Broemmelsiek Park Offers Free Corn Maze

Find your way around a free corn maze and check out 19th-century farm equipment at the Agriculture Educational Garden at Broemmelsiek Park north of Defiance, Mo.

Walking through the Corn Maze and exploring the garden was a 0.5-mile walk with 10 feet of elevation gain. This is a gravel and natural surface walk.

Corn Maze

Before exploring the education garden, I made my way to the back of the area to navigate the 3-acre corn maze. A wooden sign labeled ‘Corn Maze’ is located near the front of the opening in the corn field, by the gravel walkway. ( Seen in main blog photo)

I started by turning right and stayed on the south side among the corn stalks. After reaching the end of the south section, I then explored the north area of the maze. I did manage to get a bit disoriented and had to find my way around. Finally, I saw where I had entered.

Final Thoughts

Although the maze is not large, the free admission makes it a worthwhile visit compared to many paid options. I look forward to returning with my son to see if he can find his way out!

*The Agriculture Educational Garden sign located at the front of the garden.*

Agricultural Education Garden

After finishing the maze and garden, I inspected the various pieces of farm equipment on display.

A sign near the front talks about the Broemmelsiek family, who wanted to preserve a sense of “countryside “ for people in the urban areas. Jack Broemmelsiek decided to donate part of their land to be a park where families can learn the tools and implements that were used for farming in the past. Additionally, a garden showcasing the plants commonly found in the Midwest.

Farm Implements

I found a planter that a farmer would have used with horses.

An 1800s cultivator to work the ground for planting.

Then I read a sign about a whirlwind terracing plow.

At the back was a combine harvester.

I read about a manure spreader that helps fertilize the garden.

Then lastly, I passed by a sickle mower.

Crop Area

Continuing in the garden, I found a walnut tree shedding its walnuts as part of the orchard.

I walked through a berry garden where I found blackberry bushes that had already finished producing for the season.

The area had a Moon Garden, where the light-colored blooms could reflect the moon’s glow.

Then, of course, a large vegetable garden with tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn.

A medicinal garden could be used to aid in healing during the pioneer days.

Just outside of the garden to the north, by the trees, are bee boxes for honey making. Stay far away from them, so not to get stung.

Final Thoughts

Reading the signs and exploring the various farming equipment and gardens truly deepens one’s appreciation for the effort behind farming. Broemlsiek Park is a wonderful place to learn, explore, and enjoy quality time outdoors.

MORE PARK ACTIVITIES

Broemmelsiek Park offers numerous trails for exploration.

The park features playgrounds, picnic shelters, a dog park, different parking areas, restrooms, a visitor center, and an Astronomy Viewing Area.

DETAILS

Restrooms are found if you go south instead of north to the Agricultural Education Garden near the parking area on the right.

Drive: Take Interstate 64 west to Exit 6 and turn left onto Highway DD. Make a right turn onto Schwede Road, and then a right onto the park road, and then a left into the large paved parking lot.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Address: