Corn mazes are a fun, family-friendly activity that gets you and your family out-side, in the fresh air, and getting a little exercise too! Many corn maze locations also include other farm-related activities as well, such as petting zoos and hay rides, or play grounds and picnic areas so that you can make a day of it.

and make some great family memories!Get Lost This Fall!

How is a Corn Maze made?

A corn maze can be as simple as a winding path with turns and blind alleys, and smaller ones can be cre-ated and plowed without the aid of computers. But many corn mazes incorporate elaborate pictures or themes into their maze, and this is where human imagination, modern technology, and some old-fashioned farming come together to create a wonderful result.

The first step in the corn maze crea-tion is the design. Once the theme or illustration is decided upon and created on paper, it is input into a computer program that will gener-ate the maze pathways.

While the design is being created, the farmer will be busy planting the corn. He’ll plant in rows going in two directions (both North-South and East-West). This results in a much denser crop, which is neces-sary to create those thick ‘walls’ of corn in the maze.

Once the corn stalks reach about a foot tall, a trac-tor equipped with a GPS tracking system is used to cut the pathways with a plow. The pathways are then maintained by the farmer to keep them clear and free of any plant growth, and widened if necessary. Bridges, towers and other wooden structures that are to be included in the maze are added at this point. As the summer progresses, and the corn grows taller, path markers and

other features will be added. Once the corn stalks reach about 10 feet in height the corn maze is ready for the public.

Here’s a few helpful tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking involved.

• Use sunscreen. • Obey all posted signs• Bring water with you. Some

corn mazes have ‘water sta-tions’ in the maze, some do not.

• Stay hydrated. Make sure you all drink that water, especially on hot, sunny days.

• Bring a backpack for water or carrying snacks for small chil-dren. Leave your purse at home.

• Allow enough time to enjoy yourself.

• Watch your step. The paths can be uneven and bumpy (after all you are in a corn field).

• No running! There are many twist, turns and blind spots in a corn maze and you don’t want to be crashing into other peo-ple.

• Bring a flashlight. if go-ing at night.

• Use your map. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from maze staff if you need it.

• Have fun!

Wyoming CORN MAZES

Green Acres Corn Mazewww.greenacrescornmaze.net

Field of Dreams Corn Mazewww.fieldofdreamscornmaze.com

Ellis Harvest Home Corn Mazewww.ellisharvesthome.com

Son Harvest Seasons, Inc. www.wyopumpkinpatch.com

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