Practiced on

Throughout the Halloween Season 

Country of Origin 

Annville, Pennsylvania, United States - 1993

Key Points / Halloween Connection

-  Winding mazes through fields of corn that have allowed family farms to generate revenue during the nongrowing season

Brief Bio

The modern Halloween corn maze originated in the 1990s with the first one created in Annville, Pennsylvania, in 1993 by Don Frantz and Adrian Fisher. The modern corn maze's popularity is linked to the rise of agritourism, as farmers sought new income streams and a way to connect with the public. Today, Halloween corn mazes are a popular fall tradition, often featuring spooky themes, haunted elements, and special effects to enhance the seasonal experience. 

The first modern corn maze was created in 1993 by creative director Don Frantz and maze designer Adrian Fisher at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania. Inspired by aerial views of farm fields, they designed a 126,000-square-foot maze in the shape of a dinosaur named "Cornelius the Cobasaurus".

The success of the first maze sparked a trend across the country, with farmers using corn mazes to attract visitors and boost income through agritourism. This became particularly important as many small farms sought alternative revenue sources.

Halloween adaptation: The popularity of corn mazes grew into the tradition of the "haunted" corn maze, which combines the challenge of the maze with Halloween-themed scares. These versions often include actors, special effects, and spooky soundtracks to create an eerie atmosphere, typically operating after dark.

Mazes now feature diverse designs, from simple paths to elaborate themes inspired by books, movies, or historical events. Companies also help farmers with design, planting, and marketing for their mazes.