I did the corn maze today. I think it would be better with other people. That’s because I overthink it.
If I have nothing to distract me (i.e. friends) then my brain will just completely work on solving the maze. And if you are thinking it though, you can notice several patterns. I never really got to enjoy being lost.
The maze is set up so that there are ten sections, divided into two phases. Each phase starts and ends at the barnyard, which you can occasionally see from a distance. Each section has a sign showing how far into the maze you are. The aerial view of the maze, which they show off at the start, is one big advertisement. With these facts, the overall path through the maze is easy to figure out.
First, since you start and end at the same place, there will be two overall loops; the first on the north part and the second on the south part. That means the path, for each, will generally be west, then a short south part, and then east back to the barn. So, if you can keep track of the highway to the north (which is easy; it is somewhat noisy and is bordered by some tall trees that you have a good chance to see) you know direction to head. The numbers track your place in the maze, so after three numbers, head a bit to the left and then start heading back.
Second, because the designers are beholden to the big advertisement that is their field, the maze is a secondary consideration. There are many obvious splits. There is a good chance that any path you take is going to meet up again. If you keep your eye out, you can see them and ignore many superflous paths. Basically, the path through is easier than it could be.
After I went through, I looked at the aerial photograph and noticed a discrepancy. I actually went back to confirm it. The picture was taken early in the season, and since then, they have cut a legal shortcut. It was nice to go through again with the map, and plot where you were. I didn’t do it a lot, but I found it interesting.
I would happily go back again, and let some friends lead the way, getting lost, while I tracked on the map the entire way.
The best corn maze I’ve ever done was back in Winnipeg, maybe fifteen years ago. It was a small plot, probably half the size of the Edmonton one. But they made it a maze. There were no convenient waypoints to encourage you. You could get lost, and half the family did. I felt good about that. This one just felt like a pleasant stroll in the corn.