Richardson Adventure Farm, home of the ‘World’s Largest’ Corn Maze, opens Sept. 12
SPRING GROVE — With new amenities, expanded play areas and all of the twists and turns to explore in 9.7 miles of tremendous trail, the Richardson “World’s Largest” Corn Maze and Adventure Farm begins greeting visitors Saturday, Sept. 12.
Several points of entry and exit exist for those excited about tackling the maze, which this year features signers of the Declaration of Independence, a Betsy Ross flag, an American Eagle and more.
“I’m excited for our farm to display a fantastic maze celebrating America250,” said Ryan Richardson, who operates the farm along with his wife, Kristen, his father, George, George’s wife, Wendy, George’s brother, Robert, and Robert’s wife, Carol. “It’s a great time to appreciate the country and the freedoms we all share.”
While the 28-acre corn maze is a giant draw for the roughly 100,000 visitors who arrive annually at 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove, other points of interest also beckon.
Here you’ll find adorable pig races, giant slides, pedal karts, huge jumping pillows, concession barns, a 50-foot-tall observation tower, zip line, an antique carousel, train rides, wagon rides, a small petting zoo, pumpkins and mums for sale, a plentifully stocked gift barn with modern restrooms, a wine bar, homemade fudge and freshly baked donuts, craft beer at the Barrel House, rentable campfire sites, and, when in bloom, a vast field of sunflowers where more trails can be trekked.
Reconstruction of an 1876-era octagon barn is well under way. And, new last year, a low ropes course activity area for children is now expanded to include more climbing fun.
“We have made a number of improvements across the grounds for the season, including adding a fourth jumpy pillow for all to enjoy, improved kids’ play areas and a refreshed menu in the concession barn,” Ryan Richardson said. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our farm, and helping them create meaningful memories.”
Wendy Richardson noted that the Barrel House — featuring four craft varieties from 9th Hour Brewing — has all-new windows and garage-style, rising glass doors to allow the space to be open-air in gorgeous fall weather. More fall-weather fun is available to anyone interested in renting one of the farm’s numerous campfire sites, which range from $130 for a one-table site to $290 for a large site with five picnic tables.
“We have 100 picnic area/campfire sites that we rent for four-hour periods any day that we’re open, and they are selling like crazy this year,” she said, noting that many renters bring folding chairs and even twinkle lights for some added nighttime ambiance. “It’s a nice meeting place for family reunions, neighborhood gatherings, church groups … sort of a home base for breaks between roaming the farm.”
“They can bring their own little grill or cook s’mores and hot dogs right over the campfire,” George Richardson added. “We provide the firewood.”
To reserve a campfire site, visit richardsonfarm.com and click on “Groups & Rentals.”
Richardson Farm is a dog-friendly venue; well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. September hours are 3 to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. October hours will be 3 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. The farm will be open through Nov. 1.
Parking is free. Admission ranges from $22 for children ages 4 to 12 in September to $32 for adults visiting on October weekends. Find details and buy tickets in advance at richardsonfarm.com. Tickets also are available at the gate.
For all of the latest updates, follow Richardson “World’s Largest” Corn Maze on Facebook and @richardsonadventurefarm on Instagram. Along with the fall adventure farm, Richardson Farm is home to a cut-your-own Christmas Tree Farm in the winter and the Richardson Tulip Festival in the spring.