Richardson Adventure Farm Launches 40th Anniversary Corn Maze

The Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois, is set to captivate visitors with its new corn maze, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic film “Back to the Future.” The maze, billed as the “World’s Largest,” opens on September 6 and remains accessible until October 26. This year’s design features beloved characters such as a guitar-playing Marty McFly and his hoverboard, alongside a depiction of the legendary DeLorean time machine, complete with fire-topped tire tracks and a lightning-struck clock tower.

George Richardson, who operates the farm with his wife, Wendy Richardson, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s theme. “We always have a tremendous time selecting our maze design,” he said. “When we realized that this summer marked the 40th anniversary of this iconic film, well… who didn’t love it?” The maze spans 28 acres and offers an extensive 10.4 miles of trails, making it a significant attraction for families and film enthusiasts alike.

More Than Just a Maze

While the corn maze is a major highlight, the Richardson Adventure Farm offers a variety of activities for visitors. The sunflower fields, open throughout September, are included with admission, and families can enjoy a range of attractions such as carousel rides, Zorbing, pedal karts, and giant jumping pillows. The site also features multiple food options, including food trucks and a craft beer bar serving drafts from 9th Hour Brewing Co., alongside a wine bar.

For those seeking a thrill, the farm boasts a 50-foot tall observation tower that provides a stunning view of the maze, giant slides, a zip line, and a gift shop. Visitors can also enjoy fresh cinnamon donuts, pumpkins, and seasonal decorations. Particularly entertaining are the pig races, which occur every couple of hours. “We do have so much fun,” said Wendy, who emcees the races with George. He added, “We use miniature, pot-bellied pigs. They’re smart animals, easy to train, and they have a nice disposition.”

New Attractions and Haunted Experiences

This year, the farm has introduced new amenities, including gelato at the Dairy Depot with flavors like Sea Salt Caramello and Eli’s Strawberry Cheesecake. A new soft-serve machine now offers chocolate alongside the previously vanilla-only option. Another intriguing addition is a koi pond featuring a rustic, 1967 Ford F250 that spills water from its grill, located just east of the train station. A low ropes course, designed for climbing adventures, has also been added to the farm’s offerings.

In addition to these attractions, visitors can look forward to the American Nightmare Scream Park, featuring a haunted corn trail operated by Jason Wright and his son, Tristan. This separate admission attraction promises to deliver a unique experience, as it is touted as the only haunted corn trail in the Midwest. “We think it’s going to be an exceptional haunt,” said George Richardson.

The farm’s operating hours are Fridays through Sundays, beginning September 6. In October, Thursdays will be added to the schedule. September hours are from 15:00 to 23:00 on Fridays, 10:00 to 23:00 on Saturdays, and 12:00 to 21:00 on Sundays. In October, the hours will shift to 15:00 to 21:00 on Thursdays, with the same hours as September for Fridays and Saturdays. Special events like “Maze ’til Midnight” on October 4 and extended hours on Columbus Day, October 13, from 10:00 to 21:00, will also be highlighted.

For more information on tickets and pricing, visit richardsonfarm.com. This autumn, visitors are invited to experience the magic of the world’s largest corn maze while enjoying a range of attractions designed for family fun and entertainment.