The journey to becoming the world’s largest corn maze began when Mark and Pam Chmielewski bought Stoney Brook Farm from Brad Chmielewski’s grandmother, Shirley in 2005. The produce business slowly grew as they learned to change and adapt to the markets. The idea for the corn maze came from Ashley. She was inspired by Brad’s mother’s pumpkin patch and the lack of corn mazes in the area.
The Halloween villain design has been one the family has been thinking of doing for a few years.
“Sometimes you know for months what design you want to do, other years it’s last-minute. This one was a long-standing idea,” Brad shares.
The 110 acres and 32 miles of corn maze were planted utilizing the precision ag services provided by Centra Sota. Chmielewski connected with Nate Hood, Ag Technology Supervisor, and Todd Holland, Precision Ag and Agvance Specialist who set him up with state-of-the-art precision equipment that allowed him to easily plant the field after inputting the design.
Centra Sota also provides the seed corn, fertilizer, and agronomy needs for the entire operation.
“It’s hard to find specialty crop agronomists, and Adam is well versed on vegetables. And the relationship goes both ways. We get their knowledge, and we provide a way for them to use it that they otherwise wouldn’t have,” Brad said.
Every year the farm grows a bit more. This next season will bring new varieties of specialty crops, like broccoli. The Chmielewski’s will rely more on the nutrient and agronomical expertise that Centra Sota can provide them.
The corn maze isn’t just for fans of the horror movies featured in the design. There’s fun for the entire family. The acreage features four different mazes for all levels of time commitment and enthusiasm. One option takes an expected average of 30 minutes to complete, easy for families or guests just looking for a short afternoon activity. A second maze is a little more difficult and takes roughly an hour, and visitors can participate in a word scavenger hunt throughout. For the extreme and determined corn maze goer – two mazes are available that could take up to 4 -5 hours from start to finish and each comprise over 13 miles of trails!
After making their way through their maze of choice, guests can fill up at one of three food trucks, and finish the evening with one (or more!) of their featured fall activities. Included in the activity zone is a corn pit made from over 1100 bushels of shelled corn, haybale slides and a climbing wall, and a giant 30’ x 70’ jump pad meant to be enjoyed by all ages. Brad noted that each game and playground was made to bring the fun back to the farm, meaning they are constructed from bales, shelled corn, and large tile lines. The goal has been to create an experience for people who never grew up on a farm.
The maze and all of its excitement will open to the public on September 10th on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Admission is $10 per person, and children 3 and under are free. Veterans receive a $2 discount for them and their party (up to 5 people).
“How much can a family of 5 do for 50 bucks?” Brad points out. For a valuable experience, check out the World’s Largest Corn Maze this fall!
989 115th Ave NE, Foley, MN
Follow them on Facebook and TikTok! @StoneybrookfarmsInc
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