Chicago Bears corn field maze: Pics and Stories

I visited this maze in 2008. Still billed as the World's Largest Corn Maze, it covered 28 acres and 11.1 miles of trail. The theme of the '08 maze was "Race to D.C.", referring to the upcoming Presidential election. An elephant, a donkey, the Capitol building, and an American flag are featured in the design.

When I arrived, I was given a 9x6 inch postcard map of the maze to help navigate through the many twists and turns. The challenge was to find all 24 checkpoints within the maze. At each checkpoint, you find a hole punch tool to mark your postcard - each hole punch is a different shape to prove you were actually at each location.

My friend was quickly disoriented and confused, but I was able to keep us on track by using the map - making only three wrong turns, costing me a few minutes worth of back-tracking. I shocked the owner of the maze when I emerged with a completed punch card after only 1:15.

I was surprised to learn that the maze was open until midnight. Armed with a flashlight, you can attempt to do it in the dark. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the area.