Along with apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes have become a staple of autumn recreation in Wisconsin. Thousands of people get lost in these labyrinths each year, and many often wonder about what goes into making one.
Angie Treinen designs the corn maze at Treinen Farm in Lodi. She’s been creating the maze since 2001.
“I consider myself to be an artist who only works in the medium of corn,” Treinen joked.
Treinen said she starts designing the year’s maze in May, before the corn is planted. She plots out the design with a graphic design program, then prints it out on a grid. The grid is then passed off to her husband, who plans the corn accordingly.
“I say, here honey, here’s your design, cut it into the field. And he looks at me and says, ‘Are you kidding? This is so complicated.’”
Treinen is often asked how she comes up with the designs for the maze. She said she gathers ideas throughout the year, and does maintain a Pinterest board called, “Things That Might Make a Cool Maze.”
Her first thought for this year’s design was an octopus. She thought it would visually appealing, yet complicated, but then had doubts about it. “You know, it’s not exciting enough,” she said. “There’s gotta be an element of drama or danger.” Her solution? Make it a kraken.
“A giant squid attacking a ship. That was it. It was like perfect.”
Many people are expected to experience the Kraken this year. Treinen said the maze usually draws about 20,000 people to the farm, and draws an older demographic, due to its complexity.
And yes, at the end of the year, the corn is still harvested.