
Fall activities at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo include u-pick apples, pumpkin patch, barrel train, jumping pillow, pettzing zoo and so much more.
The farm is great for field trips, birthday parties and any other event.
6 – Gull Meadow Farms Corn Maze
8544 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083
(269) 629-4214
Gull Meadow Farms 6-acre corn maze has two options, including a mini maze for the littler kids.
Visit this maze during the day with the other farm activities, or challenge yourself to navigate at night in October.
The family-friendly night corn maze require.s tickets. Bring flashlights for the night maze, available only 4 nights in October.
Night Maze Dates: October 22, 23, 29, 30
The night maze opens at 7:00 PM and last admission at 9:00 PM. All participants must exit the maze by 10:00 PM.
Mini Maze: Great alternative for younger visitors with fewer turns and less walking. Included in general admission.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: TBA; 2021 Prices were – Maze Included with admission on weekends and weeknights. $5 add-on for daytime, Night maze admission: $9, Mini-maze: included with admission
• Opening Day: September 10, 2022
• Special flashlight maze nights
• Theme: TBA
Farm Info
Also at Gull Meadow Farms:
Located in Richland, Gull Meadow Farms is much more than a spot to grab some apples or pick a pumpkin (although they do offer both).
This farm continues to grow each year, now offering over 30 fall activities, summer events and Christmas events with Santa.
Fall activities include apple cannon, slides, corn pit, duck races, pumpkin cannon, pig races, train rides, and an obstacle course. New for 2022 are bubble station, tractor pull and wall ball.
Stop by the bakery for delicious treats including homemade donuts.
Kids will also love the farm animals and play area.
7 – Heidi’s Farmstand and Bakery Corn Maze
11999 Cascade Road, Lowell, MI 49334
(616) 897-6707
The corn maze at Heidi’s Farmstand is 10 acres in size and contains two themed mazes (large & junior) for different challenge levels.
They also have a free kiddie Twine Maze for you to enjoy.
There are 5 checkpoints hidden in the large maze (4 in the small maze). Use the virtual punch card and scan the corresponding QR code as you find each checkpoint and then redeem your completed punch card for an 8 oz Cider Slushy. Upgrade to a 12 oz Slushy by finding 3 bonus checkpoints.
The Jr. Maze prize is a sticker.
Flashlight Nights: For an extra challenge, navigate the maze with a flashlight in the dark, every Friday and Saturday night in October. The maze is not haunted.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: Weekdays – $6/adult, $4.50/ages 3-13
Weekends: $8/adult, $6/ages 3-13
Parents always free with their kids in the Junior Maze
• Opening Day: September 9, 2022
• Large maze best for ages 8+. It takes 45 minutes to walk and up to 1.5 hours to complete the associated game.
• Junior maze is for ages 8 and under. It takes 15 – 20 minutes to complete.
• Theme: Westward, Ho!
Farm Info
Also at Heidi’s Farmstand:
Come enjoy a stroll through the corn maze, a colorful hayride, or pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.
In the farm market, you will find a complete selection of all the great fall crops in Michigan – apples, cider, squash, strawberries, and other produce.
Heidi’s Farmstand is a family operation established in 2006.
Stop by the bakery for homemade donuts and other goodies and then have kids burn off the sugar on the play area.
The Blough family has been in the Lowell area since 1949 when Grandpa Noah bought the farm on Cascade Road. Heidi’s is a partnership between three cousins.
The goal of Heidi’s Farmstand is to bring fresh, homegrown, and local food to the community.
8 – Crane Orchards Corn Maze
6054 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
(269) 561-8651
The 20-acre corn maze at Crane Orchards is filled with challenges.
Each year brings a new design and new challenges.
If you are wanting to go in the maze on weekdays or before noon on weekends, purchase tickets at the u-pick. (The Corn Maze is open while u-pick is open.)
Crane Orchards only accepts credits cards and cash. $5 minimum purchase to use a credit card.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: Ages 11 years+ ($7) ; Ages 6 – 10 ($5); 5 & Under (Free)
• Hours: Open Daily 10am-6pm after Labor Day Weekend
• 20-acre maze
Farm Info
Also at Crane Orchards:
Crane Orchards is definitely a destination!
