We're Randy and Margo Garrett. Most of the year we raise corn and soybeans here in central Illinois, on the same ground Randy's dad and grandpa farmed. But every fall since 1994 we've opened the farm to anybody who wants to pick a pumpkin, ride a hay wagon, pet a goat and get good and lost in a cornfield.

Opening day was yesterday, Saturday, September 25, and what a day! Sunshine, 72 degrees, cars parked all the way down the lane, and the cider ran out at 3:30 (there's plenty more today, we promise). Thank you to everybody who came out, and a special thank-you to the gentleman who helped push the hay wagon out of the soft spot by the creek. Yes, the same soft spot as last year. Randy says he's fixing it this week.

We're open every day from now through Halloween. Come on out!

— Randy & Margo

Eight acres of corn and about two miles of paths. This is our third maze. In 1997 it was a jack-o'-lantern, last year it was a covered wagon, and this year it's a giant tractor: an old-time tractor like the 1952 Farmall that Randy's dad bought new, from the front wheel to the smokestack, with the driver's seat up over the big back wheel.

Here's the catch: you can only see the tractor from the air. From the ground it's just a lot of corn and a lot of turns. A friend from the flying club went up over Labor Day weekend and took pictures for us. They're at the drugstore, and we'll put one up here as soon as we get them back. Until then you can see Margo's drawing on the Maze Rules & Hints page.

Most families get through in 45 minutes to an hour. Some take longer. Nobody has had to spend the night yet.

Every group gets a flag on a tall pole to carry. If you're lost, tired, or just ready to come out, wave it high and one of us will come find you.

Read the Maze Rules & Hints before you go in »

The hay wagon takes you out to the patch, about a quarter mile past the barn. We grow about ten acres of pumpkins: big orange Howdens and Big Max for carving, little Jack Be Littles for the table, pie pumpkins for baking, and a row of gourds in every shape there is.

We have clippers at the patch and little wagons to haul your pumpkins back. Pick one with a good stem, and carry it from the bottom, never by the stem. A pumpkin that loses its stem goes soft a lot sooner.

If the patch is too muddy after a rain, we'll have pumpkins picked and waiting by the barn.

Group rates. Groups of 20 or more get $1 off each maze or combo ticket. Church youth groups, Scout troops, 4-H clubs, family reunions and office outings are all welcome. Call ahead so we can save you a picnic table and a wagon.

Birthday parties. Maze, hayride, a small pumpkin for every child and a picnic table for the cake, $6 a child, ten children or more. Weekends only; book early, October Saturdays go fast.

Rainy days. We're open rain or shine, but we close the maze and the wagons for lightning or a real downpour. If we close early for weather, your ticket is good for another visit any day this season. The paths get muddy after a rain, so wear old shoes. If the sky looks doubtful, call before you come.

Strollers are fine on the farm lanes, but the maze paths are bumpy. A backpack carrier works better.

Pets stay home, please, for the sake of the goats.

Restrooms: portable toilets and a hand-washing station by the parking area.