Maze of the Week #145 - Badger

Maze of the Week #145 is a Badger maze to help celebrate National Badger Day on October 6.

Here was my preview image. I would be surprised if you guessed this correctly.

Here is the first version of the maze.

Badger Maze

And the alternative version. I think people in a certain state will like this one !

Downloads are available in the comic book style maze section. Come back tomorrow to see what the comic book cover looks like !

Next weeks Maze Preview: I have done some eye only previews, but this is my first teeth only

Maze Preview

Lost in the Maize: 5 Epic Corn Mazes

It is corn maze season ! There are some wonderful corn mazes around the country and I wanted to feature 5 of my favorites. They come from Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio but you can find them all over the country using the Mazeplay corn maze finder ! MazePlay is primarily a gps maze design service if you get inspired by the corn mazes below and want some guidance building your own ! Hey, it worked in Field of Dreams, am I right ? Let’s get to these great corn mazes which are perfect for some fall family fun ! :

Maze Theme: Willy Wonka Golden Ticket

Farm/Business Name: Davis Mega Maze

Location: 142 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA 01564

This local news video will give you a sense of what the property is all about and all the things to do. The farm has won many competitions for corn maze designs and this year is no different ! This family farm has been around for over 150 years and they have been making mazes since their first in 1996. Let co-owner Larry Davis tell you more in the video…



Maze Theme: T-Rex Dinosaur

Farm/Business Name: Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm

Location: 11025 S. Jackson Road, Cement City, MI 49233

Roar your way through Meckley's Flavor Fruit Farm's prehistoric corn maze! This year's design features a terrifying T-Rex, sure to thrill dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. But the fun doesn't stop there. This farm is a foodie paradise with a cidery, cellar, and bakery offering fresh, local treats. Check out their Instagram for mouthwatering pictures and their calendar for a full lineup of fall events. If you are in the area this is a must visit !

Flavor Fruit Farm, T-Rex Maze


Maze Theme: 85th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz

Farm/Business Name: Fresh Acres

Location: 7385 Jason Ave., Monticello , Minnesota

With the Wicked movie coming out in November and the 85th Anniversary of the Wizard of Oz happened earlier this year, so this is a perfect time to feature Dorothy, Toto and the Wicked witch ! Check out their Fall Calendar which is packed full of events !

Fresh Acres - Wizard of Oz Corn Maze

Maze Theme: Dragon (Year of the Dragon)

Farm/Business Name: Hidden Trails Corn Maze

Location: W4704 WI-16, West Salem, WI 54669, USA

This year, Hidden Trails Corn Maze in West Salem, Wisconsin, celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a mythical maze design that will ignite your imagination. Prepare to get lost in a labyrinth inspired by fire-breathing beasts and legendary lore – it might even give you some "Game of Thrones" vibes! The maze is actually broken into 4 parts one of which includes finding clues to solve a mystery !

But the fun doesn't stop when you escape the dragon's lair. Hidden Trails offers a full day of family entertainment:

  • Fun Park Frolics: Let the kids loose in the Fun Park, packed with exciting activities to burn off energy.

  • Pumpkin Paradise: Find the perfect pumpkin in their sprawling patch.

  • Gift Shop Goodies: Browse unique treasures and souvenirs in the gift shop.


Maze Theme: Taylor Swift

Farm/Business Name: Wheeler Farms

Location: 11455 Obee Rd, Whitehouse, OH 43571, USA

Calling all Swifties! This year, Wheeler Farms in Whitehouse, Ohio, has created a corn maze tribute to the one and only Taylor Swift. Get ready to navigate your way through a design inspired by her iconic music and career. If you get featured on Good Morning America you have have made a notable maze !

But Wheeler Farms is more than just a corn maze. It's a year-round destination for family fun:

  • Winter Wonderland: Starting soon, choose and cut your own Christmas Tree from their expansive farm.

  • Spring Flutter: In May, experience the magic of the Butterfly House, where hundreds of butterflies flutter freely.

  • Wine Down: Relax and unwind in their Wine Room, featuring local wines and a cozy atmosphere.

So, feel free to visit here a few times a year…

Taylor Swift Corn Maze Aerial Photo - courtesy Airspace Creative

Taylor Swift Corn Maze Aerial Photo - courtesy Airspace Creative

So those are the 5 corn mazes I selected. Ever wondered how corn mazes are made ?

How Corn Mazes are Made - A Collection of Corn Maze Videos

More things you might like:

I also write about labyrinths and labyrinth walking. Check out my labyrinth section to see the best labyrinths in your state !

I think corn mazes are a type of art. Check out some of my maze art, like the Taj Mahal Maze, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Maze, or the Louvre Museum Maze.

The 10 Most Famous Labyrinths from Around the World

10 Labyrinths to Visit in South Carolina

Let’s talk about visiting labyrinths in South Carolina. I have selected 10 of the best (there are over 60) that are accessible to the public from around the state, focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder. I did not do a good job acquiring photos - if you have one to submit - contact me.

Why visit a Labyrinth ?

Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…


10 Labyrinths to Visit in South Carolina

1. Providence Church Labyrinth

 

A 6 circuit medieval style labyrinth made from gravel and stone located on the east side of the building. Find more information about the labyrinth on the church website, which I quote from there “This labyrinth was dedicated on May 14, 2023, in honor of member Dr. Charles Taylor on his 100th birthday.”

