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Corn mazes have become a fall tradition across the U.S., but few are as famous, or as massive, as the one at Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon, California. Spanning 63 acres, the maze has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world and continues to draw attention for both its size and its seasonal charm.
According to Secret Los Angeles, the maze is so large that some visitors have panicked and called 911 for help after becoming disoriented. In one report cited by ABC News, a mother frantically told local deputies, “I don’t know what to do anymore. We’ve been wandering for hours, and I think we’re living in corn now!” While these calls may sound alarming, authorities assure the public that all “lost families” are found quickly, usually within minutes. Maps are available to help visitors navigate, though the scale of the maze can still prove daunting.
The Associated Press recently reported that the attraction’s owner emphasizes the fun side of getting lost. The design of the maze changes each year, adding to the sense of adventure for visitors. In 2015, for example, the layout was shaped into the Sacramento Kings logo, making it just as much an aerial spectacle as a ground-level challenge.
Cool Patch Pumpkins was founded in 2001 by Matt Cooley, who began selling pumpkins with his children at the edge of their family field. What started as a small venture has grown into a destination that blends family farming with agritourism. At its peak, the corn maze covered 63 acres, almost as large as 45 football fields, and drew national attention.
For agriculture, attractions like this showcase how farms can diversify and connect with the public. Fall is not only harvest season but also a time when farms open their gates to communities, inviting people to experience agriculture in an interactive way. Whether visitors come for pumpkins, the maze, or just a taste of rural life, Cool Patch Pumpkins demonstrates how farming and fun can come together in a uniquely memorable way.
