Sever’s Corn Maze: Top 10 Activities, Tips, and What to Know Before You Go
Sever’s Corn Maze in Shakopee is how I love kicking off fall. It’s one of the festivals I look forward to every year.
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve visited, but each year we find something new and fun to do.
When Sever’s Fall Festival invited me to stop by, I couldn’t say no.
Sever’s Fall Festival provided tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
The Sever’s Corn Maze legacy
The Sever’s family held its first corn maze in 1997 in Eden Prairie, shaped like a T‑Rex. They wanted to build a maze reminiscent of European hedge mazes.
They were among the first in the U.S., and the first in the Midwest. Today, Sever’s is a classic Minnesota fall tradition.
I even went to their first maze with my dad. It was amazing.
The top 10 free things to do at Sever’s Corn Maze
There’s a lot to do for every age, from the giant corn pit to a straw maze, play areas, and live shows. The best part is most activities are included with admission.
Some activities cost extra, like pony rides, pumpkin blasters, the giant slide, and hayrides. Fees are reasonable, and there’s still plenty included.
The corn pit
If you told me the best part of a corn maze was a giant pit of corn, I’d have laughed. But it’s always a hit.
Sever’s has two corn pits, one for little kids and one for bigger kids and adults.
The little kids’ pit has a small slide. It’s perfect for photos and silly corn burials.
The extreme corn pit has rope swings and climbing features. It’s a workout and a laugh.
I tried the rope swing. That was my moment to accept I might be too old for this, but it was worth it.
Pro tips for the corn pit
Wear fitted layers so corn doesn’t sneak in. A long, snug tank under a tee works great.
Empty pockets and remove rings and keys. Someone always loses something in the corn.
Corn is dusty, especially early in the season. Expect to get a little dirty.
The corn maze
Each year Sever’s designs a themed maze. Clues are marked A–Z with fun facts along the way.
Collect all the markers, then enter the end‑of‑maze trivia for a chance at a prize on their website.
This was the first year we did the full A–Z hunt with the kids. We took photos at each marker to help with the trivia. It was a blast.
Pro tips for the maze
The maze is family‑friendly with the right level of challenge. Staff are inside to help if you get stuck. There’s water and bathrooms at the far end.
With kids, snap a photo at each marker and make a collage after. The enthusiasm drop is hilarious.
After 7 pm, bring a flashlight. Early season can have bugs, so pack spray or wear long sleeves.
Bring a simple compass and let kids practice reading the map. It’s a great skill builder.
The straw bale maze
The straw bale maze is perfect for younger kids. It’s short, safe, and fast, so you can even race through.
We did a family race. One kid hit a mud patch and climbed out smiling. All laughs.
Jumping pillows
Sever’s has multiple jumping pillows with separate areas for little kids and older jumpers. It keeps things safe and fun.
Obstacle course
Climb, balance, and scramble through kid‑friendly obstacles. It’s popular and a great energy burner.
Petting zoo animal feeding
Visit the petting zoo from the Safari North Wildlife Park in Brainerd. You’ll see camels, llamas, mini donkeys, goats, alpacas, and more.
You can buy a small cup of feed. The animals are friendly, even if you’re just saying hi.
Zip lining
Sever’s offers seated zip lines in different sizes. Staff help you load and launch, and you can ride again if the line is short.
Play areas
Playgrounds, the train structure, and a giant tire pile keep kids busy. Climb for a bird’s‑eye view of the grounds.
Pig races
Take a break and catch the pig races. It’s silly, fast, and worth the stop.
Listen to some music
Enjoy live music that sets the mood for the day. In the kids area you’ll also find interactive tunes, a dance party, magicians, and other performers.
Walk a llama
Walking a llama is a family favorite. They’re gentle and goofy, and sometimes more into snacking than strolling.
What to eat at Sever’s Corn Maze?
Come hungry. You’ll find mini donuts, roasted corn, cheese curds, burritos, and more. Food stands are on both sides of the grounds with lots of seating and tents.
Drink stands and the beer garden pour Minnesota favorites, plus soda and water. Expect rotating local brews each season.
What else is there to do?
Pick carving pumpkins or try the pumpkin blasters. Tackle the giant slide for a fast thrill, or relax on a hayride through the fields.
How to get discount tickets to Sever’s Corn Maze
Buy online to skip the ticket line: seversfestivals.com. Early‑season promos are usually the best deals. Kids 3 and under are free. Groups, seniors, and military typically receive a small discount; check the current offer on their site.
How to get to Sever’s Corn Maze
Sever’s shares the Highway 169 exit with the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Traffic is better than it used to be thanks to shuttle changes, but expect slowdowns at peak times.
Stay right and cross the bridge to avoid entering the festival lot by mistake.
Parking at Sever’s is free. If someone asks for payment, you’re in the wrong place.
How long do I need at Sever’s Corn Maze?
Plan for 2 to 3 hours to see the highlights. You could spend most of the day if you try everything. Note that ticket sales stop about 90 minutes before closing.
What to wear to Sever’s Corn Maze
Dress for a farm. Closed‑toe shoes or boots, layers, and sun protection. Expect sun and dust, and sometimes mud after rain.
Can I bring a stroller to Sever’s Corn Maze?
Yes. Paths are stroller and ADA friendly, but it can get muddy. A jogging stroller does best.
More fall fun
Up for a drive? Check out the corn maze at Crow River Winery and these top Twin Cities corn mazes. While you’re here, don’t miss more fun things to do in Shakopee.
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