It might still technically be summer, but all that fall fun is beginning to announce itself. Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and corn mazes — some of our favorite autumnal activities — are soon to start emerging and the Midwest has some of the best in the country.
When it comes to corn mazes, however, we have some of the best in the world, and Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois, is a testament to that.
Every year in September, Richardson Adventure Farm opens a themed 28-acre corn maze to the public, which holds the title of the world’s largest corn maze, and this weekend just gone the popular farm opened its gates to the public to kick off the 2023 season!
“This year, we’re turning back time as we pay tribute to the legendary movie Jurassic Park, which hit screens 30 years ago. Get ready to tread amidst towering corn walls, reliving the thrill of the past while making unforgettable memories” read the Richardson Farm announcement.
Opened on Saturday, September 9, the farm revealed a huge maze featuring a waterfall, a jeep, a brachiosaurus, and a T-Rex. It boasts 9-10 miles of trails as well as five maze games that vary in length and difficulty including the farm scene investigation game, quiz questions, and finding all 24 hidden checkpoints.
There is everything from 10-minute trail options for parents with younger children to hour-and-a-half treks for intrepid corn crawlers. If you forgot your breadcrumbs at home, worry not. The corn maze has multiple checkpoints in addition to three 8-foot-high wooden bridges built for you to help coordinate your path as you see fit. If the brief bird’s eye view still doesn’t help accordingly, the maze has perimeter paths allowing for easy exit.
“We always look for the anniversary of something spectacular, and dinosaurs are forever popular,” said George Richardson, who operates the farm along with his wife, Wendy, brother, Robert, Robert’s wife, Carol, George’s son, Ryan, and Ryan’s wife, Kristen.
“There’s a left-turns-only route and a right-turns-only route,” Wendy Richardson said. “There are bridges to climb to get a view of where you are. Parents with little kids can walk in without worrying about getting lost.”
As with previous years, snacks like donuts and hot chocolate will also be on hand near the exits for you to boost strength and stamina as you attempt to calculate the myriad of pathways.
The Jurassic Park-themed maze, despite being the headline attraction, is not the only reason to head down to the Spring Grove adventure farm. In addition to the maze, Richardson Farm has a 50-foot observation tower, a recently upgraded train ride, giant slides, pedal karts, zorbing, a zip line, and a petting zoo.
An additional 13-acre sunflower maze with many varieties of the popular fall flower and a huge pumpkin patch offers terrific photo opportunities and the fall’s finest creations while a wine-sampling bar, a craft beer tent, and food trucks ensure families are well-fueled to enjoy all the adventurous activities.
Designed by Shawn Stolworthy of MazePlay.com, the huge Jurassic maze will be open from Saturday, September 9 through Sunday, October 29.
Hours are 3-9 pm on Thursdays, 10 am-11 pm on Fridays & Saturdays, and noon-9 pm on Sundays plus 10 am-9 pm on Monday, October 9, for Columbus Day.
Entry to the farm costs $20 for ages 3-12 and $24 for ages 13 and up. Those 2 and younger can enter for free. Bear in mind that prices increase in October but the farm can be contacted at reservations@richardsonfarm.com for large group discounts.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove.
More information can be found at richardsonadventurefarm.com.
[Featured image courtesy of Richardson Adventure Farm]