Fun or scary? Take your pick of corn mazes at J&J Rietschlin Farms
SHELBY — Jacob and Jessica Rietschlin of J&J Rietschlin Farms are known for their family friendly fall corn maze each autumn on Ohio 61 between Crestline and Shelby.
This month, the couple and their children Nathan, 18, and Grace, 15, are opening up their Richland County farm at 5482 Ohio 61 off Ohio 314, having expanded the fun to include a Haunted Corn Maze called "Field of Screams" which isn't for the faint of heart.
"People will jump out and scare you," Jake confirmed. Both mazes take about 15 to 20 minutes to go through. The family maze is themed, "Five Generations of Family Farming" this year. It is enjoyed by children and adults of all ages, including grandparents, the family said.
The elaborate mazes, planted with a GPS computerized corn planter, open Sept. 23 (haunted) and Sept. 24 (regular).
There's plenty to do at the Rietschlins' farm on corn maze weekends, where Jake and his brother farm. Jake grew up nearby and said his father farmed the same area.
30 activities including a pumpkin launcher
There are 30 activities for families to enjoy including a pumpkin launcher ($2 for 3 shots), a petting zoo with a baby pig, a calf, baby goats and ponies, and hayrides with a scavenger hunt. There is also an artist who carves wood with a chain saw.
And the beauty of the cornfields and countryside are part of the attraction.
The Rietschlins also have a four-acre pumpkin patch but Jake said too much rain this year reduced the number of pumpkins for most farmers locally but they still have plenty of pumpkins to sell.
Concession booths include berry and peach cobblers, apple dumplings, hot dogs and more. There is a sit-down area to enjoy the food.
Nathan and Grace help run the family event, which is popular for a lot of school-aged kids and teens.
Getting everything ready is a lot of work but the family enjoys it.
"Team work makes the dream work," Jake said is something their family says.
Jessica Rietschlin said the corn maze began as a family event for their own family and expanded from there. A friend draws the mazes for the family.
First year for the haunted maze
"It's our first year for the haunted maze so hopefully people will enjoy it," he said.
Hours are: 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays for the haunted maze through Oct. 31. The last ticket sold will be at 11 p.m.
The regular family-friendly maze is open noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Guests are asked to wear appropriate shoes and dress for the weather. Signs will be posted to guide visitors to the farm.
Cost is is $10 for the family maze with children 5 and under free.
The haunted maze is $15 or $20 if you want to use a credit card. Jake said parents can use their discretion on allowing younger children to go through the scary maze.
Other area corn mazes include:
Honey Haven Farm Fall Festival
1327 County Road 1475, Ashland, Ohio 44805
Sept. 3-Oct. 30
Contact: 419-289-3384
Ramseyer Farms
4000 Ramseyer Lane, Wooster, Ohio 44691
Sept. 3-Oct. 30, 2022
Contact: 330-264-0264
Pickwick Place
The Pickwick Place
1875 N. Sandusky St., Bucyrus, Ohio
419-562-0683.
419-521-7223
Twitter: @LWhitmir
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Corn maze for families and a new scary corn maze for the brave
