‘World’s largest’ corn maze design puts USA’s milestone birthday front and center

SPRING GROVE, Ill. — It’s America’s 250th birthday — and the “world’s largest” corn maze will mark the semiquincentennial in extraordinary style.

Depicted in the 28-acre maze this year will be an American eagle, three stalwart signers of the Declaration of Independence, a 13-starred, early American flag, fireworks streaming out from a star emblazoned with the numerals “250” and the bold letters “USA” perched over the nation’s birth year.

Visitors to the Richardson Adventure Farm in northeastern Illinois can take in all or a portion of the 9.7 miles of trail — along with all of the other fabulous fall fun to be had — starting Sept. 12, said Wendy and George Richardson, who operate the farm along with George’s brother, Robert; Robert’s wife, Carol; George’s son, Ryan; and Ryan’s wife, Kristen.

“It’s a wonderfully detailed image,” George Richardson said of the 2026 maze design, once again a creation of Idaho-based MazePlay. “I particularly love the eagle flying above the early American flag. I think it’s going to be really spectacular.”

Ryan Richardson said the family decided to reveal its maze design a bit early this year.

“It’s a celebration all year long,” he said. “This is an especially cool and fitting design for an especially milestone moment in our nation’s history.”

The Richardsons noted that along with celebrating America’s 250th, this fall’s festivities will feature the opening of a renovated 1876-era octagon barn on the adventure farm property at 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove.

“This year marks 150 years since that barn was originally built,” George Richardson said. “Think of that — it was built just 100 years after the colonies declared independence.”

While history will feature prominently, the 2026 adventure farm also will beckon with plenty that’s new, with improvements planned for several of the family-friendly activities that draw tens of thousands of visitors annually.

Further details will be made available as the event start date draws near, the Richardsons said. Pricing details, hours and more will be available at richardsonfarm.com.

Those who’d like to be among the first to hear the latest Richardson Farm news are encouraged to sign up for the free e-newsletter. Click “Join our Newsletter” under the “Contact” dropdown on the farm’s website.

Following Richardson “World’s Largest” Corn Maze on Facebook and @richardsonadventurefarm on Instagram also are great ways to keep up with what’s new.

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.