By Michele F. Mihaljevich

Indiana Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Forty-six corn mazes across Ohio are included on a map available from TourismOhio, part of the Ohio Department of Development.

The map of the Ohio Corn Maze Trail may be downloaded for free by visiting ohio.org and clicking “learn more” on the trail banner on the main page. The website includes links to each corn maze, with hours, cost and additional information.

The idea of the Corn Maze Trail came about after Regal Vineyards in Madison, ohio, told state officials about their corn maze that celebrates all things Ohio, said Sarah Wickham, state tourism director of Ohio. The maze includes the agency’s “Ohio, The Heart Of It All” logo cut into a field, she noted.

“We thought, why not showcase mazes statewide?” Wickham explained. “We’re always looking for ways to highlight agriculture and agritourism, and this was a perfect fit. Ohioans love fall, and corn mazes are the perfect way to get outside, support family farms and make memories.

“And it connects to something bigger, too – corn is one of Ohio’s largest crops, a $2.4 billion industry, according to USDA. These mazes not only celebrate the season, they also highlight the farms that are feeding our economy and our communities.”

This is the state’s first corn maze trail and mazes in every region of the state are included, Wickham said.

“Fall is the big season for agritourism,” she pointed out. “Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, u-pick apples, and all sorts of fall-themed festivals help sustain family farms and bring visitors – and spending – into nearby communities. That’s why we put so much focus on promoting trails and event guides that shine a light on places that might not always get statewide attention.”

The agency worked with local partners statewide – such as county visitor bureaus – to make sure mazes that are open and ready for visitors this season were included on the trail, Wickham said. Officials paired their recommendations with farms previously featured on Ohio.org, giving the agency a well-rounded trail that has options for families across the state, she added.

Wickham said she hopes the trail can be updated yearly. She encouraged people to contact TourismOhio (email: askohiotourism@development.ohio.gov) if they have a favorite maze not included in the trail.

As for her personal favorites, Wickham said Regal Vineyards has to be at the top of her list. “They literally cut our state logo into their cornfield. Talk about knowing the way to our heart. Plus, the idea of a corn maze at a vineyard is such a fun twist.

“I also have a soft spot for Van Buren Acres. It’s exactly the kind of place I want to take my 8-year-old son. He’s got energy to spare, and with the maze, the jumping pillows, putt-putt, ropes course, pig races, hay rides, and the animals – it’s a perfect day for us. And just down the road is Dupler’s Pumpkin Land, where they hand design their corn maze every year. Their pumpkins are incredible and are (a) great destination for fall décor.

“That’s what makes the Corn Maze Trail so special: two family owned farms, totally different vibes, within 20 minutes of each other. You don’t have to travel far to find a new favorite this year.”

Ohio has plenty of creative corn mazes, she said. For example, Blooms & Berries Farm Market in Maineville added a train-themed maze to go with their brand new train. Honey Haven Farm in Ashland is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special themed maze, and Sweetapple Farm in Vincent has a “This Little Piggy” maze with three different games that teach kids about pigs, Wickham said.