Crane Orchards operates two related, yet separate, locations on 12th Ave in Fennville, MI (close to Saugatuck).
Choose to visit Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery, Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze, or both destinations.
They have over 17 different varieties of apples, 10 varieties of peaches & sweet cherries for u-pick. Open daily weather permitting during apple season.
Their restaurant serves up tasty meals as well as an amazing selection of pie (whole or by the slice.) They also have wine tasting.
9 – New Salem Haunted Corn Maze or Family Daytime Corn Maze
4516 24th St, Dorr, MI 49323
(616) 681-2342
New Salem Corn Maze is one of the iconic haunted attractions in West Michigan – but don’t be scared – they offer different options for maze-goers, depending on the level of fright you’re after.
The daytime maze is 100% family-friendly.
The New Salem Corn Maze “Witches of New Salem” haunted woods, on the other hand, is a frightening experience with over 20 attractions and dozens of actors and props. The haunted corn maze is a night time adventure that takes you on a wild and ride of dead ends, twists & turns, confusion, and mayhem.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: Haunted Corn Maze: $25, daytime corn maze $8 per person
• Haunted Maze Hours: Fri & Sat starting Sept 30, Dusk – 11 pm
• Daytime Maze Hours: Saturdays & Sundays in October, 11 am – 6 pm
• Daytime Admission grants access to the corn maze plus farm animals, pumpkin patch, hayrides & more
• CASH & CHECKS ONLY
Farm Info
Also at New Salem Corn Maze:
New this year!
Jump on a wagon and take a ride through the trail with lights synchronized to Halloween songs.
The family-friendly Halloween Light Spooktacular wagon ride lasts approximately 20 minutes. $10 Per Person Under 3 is Free
Admission to the daytime corn maze also includes farm animals, pumpkin patch, hay rides, child’s train, and playground.
Don’t miss out on the homemade donuts and cider!
10 – Rasch Sunflower Maze & Corn Maze • Haunted & Regular
17647 40th Avenue, Conklin, MI 49403
(616) 899-2931
For a truly unique and gorgeous maze experience, try your hand at the 3-acre sunflower maze at Rasch Cherry & Apple Market. It’s one of the great places to see sunflower fields in the area.
On Friday & Saturday evenings in October, the slowly dying sunflowers make the best haunting grounds. This one-mile haunted maze is open from 9 pm-11 pm.
Looking for the corn maze? There’s one of those, too. It also becomes haunted on October weekend evenings. The Corn Maze becomes 4 acres of spooky chills and thrill to add to an exciting experience in the dark of evening.
Maze Summary
• Haunted versions available weekends in October
• 2022 Prices: Adults – Sunflower Maze: $8, Corn Maze: $8, Package Deal: $15
• 2022 Prices: Kids – Sunflower Maze: $6, Corn Maze: $6, Package Deal: $10
• Regular Sunflower & Corn Maze: Tentatively Opening Sun, Sept 4, 2022
Farm Info
Also at Rasch Cherry & Apple Market:
This fun family farm offers U-pick apples, pumpkins, sunflowers, along with a variety of prepicked fruits and veggies.
Their delicious homemade baked goods include fresh donuts, hot turnovers, etc, all made or produced in-house or locally.
Rasch Cherries & Apples also has a kids area and a few animals.
11 – Schwallier’s Country Basket Corn Maze
1185 9 Mile Rd, Sparta, MI 49345
(616) 785-9896
Every year, Schwallier’s creates a completely unique maze adventure based around a fun, educational theme. To get through the maze, you’ll have to answer questions by finding clues in the corn.
After a brief introduction, you’re sent into the maze with a game sheet. Inside the maze, work with your friends to find answers and beat the maze.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $10 per person
• Opening Day: Sep 4, 2021
• Theme: Bees
• Good for families looking for an easy, smaller corn maze to do as part of a fall farm outing.
