This weekend Richardson Adventure Farm will open for its 20th season.

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Richardson Farm celebrates 20 years of A-Maze-ing this fall, with opening weekend set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12.

Billed as the “World’s Largest Corn Maze,” this year’s design celebrates all of the fun activities that go on at the farm located at 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. The maze features a 9-mile trail wending through 28 acres of corn.

Visitors can choose to make their way through any or all of four smaller maze segments, each with its own in-and-out, said Robert Richardson, co-owner of the farm along with other family members, including his brother, George, according to a news release.

“The upper left corner of the maze depicts our 50-foot-tall viewing tower and zip line while other portions feature the barn and gift shop, pumpkin patch, tulips, sunflowers, Christmas trees, our train for kids to enjoy and, of course, corn,” George Richardson said. “It’s a celebration of all of the fun activities we started with and those we have developed over the years, like our new tulip and sunflower fests.”

The maze was designed and planted by Shawn Stolworthy of Idaho-based MazePlay. The paths are freshly rototilled and ready for explorers, said Ryan Richardson, George’s son and a member of the sixth generation on the farm.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back and to celebrating 20 years of fun on our farm with fans new and old,” he added.

As noted in the 2021 maze’s design, fun at the Richardson Farm means much more than maze meandering. Each fall marks the transition of Richardson Farm to Richardson Adventure Farm, where many activities — including jumping pillows, the kiddie play area, petting zoo and more — are included with the price of admission, according to a news release. Zip lining, Zorbing, Paintball, Extreme Air and a new-this-year, 150-foot-long mega slide will be available for an additional fee.

Regular admission fees are $18 for ages 13 to 64 and $15 for ages 3 to 12 throughout September as well as on Thursdays and Fridays in October through Nov. 7. Saturdays and Sundays in October through Nov. 7 cost $22 for adults and $18 for children 3 to 12. Those 2 and younger are admitted free.

Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. The farm is closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except for Columbus Day on Monday, Oct. 11, when hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Maze until Midnight opportunities are Sept. 17-18 and Oct. 22-23. All admissions must be purchased two hours before closing. Tickets are available at the farm during hours of operation.

School and corporate groups are welcome to inquire about special-hour options by calling 815-675-9729. Campfire and picnic site reservations also are available, ranging in price from $80 and up depending on the size of the group. Details are available on the website.

Parking is free at Richardson Farm, located just an hour’s drive northwest of Chicago. Professional photographers are advised to check richardsonfarm.com for applicable backdrop fees.

Richardson Farm has been in the Richardson family since 1836, and is now in its fifth and sixth generations of ownership. Co-owners include Robert and Carol Richardson, George and Wendy Richardson and George’s son, Ryan, as well as Ryan’s wife, Kristen.