The state's largest corn maze (12 acres) with a checkpoint system at a beef-farm operation, weekend-only September-through-October operation in remote northeastern South Dakota — a serious maze destination.
Back Forty Beef Adventure Farm operates the state’s largest corn maze at 12 acres, with a checkpoint system, at a working beef-farm operation in remote northeastern South Dakota. The venue is weekend-only (Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm) from early September through late October, targeting maze enthusiasts and families comfortable driving long distances to rural country.
Twelve acres is significantly larger than the typical 5-7-acre mazes found elsewhere in South Dakota. Most families working through a standard 2-3-acre maze take 30-60 minutes. A 12-acre layout can easily run 2-3 hours or longer, especially if your group includes kids or anyone puzzle-averse. This is not a casual, quick activity — it is a committed maze experience.
Details are sparse, but checkpoint systems typically include trivia questions, riddles, or markers at multiple locations throughout the maze. Finding and solving all checkpoints extends the experience and adds a puzzle element beyond pure navigation. Ask the farm what the checkpoint system entails before arriving.
This is not a decorative pumpkin-patch farm; it is a working beef operation that includes a corn maze as a fall seasonal attraction. That positioning suggests authenticity to a genuine farm operation, though it also means facilities and amenities may be more basic than a dedicated farm-destination venue. The working-beef context is a draw for families interested in agricultural education and seeing real farming.
Pierpont is in Day County, remote northeastern South Dakota, near the North Dakota and Minnesota borders. The terrain is flat high plains. This is not accessible for casual day trips from major cities — Sioux Falls is 300+ miles, Rapid City is 250+ miles. The venue is a regional destination for families in the area or those planning a northeastern-SD road trip.
No website or published phone number is readily available. Contact information will require research via Travel South Dakota or local tourism boards. Call to confirm 2026 dates (historically first weekend after Labor Day through last weekend of October) and to ask about checkpoints, entry fees, and farm-gate parking.
Two to three hours minimum for the maze walk. Bring water, snacks, and closed shoes with good grip. The 10am-6pm hours mean late-day visits approach dusk (October especially), so bring a flashlight if you are a slow-maze group or plan to arrive late.
This is a maze-focused destination, not a multi-activity farm. If you want corn cannons, hayrides, and animals, look elsewhere. If you want to tackle the state’s largest maze at a working beef farm, this is worth the drive.
Historically opens the first weekend after Labor Day (early September) through the last weekend of October, Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm. 2026 exact dates are not confirmed. Early September is warmest; October is peak pumpkin season. Saturdays offer the longest full-daylight window.
Two to three hours for a 12-acre maze, depending on your group's pace and whether you work the checkpoint system.
Saturday-Sunday only, early September through late October. Early September and mid-week Sundays are likely lighter; late October weekends will draw peak family traffic.
Not specified. Assume field parking typical of a working beef farm.
A 12-acre maze walk is challenging for anyone with mobility limitations. Confirm accessibility options with the farm (you will need to find contact information).
You want animals, hayrides, or additional activities — this is a maze operation at a beef farm, not a multi-activity destination. Also skip if you need midweek availability; the farm is weekend-only.
Pierpont is in Day County, remote northeastern South Dakota. There are no nearby farms or attractions; this is a standalone destination in rural prairie country.
Yes, the research notes confirm 12 acres with a checkpoint system, making it the largest maze in the dataset and likely the largest in South Dakota.
Not detailed in sources. Checkpoints typically mean you answer questions or find markers throughout the maze. Call the farm to ask what the checkpoint system entails.
Two to three hours is realistic for a 12-acre walk, depending on your group's speed. This is an extended commitment, not a one-hour activity.
Historically the first weekend after Labor Day through the last weekend of October, but 2026 exact dates are not confirmed. Call Travel South Dakota or search locally for contact information.
2026 dates had not been published when we last checked. In past seasons it has run: Sat-Sun. Check with the farm before driving out.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
42242 134th Street, Pierpont, SD 57368, in Day 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.
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.
Checked August 2026.