The History Of Corn Mazes

Have you ever found yourself hopelessly turned around in a corn maze, standing among towering cornstalks with nothing but the open sky to guide you? Maybe you try to retrace your steps only to find yet another dead end, and suddenly, you begin to wonder–who came up with this frustratingly brilliant idea anyways? Well believe it or not, the genesis of this beloved fall-activity dates back thousands of years, and has seen many variations. But how exactly did we get from there to here, where you now find yourself aimlessly wandering through intricate, winding paths? Let’s take a journey through history to find out.  

From Ancient Myth To Aristocratic Entertainment

The concept of the maze has origins that date back to ancient civilizations, with depictions appearing in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology and artwork as far back as 5th century B.C. Perhaps the most well known of these depictions is the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur, where the labyrinth served as a dark underground prison designed to entrap the creature. Over tim, the concept of the labyrinth evolved from a tool of imprisonment to a challenge of both the mind and body–a tool to confuse an enemy or an aid during meditation. Fast forward to the 16th and 17th centuries, the idea of the maze took on a completely new purpose as one of entertainment for Europe’s upper class. The wealthy would design elaborate garden or hedge mazes, the dense greenery and towering walls serving as a playful challenge and the setting of many secret meetings. By the 18th century, this aristocratic pastime had spread across England and, eventually, to the United States–setting the stage for the future of corn mazes as we know them today.

The Birth Of The Modern Corn Maze

The transformation from an European fad to a seasonally-beloved American attraction began in an unlikely place–high above the open fields of the Midwest. Don Frantz, a creative director for Broadway and the Super Bowl, was left utterly spellbound by the contoured lines and shapes separating each plot of land below. Inspired by these patterns, he partnered with Adrian Fisher, to blend artistry with agriculture. In 1993, the two unveiled the first ever cornfield maze at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania–cut into the shape of a dinosaur they lovingly named ‘Cornelius the Cobasaurus’. The attraction quickly garnered media attention, and before long, farmers across the United States began to create their very own interactive mazes to draw in visitors to their communities and support local business. Needless to say, the results of these efforts spoke for themselves–agritourism was positively booming and the corn maze had cemented its place as a quintessential staple of the fall season. 

Fallon’s Corn Maze Legacy

As the corn maze craze swept across the United States, it wasn’t long before it found its way to Nevada. In 1998, Lattin Farms in Fallon created the state’s first corn maze–paying homage to this fact by designing it in the shape of Nevada itself. Every year since, Lattin Farms has hosted their annual Fall Festival featuring a brand-new maze design to celebrate the season’s harvest and bring members of the community together. Although it may not be a particularly longstanding tradition, it has quickly become woven into the fabric of what makes the community of Fallon so special. 

The history of the corn maze is one shrouded in mystery–just like the experience of trying to navigate one. What began as ancient tales of a dark prison has since transformed into a cherished autumn tradition. So, whether you find yourself lost in a corn maze for the thrill of the challenge, to support local farmers, or simply to spend time in the crisp autumn air, remember to appreciate that many have come before you and many will come after, all navigating the way through one twist at a time–all eventually coming out on the other side.