Get Lost! Corn Mazes in the Adirondacks
Indulge in a favorite Adirondack fall activity.
Corn mazes have become a beloved autumn tradition across the United States, offering a fun way to experience the fall season. The roots of this agricultural pastime, however, are relatively modern. Corn mazes as we know them today began in the 1990s, but their history is connected to an ancient tradition of maze-making that spans thousands of years.
In the Adirondacks, corn mazes provide a perfect addition to the region’s other autumnal attractions, from apple picking to scenic hikes amid vibrant foliage.
The ancient and historic roots of mazes and labyrinths.
Mazes and labyrinths have been part of human culture since ancient times, carrying significant symbolic meaning in mythology and religious practices. One of the most renowned examples is the labyrinth located in Knossos on the island of Crete, which was said to house the legendary Minotaur in the Greek myth of Theseus.
Ancient Romans featured labyrinths in their art and constructed mosaics on the floors of Roman homes, serving as a form of entertainment.
Subsequently, various European cultures adopted labyrinths for religious and ceremonial activities. The oldest known hedge maze is the Hampton Court Maze in London, which dates back to the 1690s
During the European Renaissance, hedge mazes became popular, particularly in England and France, as elaborate garden designs offered natural beauty and challenge.
Turn left. Turn right. Left again. Turn around, back to the middle and around again.
In the U.S., the corn maze is a modern adaptation of this tradition. And didn’t gain prominence until the late 20th Century. The first known corn maze in the U.S. was created in 1993 by Don Frantz and Adrian Fisher in Annville, Pennsylvania.
Designed to resemble a human brain, the maze covered several acres and quickly became a popular attraction. Since then, the idea has spread, with many farms nationwide adopting corn mazes to attract visitors during the fall harvest season.
The original maze was constructed using a grid system to plan the design carefully, and workers manually pulled stalks to create the intricate pattern. While some mazes still rely on this traditional grid system, others have embraced advanced technology, employing computer-generated designs and GPS-guided mowers to cut the shapes into the field precisely.
Today, over 500 enchanting corn mazes are scattered across the United States, with some even found in the United Kingdom. Each year, these mazes showcase a wide variety of intricate and detailed designs. The grandest can be found at Stoney Brook Farms, Inc. in Foley, Minnesota. It covers a sprawling 110 acres and boasts an impressive 32 miles of pathways.
These captivating corn mazes serve as a source of income for agritourist farms and a delightful introduction to agriculture for individuals who may not have the opportunity to live near a farm or learn about agriculture.
Corn mazes in the Adirondacks.
The Adirondack region is the perfect setting for seasonal activities like corn mazes. Many farms in and around the area offer intricate corn maze designs that challenge visitors of all ages during the fall.
One notable example is Tucker Farms in Gabriels, NY, near Paul Smith’s and Saranac Lake. Each year, Tucker Farms designs a unique maze pattern, adding to the excitement and creating a fresh experience for returning visitors. The farm also offers nighttime maze tours, which add an extra thrill under the stars of the Adirondacks.
Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain is also home to an annual, spectacular Epic Corn Maze. This larger-than-life maze offers a thrilling adventure as you wander through towering corn stalks, searching for historical clues about Fort Ticonderoga’s captivating story. The design changes annually, so it’s always a new challenge.
The Heroic Maze is carefully crafted to provide a formidable experience while offering visitors the option to find a quick exit if necessary. Divided into two phases, the maze allows you to tailor your adventure to your preferences.
Fall is a great time to visit Rulfs Orchards in Peru, NY, in the northeastern corner of the Adirondacks, for their delicious apples, homemade baked goods, and local products. It’s also a terrific time to enjoy their corn maze. Open until October 31, the theme for the 2024 maze is Highland Cows.
While there, you can also visit the sweet critters in their petting zoo, including alpacas, goats, donkeys and a horse.
In the Adirondacks, corn mazes complement the region’s other autumnal attractions, from apple picking to scenic hikes amid vibrant foliage.
For more information, including hours of operation and admission prices, visit:
WATCH: Historic Fort Ticonderoga’s 6 Acre Corn Maze
Recent news from the Adirondacks.
Gore Mountain in New York’s Adirondack Mountains is rated among the Top 10 ski resorts in the East by SKI Magazine readers.
In this episode of the ADK Talks podcast, we delve into the legends behind some of the Adirondack’s most intriguing haunted places.
Visit one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic and beautiful hotels, and you might also have a “spiritual” experience.
Four-poster beds and multi-course breakfasts -- indulge yourself in this tastefully appointed inn in the Adirondacks.
A jewel in Bolton Landing’s crown. Enjoy first-rate BBQ and smoked meats, as well as expertly hand-crafted cocktails.
There are so many fun things to do this weekend all across the Adirondack Park. We'll help you find the best ones.
The Adirondack Park is filled with tales of otherworldly figures and strange occurrences.
Fall flowers, plants, apple and pumpkin picking, and family-friendly fall fun in the Adirondacks.
There are so many fun things to do this weekend all across the Adirondack Park. We'll help you find the best ones.
The reimagined Lizzie Keays is an excellent addition to the Lake George area dining scene.
Listen to the ADK Talks Podcast to hear about our favorite fall activities and places to visit in Adirondack Park.
Shop for unique Adirondack gifts and merchandise.
Discover even more in the Adirondacks with ADK Taste.
Upcoming events in the Adirondacks.
Thousands of flags honor former and current members of the U.S. Military for Veteran’s Day in Lake George.
The Adirondacks’ premier cinematic event takes place November 7 through 10 in Lake Placid.
Savor an exquisite selection of wines paired with artisanal chocolates, all in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Experience a re-enactment of British and American loyalist soldiers in the fall of 1781.
Over 5,000 records for sale at Glens Falls Shirt Factory. Find your hidden treasure. Admission is FREE.
Turn those obsolete Halloween pumpkins into squash missiles at Adirondack Brewery’s annual festival.
William Shatner will visit the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour the weekend of November 15-17, 2024.
Local artisans and crafters showcase their unique handmade gifts, decorations, and holiday treats in Newcomb.
Don’t miss Warren Miller’s 75th wintersports masterpiece at the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls, NY.
The 2024 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in the Adirondacks along Lake Champlain on Tuesday, November 26.
Pre-game Thanksgiving dinner and help fight hunger at the Glens Falls Gobble Wobble 5K and family-fun race.
Join the 11th annual fun run celebrating the life of Erin Farkas Dewyea and supporting Tupper Lake youth.
Adirondack Health in Lake Placid sponsors the 15th Annual 5K Turkey Trot Walk/Run on Thanksgiving Day.
Shop local and enjoy live music, crafts, and more at this annual tradition in the Central Adirondacks.
The Herb Brooks Arena at the Olympic Center hosts the second annual Adirondack Winter Invitational Thanksgiving Weekend.
Catch the holiday spirit at this performance of one of the most beloved and classic ballets.
Catch the holiday spirit at this performance of one of the most beloved and classic ballets in Plattsburgh in December.
Don’t miss Warren Miller’s 75th wintersports masterpiece in North Creek near Gore Mountain.
Saturday Night Live alum brings his comedy tour to the Conference Center in Lake Placid on December 13.
Save the date! Saranac Lake’s Winter Carnival takes place from January 31 to February 9, 2025.