Farm Info
Also at Schwallier’s:
Schwallier’s is a destination for families looking for iconic fall activities.
Attractions here include apple cannons, an apple orchard, hayrides, farm animals, a pumpkin patch, cool farm play areas – especially in the back 40, and yummy market finds, like homemade donuts.
Schwallier’s Country Basket first opened their barn doors in 1989. The store has grown from a roadside produce stand into a thriving farm market and apple orchards. Plus, it seems like they are continuously adding new, fun family activities to the farm.
12 – Post Family Farm Corn Maze
5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville, MI 49426
(616) 669-1964
Hop on the hayride and head out to the family-friendly corn maze at Post Family Farm.
Guests ages 8 and up will have a blast getting lost in the giant stalks.
After you find your way out, walk down to the pumpkin patch and catch the hayride back to the main farm.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $6 admission + $2 corn maze
• Opening Day: September 12, 2022
Farm Info
Also at Post Family Farm:
Families west of Grand Rapids have been enjoying fall on Post Family Farm for generations. The barn was originally built in 1915 for dairy cows.
Post Family Farm is a family owned and operated farm. The Posts purchased the 80-acre farm in 1969.
In addition to incredible pumpkin donuts, you can also take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch. Kids love all the different options for play including giant tube slides, mini ziplines and a hay loft.
Post Family Farm also hosts field trips and weddings.
13 – Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery Corn Maze
3142 4-Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 361-7180
The family-friendly 6.5-acre corn maze at Robinette’s is available after Labor Day and goes through the end of October.
The corn maze opens at 10 am Monday through Saturday and noon on Sunday.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $9 per person (2 and under free)
• Opening Day: September 6, 2022
• Theme: Big Apple
Farm Info
Also at Robinette’s Apple Haus:
Robinette’s has been around for a long time!
It was started in 1911 and has been owned by the same family for four generations. Their orchards are situated on 125-acres just north of Grand Rapids.
In addition to growing apples, peaches, cherries, nectarines, and apricots, among other things, Robinette’s also has several outbuildings that house a variety of amenities.
The Apple Haus is where you’ll find a restaurant, bakery, donut makers, and cider mill.
The big red barn has a winery tasting room, gift shop, nut maker, and popcorn maker.
Kids will love the petting farm and jumping pillow.
14 – Olin Farms Corn Maze
10991 Vergennes St., Lowell, MI 49331
(616) 970-3251
Our horse themed maze has a fun challenge- find the mailbox and grab a ticket from inside, then bring it back to the cabin for a treat. If you don’t find the mailbox you haven’t made it through the whole maze. Look for the scarecrow for a clue! [2020 info]
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $7/adults, $5/child; Combo with hayride: $15/adults, $10/child
• Opening Day: October 1, 2022
Farm Info
Also at Olin Farm:
The 120 acre farm has been in the Olin family for over 70 years.
Every fall, Raggedy Andy (made from hay bales) appears alongside the farm.
A wonderful farm to enjoy with friends and family!
15 – Heritage Farms Market Corn Maze
1858 S Maple Island Rd, Fremont, MI 49412
(231) 854-3276
Learn about the United States as you work your way through the USA themed corn maze at Heritage Farms Market.
Heritage Farm is open Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM & Sun: 12 PM -5 PM.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: TBA
• Opening Day: September 24, 2022
Farm Info
Also at Heritage Farms Market:
Heritage Farms Market has been family-owned and operated market since 1971.
Swing by the market for pressed apple cider from September 15-November 15.
The bakery features apple cider slushies, caramel apples, fresh donuts, fudge, muffins and pies.
Other outdoor fall fun activities include u-pick pumpkin patch and “I Spy” Hayrides.
16 – Bethke Farms Corn Maze
12124 136th Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8986
The two acre corn maze at Bethke Farms is perfect for families.
For some added fun, find all 10 questions in the maze.
Masks are recommended in the corn maze.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $5 age 6+, 5 and under free
• Maze Hours: September 24, 2022
Farm Info
Also at Bethke Farms:
Bethke Farms is where people build family traditions while having fun on a farm, finding a Halloween pumpkin, taking a hayride and getting lost in a corn maze.
