Hermantown getting a mammoth 'Cornstalk Maze'

Engwall Florist, Greenhouse & Garden Center is creating a 52,000 square foot “Cornstalk Maze” this fall, according to Engwall president Rod Saline. “The giant maze will be open to the public to tour in September and October,” said Saline. “It will be a great family fall activity. We’re also hosting a one-day “Corn Fest” will be held Oct. 2 to celebrate the fall season.”

Utilizing undeveloped Engwall property, Saline is working with Corn Maze America for the design, planting and development. There will be many dead ends in the maze with fun Sustainable Growing trivia questions featured. “A number of steps need to be covered for this type of venture and our partner, Scott Skelly, is one of the best.”

The field was plowed last fall and this spring was disked and fertilized. Planting will take place about May 15 and take about 40,000 to 45,000 seeds. The maze will actually be “cut” and created in June when it is 6-8 inches in height. Corn should reach its maximum height by the end of August.

Elementary students in the Twin Ports will be invited to learn about agriculture and its history in Hermantown and Duluth. This curriculum will include how corn grows, soil types, nutrition needs and sustainable vegetable gardening. In partnership with Hermantown Area Historical Society, Engwall’s will have displays of some of the farming history of the area. The value and uses of corn will be also highlighted. This would be free to school groups.

Another partnership has been established with the Northern Lakes Second Harvest Food Bank, with a portion of proceeds going to the Food Bank. In exchange, Second Harvest will assist with providing volunteers for some of the operation at the Oct. 2 festival.

The corn maze will open starting Sept. 10 for about 6 weeks. Lundeen Productions is serving as co-producer of the Corn Maze in conjunction with Engwall’s.

~Information courtesy Lundeen Productions