Robinette’s Farm Market is kicking off fall with a brand-new corn maze design, cut into the fields just in time for the season. This year’s theme honors the 175th anniversary of Grand Rapids, and the maze will highlight moments from the city’s history.

A Tradition of Creative Designs

Every year, the Robinette family chooses a different design for their six-acre maze. Past years have included Charlie Brown, Curious George, a giant beehive, and even a spiderweb. In 2020, the family used the maze to memorialize their grandparents. While they once hoped to do a Stranger Things design, Netflix declined the request, leading them to the Grand Rapids theme instead.

The Process Behind the Maze

The maze is created in partnership with The MAiZE Company of Utah, which has been working with Robinette’s since 2009. After the family decides on a concept, The MAiZE Company drafts the design. Corn is planted in two directions to form a grid, and when the stalks are just two inches tall, the design is carefully cut into place. The corn used is field corn, which is later harvested for feed by a cousin, making the maze both fun and functional.

More Than Just a Maze

Robinette’s has been part of the Grand Rapids community since 1911, operating as a fifth-generation family farm. Today, the farm offers much more than the maze: visitors can enjoy a winery, U-pick apples, peaches, cherries, cider, donuts, and horse-drawn hayrides. There’s also a bounce pillow for kids and a shop featuring women’s apparel and farm goods. The farm adapts to the times but still maintains the authentic farm feel that visitors come for year after year.

The Experience

The maze opens Tuesday, September 2, the day after Labor Day. Hours are 10 a.m. to last entry at 5 p.m. daily (noon on Sundays). Admission is $10 per person, with children two and under free. Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes navigating the maze, though some adventurous groups have been known to get stuck in loops for nearly an hour. A GPS-based game called Maze Waze helps track progress and adds scavenger hunt-style fun for participants.

Carrying on a Legacy

Robinette’s is proud to be a Centennial Farm, recognized for more than 100 years of continuous family ownership. Allan Robinette, part of the fifth generation, hopes to see future generations continue the tradition. For now, he enjoys working side by side with his family and providing a space where the community can celebrate the seasons.

Fall Favorites

Opening day will also feature the return of pumpkin spice donuts, with caramel apples coming later in the season. Robinette’s will remain open seven days a week through November, rain or shine.

@smallegan Allen Robinette calls himself an urban farmer, and he’s proud to be part of the Grand Rapids culture, and to celebrate 175 years of Grand Rapids! From apple picking to cider pressing to their annual corn maze, there’s no better way to spend fall close to the city. Mark your calendar: U-Pick apples and the maze kick off the beginning of September! Who’s making Robinette’s part of their fall plans? @Robinette’s #GrandRapidsMI #RobbinettesAppleHaus #UrbanFarmer #PureMichigan #GR175 ♬ original sound - Mike Smallegan | Realtor