For Distribution
Sep 4, 2018
Illinois Office of Tourism Encourages Visitors and Locals to Get Lost in 200 Years of History with Bicentennial-Themed Farm Mazes
CHICAGO – In honor of Illinois’ 200th anniversary, the Illinois Office of Tourism is partnering with 17 farms and orchards statewide to reveal Bicentennial-themed corn and apple tree mazes for the public to enjoy this fall. Specifically designed and grown for the state’s Bicentennial anniversary, the mazes are a nod to the state’s rich agricultural history and contributions.
“Taking a trip to a local farm or orchard is one of the best ways to spend a fall day in Illinois,” said Cory Jobe, director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “Each maze showcases unique designs depicting the 200-year history of our state while also providing entertainment for visitors of all ages!”
The mazes feature people, events and landmarks that played an important role in shaping Illinois’ history including Abraham Lincoln, the Chicago skyline, the Illinois Capitol Building and Route 66. Some farms will also offer Illinois Bicentennial trivia questions and games with prizes.
“Designing our maze’s twists and turns every year is always an adventure,” said George Richardson, co-owner of Richardson Adventure Farm & “World’s Largest Corn Maze” in Spring Grove. “We gathered inspiration from each region of the state and prominent figures and places from Illinois’ 200-year history to make our maze even more special and exciting for visitors!”
While visiting the mazes, visitors can also enjoy other fall activities including wagon rides and a petting zoo at Bomke’s Patch in Springfield, apple picking and cider donuts at Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard and pumpkin picking and campfires at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove.
All mazes will open to the public by Sep. 22 , and some as early as Sep. 8. Hours vary. For details visit: EnjoyIllinois.com/Illinois-bicentennial/bicentennial-corn-mazes/
Participating farms include:
Abbey Farms – Aurora
Ackerman Family Farms – Morton
All Seasons Apple Orchard – Woodstock
Boggio’s Orchard and Produce – Granville
Bomke’s Patch – Springfield
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch – Champaign
Dollinger Family Farm – Channahon
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch – Rantoul
ISU Horticulture Center – Normal
Kristin’s Pumpkin Patch – Springfield
Kuiper’s Family Farm – Maple Park
Pumpkin Creek Farms – Sherman
Richardson Adventure Farm & “World’s Largest” Corn Maze – Spring Grove
Royal Oak Farm Orchard – Harvard
Stade’s Farm & Market – McHenry
Tanners Orchard – Speer
The Great Pumpkin Patch – Arthur
For more information about the Bicentennial-themed corn and apple mazes click visit: EnjoyIllinois.com/Illinois-bicentennial/bicentennial-corn-mazes/
For images and b-roll footage of the Bicentennial-themed mazes click here
Learn more about other initiatives and events for Illinois Bicentennial visit:
EnjoyIllinois.com/Illinois-bicentennial/
Follow along with all the Bicentennial fun or join the conversation on social media with #Illinois200, #IllinoisProud and #EnjoyIllinois
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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.