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Address:
294 Seven Farms Drive
Charleston, South Carolina 29492




2. Maxcy Gregg Park - Richard Bloch Cancer Survivors Garden Labyrinth

Located in the Richard Bloch Cancer Survivors Garden, this 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is made from inlaid stone and concrete. It is open from dawn to dusk. Check out this trip advisor post with a great photo.

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Address:

1806 Blossom Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201



3. Lenoir-Rhyne University - Trinity Prayer Labyrinth

 

A medieval Chartres style 11 circuit labyrinth is made from bricks/pavers that is easy to locate on Google Maps with it’s own entry. They suggest using the parking near the library.

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Address:

4201 N. Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29203


4. Christus Victor Lutheran Church Labyrinth

A classical 7 circuit circular labyrinth made from rocks whose center is a cross. The labyrinth is located on the NE section of the parking lot. Learn about the labyrinth on the dedicated page of the church website.

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Address:
400 Harbison Blvd
Columbia, South Carolina 29212


5. First Baptist Church of Greenville Labyrinth

This medieval Santa Rosa style 7 circuit labyrinth made from bricks/pavers is located on the west side of the church. Learn more about the labyrinth on the church grounds webpage.

Location: Greenville, South Carolina

Address:
847 Cleveland Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29601


6. Sheperd Integrative Dermatology Labyrinth

This is the first labyrinth I have recommended at a Dermatology office. A ChakraVyuha style 7 circuit labyrinth can be learned about on the business website.

Location: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Address:

912 Old Georgetown Road
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464



7. The Oratory: Center for Spirituality Labyrinth

A 7 circuit concentric labyrinth with a stone pathway and concrete outline was built in 2012.  It is located at the Rock Hill Oratory and open during daylight hours.

Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Address:

434 Charlotte Avenue
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730



8. Hopelands Gardens Labyrinth

Labyrinth at 0:22

This octagonal 11 circuit labyrinth is an Amiens replica made from bricks/pavers is open from 10AM til sundown. As you can see above you can combine this visit with a trip to the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.

Location: Aiken, South Carolina

Address:

135 Dupree Pl.
Aiken, South Carolina 29801


9. Mepkin Abbey Labyrinth

A very large* 7 circuit labyrinth with wide grass pathways lined with perennials. Located on the right side of Mepkin Abbey Road as you enter the facility. I enjoyed this article on their website describing a labyrinth walk during a retreat. Learn more about the abbey and plan a visit on the website. *I did some high tech measuring (using Google Maps) and this appears to be about 150 feet in diameter.

Location: Moncks Corner, South Carolina

Address:

1098 Mepkin Abbey Road
Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461


10. Central United Methodist Church Spartanburg Labyrinth
A 7 circuit medieval style labyrinth located in the garden east of the the church (called the Central Park on Google Maps). It is next to a parking deck and the labyrinth is surrounded on one side by a brick wall and on the other by 3 layers of bricks seating on the side of a slope.

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Address:
233 N Church St.
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29306

5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH

  1. Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.

  2. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.

  3. Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.

  4. Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.

  5. Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.


5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING

I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.

  1. Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN

  2. Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN

  3. Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN

  4. Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN

  5. Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN

If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:

  1. Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.

  2. Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress

  3. Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation


I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from South Carolina. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings:

Taj Mahal Maze

The Louvre Maze

Templo de Sangre de Cristo Maze

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Maze

Making Mazes - 5 years later - a comparison - Part 1

When I started this website it focused on daily mazes. Each day for 3+ years during 2019-2021 I made a new maze for the home page, themed based on the date. Lots of celebration mazes for weird holidays. I also needed to make mazes quickly, so typically I would make 2-3 mazes a day. In 2022 I started making 1 maze a week. This allowed me to make more impressive mazes with more details. Here are some blog posts that pull themes together:

Lost and Found in Mexico: Exploring 6 Amazing Mazes of Mexico

9 Mazes of religious buildings from around the world

Detailed Mazes of 6 of the Most Famous Buildings in the World

I have also gotten better at using Inkscape, my preferred maze making tool. I was in the archive and noticed the difference in quality between similar mazes from a few years ago to today. Let’s compare a few and see how much better the newest mazes are. 2024 happens to be comic book style mazes…so you’ll see a lot of that.

I have re-made so many mazes that this will be a 3 part series !

Part 1 Animal Mazes then and now.

Bunny Maze

The initial maze is from September 28, 2019. It was made for kids to celebrate International Rabbit Day. The new maze is from 2024 and is comic book style to celebrate Easter.

Chicken Maze

The initial maze was made in 2020 for a section of the website on animal mazes for kids.

2024 is comic book style and celebrates World Farm Animals Day.

Cow Maze

Again we have a kids maze for the animal maze section from 2020 against a comic book style cow from 2024. Each has 2 versions.

Mule Maze

October 26, 2019 was National Mule Day. I really like the maze I made back then mostly because of the snout coloring ! And a 2024 comic book version.

Tiger Maze

My tiger maze from July 2019 is terrible. I hated it when I made it. I hate it even more now. But I need to own it. And the 2024 comic book style replacement.

So a few years later things have gotten much better! I hope you agree. In Part 2 I will be looking at some non-animal mazes vs 2024.

If you want to see all case studies this post pulls them together:

A Collection of Maze Design Case Studies to improve your Mazes