Stop into the market to update your fall decor while kids play on the pirate ship.
17 – Apple Valley Fun Farm Corn Maze & Haunted Corn Maze
7737 Fruit Ridge Ave NW, Sparta, MI 49345
(231) 903-3246
Get lost in the 5-acre corn maze featuring a happy scarecrow and pumpkin design on Apple Valley Fun Farm.
While you’re in there, play FSI: Farm Scene Investigation. Investigate seven animal suspects – collect clues in the maze to solve the mystery.
Thrill-seekers can get scared silly on Abandoned Acres where everything is haunted. Two different quarter-mile haunted corn mazes are filled with scary creatures. Even the hayride is haunted!
Buy tickets online in advance or with cash on-site. No credit cards on-site.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: Saturday & Sunday: $15, 23 months & under free; $35 Abandoned Acres
• Opening Day: September 17, 2022; Abandoned Acres – September 23, 2022
Farm Info
Also at Apple Valley Fun Farm:
Apple Valley Fun Farm is filled with fall fun.
Kids can bounce off energy on the giant pumpkin pillow, spooky mansion slide inflatable or cow belly inflatable. Or climb a giant haybale pile, bury themselves in corn kernels, or race ducks.
Don’t forget a cider and donut break!
18 – Wells Orchards Corn Maze
8993 Kenowa Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 453-3927
The corn maze at Wells Orchards is perfect for families with young children.
It’s designed to be fun, but not too challenging and “geared to the younger kids that may not want to spend two hours trying to find their way out,” says Wells Orchards.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $3 per person, age 4+
• Maze Hours: Labor Day Weekend 2022
Farm Info
Also at Wells Orchards:
Wells Orchards is filled with fun fall activities.
Fresh cider and donuts are available in the market along with everything you need to update your harvest decor.
Wagon rides through the apple orchard run every Saturday in October.
The pumpkin patch opens the first weekend of October.
19 – BestMaze Corn Maze & Trail of Terror Corn Maze
3803 Noble Road, Williamston, MI 48895
(517) 521-2378
The 2022 season is the 22nd and final year for Bestmaze Corn Maze in Williamston, 20 miles east of Lansing.
For the final voyage through Bestmaze, you will enter the Viking Long Ship then find the Raven. Later find the Viking Warrior, his sword and shield. Then to finish the maze, navigate the 3 interlocking triangles and find out what this symbol meant to Vikings.
New for 2022, plot your progress on your phone. A fog will cover the map on your phone, then slowly reveal trails you have been down as the fog lifts. It keeps track of where you have been, but not what is ahead of you.
And for those craving a little creep, try out their Trail of Terror, accessible from the same location.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $8, cash only
• Opening Day: September 16, 2022
• Theme: Viking Ship
Farm Info
Bestmaze Corn Maze:
BestMaze has an extensive underground drainage system that keeps trails from becoming muddy even after a heavy rain.
A food truck will be on-site for 2022. All food truck profits support the mobile soup kitchen.
20 – Shawhaven Farm & Shawhaven Haunted Farm Corn Maze
1826 Rolfe Rd., Mason, MI 48854
(517) 676-1649
The 8-acre corn maze at Shawhaven Farm is fun for families of all ages.
Flashlight Maze Run after dark just for the fun of it. Bring your flash lights and take on the maze.
Teens and adults will want to get scared at the “Haunted Farm,” featuring Escape Rooms and other spooky adventures.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $9 per person ages 2+ (Family special $40 for 2 adults and 3 kids.)
• Opening Day: October 1, 2022 (Haunted Farm September 30, 2022)
Farm Info
Also at Shawhaven Farm:
Head a little east of Lansing for a fun farm to visit in Mason.
Shawhaven Farm is filled with fun fall activities including duck races, yard games, human Foosball, and a pumpkin patch.
A petting farm is open during all daytime events, spring through fall.
21 – Uncle John’s Cider Mill Corn Maze
8614 North US-127, St Johns, MI 48879
(989) 224-3686
Every year, the 5-acre corn maze at Uncle John’s Cider Mill has a new design and a new challenge.
