At Willow Springs, we preserve history and create a space for our community to gather and celebrate life. Launched in 2001, our corn maze paths bring history to life. Every year, we cut completely new, custom-themed layouts designed to challenge and entertain all ages. Whether you are seeking daytime family fun or the ultimate autumn scare, your perfect fall tradition starts here. Below, owner Peggy Griffin shares the deep-rooted family history, love, and community spirit that underpin one of Wisconsin’s longest-running fall corn mazes.
A Note from Owner, Peggy Griffin
Our corn maze history began in 2001, when Dennis moved the Maine Town Hall building to save it from being torn down. He asked me if I would be willing to help him run a corn maze to help fund the restoration of the building. I said yes—and that began our corn maze life.
At the time, we were on the cutting edge of agritourism with our corn maze. Dennis was excited to get started. Little did he know that he would go on to design and produce more than 20 corn mazes over the years (before his passing in 2021).
Together, we came up with the design for our very first maze. It was a simple representation of the original barn on the farm, which had burned down. That first maze was the beginning of something that would become a much-loved tradition.
Our focus has always been on education, having fun, and learning along the way. The corn maze gave us a wonderful opportunity to combine all three while allowing people to experience and enjoy what we love most—time in the country.
Of course, it wasn’t just about the maze. We also had a petting zoo, which, in the first year, was actually located inside the maze. The pumpkin patch soon followed, along with a kids' play area and crafts. We added campfires and nighttime haunted maze adventures, creating experiences that families could enjoy together.
Each of our corn mazes was built around a theme, often highlighting significant historical events, people, or accomplishments. One of our most popular themes was the Wright Brothers and 100 Years of Flight.
The process of creating each maze was a team effort. We would decide on a theme together and then create the design. Dennis would take that design and spray the corn to bring it to life in the field. The corn was cross-planted to make it extra thick, which helped create the intricate designs and pathways of the maze. After Dennis was unable to create the maze, my brothers Tim and Andy stepped in to continue the production of the mazes and carry on the tradition.
What began as a way to help restore an old town hall became so much more—a place where families could learn, explore, laugh, and make memories together while experiencing a little bit of country life.