BY NATALIE DERRICKSON

If there’s anything most Hoosiers can agree on, it’s that Indiana puts on some of its best shows during the fall season. The crisp morning air, Friday night football games, and weekends spent at Exploration Acres, home to one of the most creative and largest corn mazes in the state. This year’s design celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday, artfully depicting American icons such as Uncle Sam, Rosie the Riveter, and the Statue of Liberty throughout the maze, with tracks ranging from 0.7 to 3.9 miles.

Since 2008, Exploration Acres has welcomed visitors to the property, formerly the Beeler Family farmstead, with attendance growing from 13,000 in its first year to as many as 54,000 annually. 

Each year, Exploration Acres ups the ante on the visitor experience, enhancing its offering and sampling new and exciting experiences. Their 2018 corn maze featured a design depicting Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things, and the 2019 design celebrating Purdue’s 150th anniversary was voted the best in the country by USA Today readers. 

“We’ve experimented with planting custom sunflower and tulip mazes and found both to be popular with customers,” said Tim Fitzgerald, president of Exploration Acres. “For 2026, we are adding a large Jumping Pillow experience and rope playground for children that will open this fall.”

The maze also offers a local connection. With Exploration Acres’ Rewards Program, mazegoers can get hole punches at 28 checkpoints sponsored by local businesses. Sponsored coupons include offers such as 50% off mini golf at Monster Mini Golf, $1 off a Frappe at Tom’s Traveling Coffee, and a free day pass at Climb Lafayette.

With so much to do, see, and explore, plan to spend the day at Exploration Acres. Secure a cozy home base in the property’s 11-acre woods and reserve a picnic table and fire pit for a three-hour block for just $35.

The corn maze season runs from Sept. 18 through Oct. 31. Admission to Exploration Acres can be purchased online or in person and includes access to the corn maze, free antique tractor rides to the maze and pumpkin patch, and 20 other activities for children and adults alike. 

Exploration Acres

6042 Newcastle Rd., Lafayette, IN 47905

For tickets, operating hours, and updates, visit explorationacres.com.