The Facts Behind Corn Mazes

The Amazing Maize Maze was the name of the first documented corn maze, which is such an awesome name that it's no wonder it became a thing. You might be surprised that it was so recent, too, in 1993. While mazes have always had entertainment value, they were traditionally made from trees or hedges or stone walls by wealthy people with a long-term plan. But corn, that most American of crops, lends itself well to a temporary seasonal amusement. It's tall enough, grows fast, and is laid out in a grid that makes planning a relatively simple matter. Plus, the layout can be changed every year. Modern technologies like computer-assisted design and GPS enable farmers to cut corn in designs that can double as advertising seen from above.  

If you play your cards right, a corn maze can bring in more money than the corn crop itself. But to be successful at it year after year, the maze has to be challenging enough to get people to buy tickets, but not so challenging that they give up and never return. Besides, getting lost is half the fun! Read about the business of corn mazes, and what to do if you're ever lost in one, at Atlas Obscura.

(Image credit: Mike's Maze)