Explore with Kids: The Great Maze Fargo

Great Maze FargoIf you’re seeking fall family fun, then it’s time to plan a visit to The Great Maze in Fargo!

Getting lost in The Great Maze is one of my family’s favorite fall traditions. Located in the West Acres Mall parking lot, this record-breaking maze is a labyrinth of twists and turns designed with cedar planks. Last year, the maze earned official certification from Guinness World Records as the largest temporary wooden maze in the world!

The Great Maze is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. In addition to the maze, there are numerous attractions for the kiddos, festive photo ops, and a pumpkin patch. Not to mention a calendar full of exciting special events!

The Great Maze Fargo

The seven-foot-high cedar plank walls and winding pathways make this maze particularly fun and challenging. No taking shortcuts through corn stalks here! The average completion time is 45 minutes to an hour.

Before you enter, staff provide a map to help you navigate the paths. We’ve explored many mazes in the area, and this one is without a doubt the most challenging! Even with the map, don’t be surprised if you find yourself turned around. That’s the whole point of a maze, right? But should you need assistance, there are several exits along the perimeter, as well as friendly staff nearby to lend a hand.

Despite the challenging network of pathways, The Great Maze is built on a paved lot, making it stroller and wheelchair-friendly. In fact, there is a collection of wagons, push-cars, and ride-on toys for little ones to utilize while traversing the maze.

There is also an optional scavenger hunt within the maze. Guests must find posters hidden throughout the maze to help them decode a secret message. If you solve the puzzle, you receive a prize!

Finding the letters for the scavenger hunt. Photo credit: Katina Behm.

Activities at The Great Maze

Make sure to plan extra time to enjoy the kids’ attractions after completing the maze. My kids could have spent all afternoon here!

You’ll find games, pedal cars, and a corn pit outside the maze. But this isn’t your standard corn pit – it’s the most gigantic corn pit I’ve ever seen! And it’s filled with trucks, digging toys, and climbing structures for kids to burn their energy.

Once everyone gets their wiggles out, make sure to snap some photos to commemorate your awesome maze-navigating skills! There are tons of great photo setups and backdrops to create the perfect family portrait.

Pumpkin Patch

Be sure to grab some pumpkins from the patch on your way out! You’ll find several types of pumpkins, squash, and gourds for your fall décor. Prices range from $5-$15 depending on the size of the pumpkins, and some are HUGE!

Special Events

The Great Maze also has a calendar full of special events! Some seasonal offerings to look forward to include:

  • Haunted Night at the Maze: On October 17th and 24th, the bravest maze-goers can wind their way through the dark while costumed characters haunt the twisting paths.
  • Dog Day with Homeward Animal Shelter: Every Tuesday, meet adoptable furry friends, or bring your own dog to stroll the maze.
  • College Day: Every Thursday, college students receive half off admission with their student ID.

And more events to be announced! Check out their full calendar here.

Plan Your Visit

Open September 19 – November 1, 2026 with the following hours:

  • Monday-Thursday: 2:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Admission is $12 for children aged 4-11, and $14 for guests aged 12 and up. Children 3 and under are free!

One of the best things about The Great Maze is that it expands and improves each year. No two visits are the same! The maze is so much more than navigating a winding path; it’s an unforgettable fall tradition that brings our family together.

To learn more about The Great Maze, check out their website and plan your visit!

For more fall fun, check our our Ultimate Guide to Fall & Halloween in Fargo!

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Anthea Varriano
Anthea is a Fargo native who graduated from NDSU in 2012 with degrees in Anthropology and Psychology. She loves the Fargo community and the opportunities available for her family here (but not so much the snow). Anthea is a self-described “Disney Nerd.” The movies, music, and theme parks – she loves it all! Anthea channels her love for Disney into her blog, Inspiring Magical Memories, where she shares Disney-themed recipes and crafts, Disney dinner parties, and trip planning articles for the Disney Parks. She and her husband have two daughters and a son: Aiden (2008), Gemma (2016), and Ezra (2021). With ages ranging from infant to teenager, Anthea keeps herself busy just trying to keep up with her kiddos! In the past 14 years, Anthea has seen the rules of parenting change and evolve, which just goes to show we are always learning and adapting. No parent is perfect! Which is why Anthea feels it is important for moms to have a network where they can support each other and learn from one another. Besides writing, Anthea enjoys cooking, crafting, working out, and attending community events with her family.