As soon as it gets cooler outside and the leaves start to change colors, we immediately gravitate toward idyllic pumpkin patches and charming apple orchards, but don't forget about corn mazes. The first one debuted back in 1993, and it all began with the ingenious duo Don Frantz and Adam Fisher. Their groundbreaking endeavor covered an impressive three acres in Annville, Pennsylvania, and was dubbed "The Amazing Maize Maze."
Fast forward to today and you'll find hundreds of these remarkable creations along the American countryside. The thing is, it didn't stop stateside; the concept has traversed oceans and borders making its way to the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. That said, we rounded up several of our standout favorites below and there's no doubt that the twists and turns of these intricate cornfields will mesmerize you. Scroll on, get excited for the fall season, and prepare to be amazed.
The Amazing Maize Maze
As mentioned, the first corn maze, named "The Amazing Maize Maze," was built on three acres of land in Pennsylvania in 1993.
Wisconsin's 150th Anniversary Maze
In 1998, farmer Randy Hughes carved a corn maze in the shape of Wisconsin into his corn farm in Rock County to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Wisconsin's statehood. The maze spanned ten acres.
Aztec Calendar Maze
The beautiful and intricate Aztec Calendar Maze, photographed in 2000, was located in Camarillo, California. Visitors were given clues and pieces of a map to find their way out.
Turn of the Century Maze
Built using a GPS system to map out the trail, this 10-acre corn maze commemorates the new millennium. The New Mexico-based farmer created the maze to draw in visitors, and it proved an effective strategy.
2004 Presidential Election Maze
In 2004, Utah's HeeHaw Farms carved the images of President Bush and his opponent in the presidential election, Senator John Kerry, into a corn field.
Harry Potter Maize
In 2011, English farmer Tom Pearcy cut not one, but two portraits of Harry Potter into his cornfield. The two portraits are nearly identical, but the few key differences serve to create the world's physically largest "find the differences" competition.
USS Iowa Maze
In 2012, a corn maze was built in Bondurant, Iowa, depicting the World War II battleship the USS Iowa. The maze was planted using a GPS-equipped planter.
German Corn Maze
This complex corn maze located in a field outside of Berlepsch, Germany, might take hours to navigate if you're not careful.
Disney Corn Maze
Just outside of the Bavarian village of Utting in southern Germany lies this Disney corn maze featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The maze spans an impressive 18,000 square feet and uses not only corn, but also sunflowers, hemp, and other plants.
Nina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for the art of storytelling. In addition to writing articles for various clients and publications, Nina has written several episodes of scripted television for networks including Starz and Fox.
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