This year’s maze celebrates 50 years of Uncle John’s.
The family-friendly maze usually takes 45 minutes to complete and parents must accompany their children.
Maze Summary
• 2022 Prices: $5 per person
• Opening Day: September 17, 2022
• Theme: 50 Years of Uncle John’s Cider Mill
Farm Info
Also at Uncle John’s Cider Mill:
Uncle John’s Cider Mill is a Lansing-area fall fun destination.
They are a real working cider mill where you can watch apples being pressed. The best days to watch are “usually” Saturday & Sundays with a random weekday or two. If you are planning your visit around the cider press operating, they suggest you call first.
After the cider, grab some homemade donuts or other treats from the bakery. Or head to the taproom for hard cider and wine. Enjoy your treats in the cider yard with bonfires, yard games, food trucks and live music.
Pick your own pumpkins in the pumpkin patch and then enjoy a wagon ride around the farm.
A jump pillow, gem mining, and a hiking trail are just a few more of the fall activities at Uncle John’s Cider Mill.
How Are Corn Mazes Created?
So, corn mazes… they don’t just grow that way now, do they? Obviously, a lot of planning goes into creating intricate mazes over acres of cornstalk-filled land.
To find out what goes into creating corn mazes, we asked the folks at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo to clue us in.
First They Plant, Then They Plow the Maze
The planning process begins as early as January when the new year is evaluated for any upcoming events. Planners consider what themes will be popular that coming summer and fall. A sure-to-be-a-hit summer movie or big anniversary, such as the recent 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, are common corn maze themes.
Jenny Ferels, brand ambassador at Lewis Adventure Farm, said their six-acre maze is usually planted with 120,000 corn seeds in early June.
To start, the entire cornfield is planted normally.
When the plants are around 4-5 inches tall, plowing starts. The field is sectioned off and a computer-aided design program turns a chosen design into a really big reality.
The computer program converts rows of corn onto a grid. The plowers know that each row on the grid is equal to a row of corn. They use a grid map to plow up the designated maze paths, and the maze is created.
“After that, maze maintenance is a cinch. As the corn stalks grow, the shade they create prevents any sun from hitting the plowed areas preventing weeds from growing. The plowers clear the paths so smoothly that there is no growth to worry about.”
And what happens to the corn after the maze season ends?
According to Ferels, nothing goes to waste.
Lewis Farms actually “borrows” the corn seeds from a nearby dairy farm. When it is time to bring the maze down for the season, the corn is harvested and and “returned” to the dairy farm to be used to feed the cows.
Do you know of more mazes or places to find fall fun? Please leave us a comment below!
More to Explore
My kids love u-pick apples and pumpkins. And especially if it’s paired with a stop on the giant Donut & Cider hotlist.
If you don’t want to miss a single iconic fall activity, you need to use the mega Grand Rapids fall fun guide! It has everything fall for West Michigan.
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It is a bit of a drive but Lewis Farm in New Era is a lot of fun!! Take they get bigger every year!!! http://lewisfarmmarket.com/
Petting zoo, feed animals, rides and games for all ages, corn maze, a store, and many more….
Facebook.com/Olin farm has an 8 acre corn maze with the theme of a clydesdale horse. The challenge is to find the ears of the horse to win a treat. Our tractor pulled hayrides are about 35 minutes long through open fields and the woods. We are also featuring our two clydesdale horses purchased from Budweiser. We have Raggedy Andy made of bales of straw that stands 15 ft high for the children to have photos taken with. We are on FB with many photos including the maze and Raggedy Andy! This is our first year opening. Sept1st-Oct.31st We are located in Vergennes township Lowell, Mi
My grandson loved the space exploration corn maze this year at Schwallier’s country basket. In fact he looks forward to going there each year and enjoys all the activities they have to offer.
My grandson loves going to the corn maze at Ed Dunneback and Girls. He loves the interesting animal facts that guide you through the corn maze.
Taryn Farmer
Shanna Shillington
Robinette’s