Smith Rock Ranch opens annual corn maze for fall fun
Published 5:45 am Sunday, October 1, 2023
- An aerial view of the corn maze at Smith Rock Ranch created by Matthew Lisignoli.
When Matthew Lisignoli first heard about corn mazes, he didn’t think the idea sounded like any fun. As a pumpkin farmer, his only experience with corn fields was the sweat and toil of working in them.
Even so, his fellow farmers assured Lisignoli the notion was a profitable business idea. So in 2003, he created Smith Rock Ranch’s first corn maze.
“It was an adventure,” Lisignoli recalled. “We didn’t know what to expect. I remember being afraid when we first designed it. You look at the pattern, and it looks like it’s not going to turn out right. But then, as it develops, it comes into focus.”
The 2003 corn maze was relatively small — just a corn field with a winding path — said Lisignoli. Then the maze got newspaper coverage and interest in Smith Rock Ranch boomed.
Today, Lisignoli’s corn maze, which opens Saturday, is an annual destination complete with a pumpkin patch, petting zoo and other family friendly activities. Parents who first visited the maze as children are now bringing their own families.
As it turned out, the maze was the perfect pandemic activity because it offered socially distanced outdoor fun.
“We get a lot of people thanking us for doing it, especially during COVID,” Lisignoli said. “People come out here to have a good time, and they can get away from the mess of the world and just be here.”
The theme of the 2023 maze is Corncob Squarepants, inspired by the Nickelodeon TV show “Spongebob Squarepants.” Lisignoli said his wife, Kendra, is the one who comes up with the designs. Previous themes include “Cars,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Flintstones.”
Although the size of the maze has remained at around 7 acres since 2003, the designs have become increasingly complex. This requires Lisignoli to work with a specialized company, Maize Company, to create each year’s maze.
“We work with them, and they give us a computer-generated maze design that we have to transpose onto the field when the corn is small. It’s a very meticulous process. Then we have to go and kill the corn in the path, groom the paths and water it. As the corn grows, the pattern improves.”
But the corn maze isn’t the only fun to be had at Smith Rock Ranch. Friday through Sunday, the farm will also have activities, including a petting zoo, a mini golf course, train rides, a pumpkin patch and a horse-drawn wagon. Lisgnoli said a highlight is the pumpkin cannon, “which can be shot by anyone between the ages of 3 to 93.”
Smith Rock Ranch currency is tokens, which start at $4 for a single token and $30 for eight. Visitors can also purchase a Ticket Package, which includes one maze ticket and five for $30. Most activities cost one token except for pony and horse-drawn wagon rides. Maze tickets and tokens can be bought online until Oct. 29 at this link: smithrockranch.com/online-tickets
Smith Rock Ranch currency is tokens, which start at $4 for a single token and $30 for eight. Visitors can also purchase a Ticket Package, which includes one maze ticket and five for $30. Most activities cost one token except for pony and horse-drawn wagon rides. Maze tickets and tokens can be bought online until Oct. 29 at this link: smithrockranch.com/online-tickets
Even though the corn maze and activities are only open Friday through Sunday, Smith Rock Ranch also operates a pumpkin patch Tuesday through Sunday. Lisignoli said customers can buy Smith Rock Ranch pumpkins at stores in Bend, but he recommends coming up to the ranch to make a personal selection. There’s something special about the experience, he said.
Smith Rock Ranch’s advertising budget is practically nonexistent, said Lisignoli, so the October festivities are all discovered through word of mouth. He recalled families that come out every year and a fond memory of a couple who shouted back to their friends, thanking them for the recommendation.
“When we moved to Central Oregon, there weren’t any pumpkin patches. We created our farm to offer the experience we wanted for our young family. The festivities are well received and have become a tradition for other families from all over,” said Lisignoli. “We’re grateful to be in the position to offer a memorable day and invite everyone to enjoy our farm.”
Starting Saturday, admission to Smith Rock Ranch’s Corn Maize costs $10 for anyone over 6; for kids under 5, the maze is free with a paid adult.
The maze is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from noon to 6 p.m.
