How to Start a Corn Maze Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
How I Started My Own Corn Maze Business
Hey there! Opening my own corn maze has been such an amazing experience. I wanted to share how I got things up and running in case you’re considering starting your own maze. There are a lot of steps involved, but with some vision and hard work you can create an awesome seasonal attraction. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned.
Picking the Perfect Spot
The first big decision was finding the right location. I needed at least 5 acres, better if I could get 10, to have room for a good maze design. The land had to drain well and get full sun — corn needs lots of both. I looked for a place within a 30 minute drive of families and tourist spots to draw in customers. It also had to have access to water and electricity for the equipment and lighting.
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Mapping Out the Design
Once I had the land, the fun part was planning the maze itself! I sketched ideas for paths and dead-ends that would be engaging but not impossible to solve. Using crop design software, I laid it out in a really cool image that looks amazing from the air when the maze is finished. I made sure to build in access paths around the outside for emergency crews.
Prepping the Soil
Spring was all about getting the ground ready to grow healthy corn. I removed junk, tilled up the soil, and added amendments till it was nutrient-rich. Installing irrigation was key for water access too. I picked a great corn variety that grows up to 10 feet tall here and planted it when the soil warmed up in May.
Letting Those Corn Stalks Grow
It was tough to wait all summer as the corn grew tall! I mowed perimeter lines through the field starting in June so those paths would stay clear. About a month before go-time I stopped mowing so the corn could regrow and cover where the maze would be cut. By early September those stalks were 10–12 feet high — maze time!
Carving Out the Maze
Now for the fun part! I fired up my mower and started cutting out the maze following my mapped design. The paths are 8–10 feet wide, so not too cramped. It took a while, but soon I had two awesome mazes ready — a simpler one for kids and a really complex one for teens and adults.
Adding Some Extra Fun
To make my maze a full autumn experience, I added some activities like tractor-pulled hayrides, corn cob cannons, pumpkin painting, and a petting zoo. Nothing beats the smell of hot apple cider and cinnamon donuts too! Photos ops and concessions round out the experience.
Spreading the Word
In August I went hard promoting my maze on social media, local event listings, flyers, newspaper ads — anything I could think of to let families know we were opening. I made sure to have an amazing website with directions, hours, and tickets ready for when curiosity struck. Offering discounts for groups and nighttime maze runs helped drive excitement.
Staffing Up
Running everything smoothly took hiring energetic, customer-service oriented folks. I have entrance attendants, maze monitors, ride operators, concessions workers, security — the works. First aid staff are definitely on hand too. I trained everyone thoroughly so guests have an amazing time and stay safe.
Keeping Safety First
Speaking of safety, that’s my top priority when managing the maze. I have clear rules posted like no running or roughhousing in the maze, and I make sure staff enforce them. We inspect for hazards, have good lighting at night, marked exits, and a plan if someone gets hurt or the weather gets bad. Limiting entries prevents overcrowding. With smart precautions, it’s smooth corn maze sailing!
Enjoying the Rewards
Seeing families and friends laughing and bonding as they get lost and found again in the maze just fills my heart. Creating an old-fashioned, wholesome activity for my community to enjoy together makes all the hard work worthwhile. With amazing staff, attention to safety, and sticking to the vision, this maze business has been one of the most rewarding ventures I’ve ever undertaken.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best corn variety to use for a maze?
Field corn varieties like DeKalb and Silver King work well for mazes. Look for varieties that grow 8–12 feet tall with good disease resistance.
When should I plant the corn for my maze?
To ensure the corn reaches maturity by early fall, plant in late spring once soil temperatures are 55–65°F. Time planting so the corn will be at full height for cutting in September/October.
How short should I mow the paths early on?
Regularly mow perimeter lines and a path grid at about 6 inches high. This will stunt growth enough that you can easily cut the full maze later.
What’s the ideal corn maze size?
For a standard maze, aim for 5–10 acres. This allows room for an interesting maze design with 1–2 miles of paths. Larger groups may want 20+ acres.
How wide should I make the maze paths?
Cut paths 8–10 feet wide to allow easy navigation. Make a few intersections wider (up to 15 feet) for passing. Trim any overhanging corn leaves regularly.
Is a corn maze accessible for those with disabilities?
Make accommodations like widened paths and shortcuts for full accessibility. Or offer hayrides that transport guests with disabilities through the maze.
How much staff will I need to operate?
Plan for 1–2 staff at the entrance, 1–2 maze monitors per acre, concessions workers, activity operators, and security. Increase staff on peak nights.
What’s the most important safety tip?
Establish and enforce rules like no running or rough play, limit entries, provide adequate lighting, and train staff on emergency protocols. Put safety first.
How soon in advance should I advertise my maze?
Begin promoting at least a month before opening day through various channels — flyers, social media, print/radio ads, event calendars, and community notices.
What are the most popular corn maze enhancements?
Hayrides, corn cannons, petting zoos, photo backdrops, and concessions like hot chocolate, caramel apples, and pumpkin donuts add to the fun.
