For much of the year, the efforts of farmers and agricultural professionals to maintain the connection between the public, farmland, and the food supply often go unnoticed. However, as early fall arrives, the corn maze and agritourism season draws in more visitors than at any other time. These events provide a fun experience while offering a closer look at farm production and livestock.
While it may sometimes seem like a “lite” version of farming, for many visitors, the chance to walk among the animals, pick their own pumpkins, or feel hay and corn kernels is a unique and exciting experience. For children in particular, these activities create positive memories and foster a deeper understanding of food production.
In 2024, the weekend of September 14 and 15 marks the start of the harvest festival and corn maze season, with many farms opening their mazes as early as Friday the 13th. This allows families and schoolchildren to begin their weekend with farm-related activities. Beyond the mazes, many farms offer additional attractions like food trucks, games, rides, and more.
Corn mazes first appeared in the U.S. in the early 1990s, and thanks to GPS technology and creative planning by producers, there are now over 500 mazes across the country.
This year, we’ve already seen corn mazes such as the Maryland and Ohio Taylor Swift designs drawing the attention of “Swifties” and corn maze fans alike.
Dozens of other corn mazes have chosen to celebrate the Peanuts’ 75th anniversary with Charles Schulz-inspired designs.
Meanwhile, the Richardson Adventure Farms Corn Maze’s John Deere design has drawn mixed reactions following layoffs and contentious DEI policy shifts.
It’s exciting to see the many creative designs that farmers come up with — from animals and sports figures to historical events and pop culture tributes. After all, the planning for these farms began back in the spring during planting season.
For 2024, here are just a few that have released their designs, are gearing up for festivals, and will be ready to accept guests very soon!
Boltz Family Farms: New Philadelphia, Ohio
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Country Line Orchard: Hobard, Indiana
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Choice Market Farms: Webberville, Michigan
Kimball Farm Corn Maze: Westford Massachusettes
Liberty Mills Farm: Somerset, Virginia
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