A corn maze with a haunted option operating an extended August-October season, weekends only — but no website or published pricing.
Area 81 Crop Maze is a straightforward corn maze operation in rural Hutchinson County with a haunted maze option, distinguished primarily by an extended August-through-October season on weekends. The facility is minimal — the maze itself is the main attraction, with a snack stand and restrooms as supporting amenities.
Most corn mazes in South Dakota open in late September. Area 81 starts in August. For families who want an early fall outing or who cannot make October dates, an August weekend at the maze is an option. The trade-off: August weather is still warm, so the autumn-experience feel is less pronounced. But if you want to get fall activities in before the crowds peak, this works.
The farm operates every weekend across a 12-14-week season (August to early November, typically). This concentration means demand spikes on weekends, and weekday visitors will find the maze closed. Plan accordingly.
Area 81 does not have a website and relies on regional corn-maze aggregators and email for communication. This limits your ability to research ahead and requires a phone call to confirm any details.
The farm lists a haunted corn maze, likely an October feature. Whether it is a separate route, a separate ticketed experience, or a different time slot is not specified. This would be worth asking about if the haunted angle interests you.
Bridgewater is in rural Hutchinson County in south-central South Dakota, between Sioux Falls (150+ miles southeast) and Yankton (100+ miles east). It is genuinely rural, not a tourist hub. The terrain is flat agricultural plains. Restaurants and services are limited; plan to bring what you need or visit with time to source supplies elsewhere.
An hour to ninety minutes for the maze walk and snack-stand time. With only a maze and basic facilities, this is a focused outing, not an all-day destination. Bring closed shoes for the maze, layers for temperature swings (even late August can have cool mornings), and cash for snacks.
Call (605) 261-5120 or email info@area81cropmaze.com before traveling to confirm:
Operates weekends August through October. Exact 2026 start and end dates are not announced. August visits are early-season and likely least crowded; October weekends will be busier, especially with the haunted maze option.
Sixty to ninety minutes for the maze, depending on complexity and your group's pace. A snack stand is on-site, so add time if you want food.
Weekends-only operation from August through October will concentrate demand into a 12-14 week window. August weekends are likely lightest; October weekends busiest, especially if the haunted maze is a popular draw.
Not specified. Assume field parking.
The maze walk may challenge anyone with mobility limitations. Contact the farm about accessible alternatives or viewing areas.
You need a website or confirmed pricing before visiting; Area 81 has neither. You must call (605) 261-5120 or email info@area81cropmaze.com to confirm 2026 dates and rates.
Bridgewater is in Hutchinson County between Sioux Falls and Yankton. Combine this visit with a nearby meal or other local attractions in the small-town area.
Not specified. The maze is the main attraction, but whether there are additional activities included or available is unclear. Call (605) 261-5120.
The farm lists a 'haunted corn maze' option, but whether it is a different route, separate fee, or October-only special is not published. Contact the farm for details.
The farm operates August through October on weekends, but specific 2026 dates are not announced. Call (605) 261-5120 in mid-July to confirm.
A snack stand is listed, but whether it operates every weekend or only peak times is not specified. Contact the farm.
2026 dates had not been published when we last checked. In past seasons it has run: Weekends. Check with the farm before driving out.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
27159 US Highway 81, Bridgewater, SD 57319, in Hutchinson County. It is one of 18 patches we track in South Dakota.
We track 18 patches in South Dakota, 1 of which are free to walk into. The farm has not published a gate price, so it cannot be compared on cost — call before you budget.
What sets it apart locally: it has an after-dark attraction, which most South Dakota patches on our list do not.
One caveat worth repeating: this farm had not published its 2026 dates when we last checked, while 6 of the 18 patches we track in South Dakota had. Treat any date you see elsewhere as last year's until the farm confirms it.
pumpkinpatchesandmore.org · cornmazesandmore.org · area81cropmaze.com
Checked August 2026.