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Photo courtesy of DeBuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch.
Metro Detroit has a bit of everything: Great restaurants, incredible entertainment venues and a plethora of cultural institutions. But, every once in a while, urban and suburban residents crave a little bit of green space and open air.
In other words, they long for the farm. Going back to our collective agricultural roots likely can only come in the form of a trip to the many agri-tainment locations around Metro Detroit and in the green acres outside of the tri-county area. During the fall, these places offer open space as well as animals, corn mazes, hay rides, u-pick fruit and, most importantly, cider and donuts at many locations.
Agri-tainment refers to the mix of agriculture and entertainment that exists at some of the working farms and specialty outdoor areas. The idea is to bring people to these businesses both to enjoy farm life while exploring what makes living on these hard-working spots so memorable. Running through the corn stalks, jumping on hay bales or feeding the animals is fun – as long as you don’t have to do it every day before the sun rises.
Scott DeBuck is one of the owners of DeBuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Belleville. He said agri-tainment locations around Michigan have changed how they handle their business as well as crowds this year in light of concerns around coronavirus. As a result, the first thing he wanted people to know is they need to check online or call anywhere they want to visit to find out whether the location is open, how they are selling tickets as well as what kinds of safety and sanitation efforts they are making during the pandemic.
For example, DeBuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is only offering its tickets online so they can monitor how many people are on site at any one time. Per the state’s rules, DeBuck has to limit guests so that people can properly socially distance. Each ticket allows people three hours to play at the corn maze as well as explore the rest of the property.
Once you and your family are on site, DeBuck said he wants people to have maximum fun in the farm’s three corn mazes and its many activities, including pedal carts, swings, slides and more. There are hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations across the farm so everyone can enjoy with peace of mind, DeBuck added.
“It’s a fall tradition,” DeBuck said, and one that he hopes many families will participate in this year. His hopes are based on the fact that it is fun and the weather in fall is ideal for visiting his farm and others. But it also is a wonderful way to support the businesses you know and love – and everyone needs a bit of extra love this year.
Here are some other argi-tainment options around Metro Detroit for your family to try.
Corn Fun Family Farm
This family farm is great for younger kids because of its day-time mazes and night-time flashlight challenges. Now in its 15th season, this 20-acre farm has two challenging corn mazes and four miles of trails. Also, it has a pumpkin patch and room for group events if you want to bring a few friends.
Coleman’s Corn Maze
Like many farms, Coleman’s decided to limit what kinds of activities it offers this fall because of coronavirus. As a result, there is no formal corn maze this year. But does have fresh donuts as well as u-pick pumpkins, mums and friendly goats to pet.
Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill
Get ready to get your steps in when you visit this local orchard; Diehl’s corn maze in Holly is about a mile long. For families with little kids or mobility challenges, this is actually an ideal location because they have pre-picked apples you can grab. They also have a walk-up window for purchases if you want to just stop by for some goodies. This year, Diehl’s also added special hours for at-risk customers. Dogs also are allowed.
Erwin Orchards
Take the scenic drive out to South Lyon to get inside Erwin’s orchards, which features a great maze that’s perfect for Instagram photos. Each ticket comes with five pictures on it for kids to use as a way to follow their way through the maze. The orchards also have a pumpkin patch and a cider mill.
