Heap’s Haunted Corn Maze 2021

Heap’s Haunted Corn Maze
Minooka, Illinois
Visited on: Friday, October 15, 2021

Vital Signs:
Number of seasons-to-date: 11
Number of attractions: 1
Size: 8 acres
Number of actors: 40
Setting: Outdoor
Fun Fact: This is one of the oldest properties used to house a haunted attraction! The farm was founded in 1860.

For those that are looking for a perfect setting for a fun fall night: starry skies above, the moon set ever so perfectly behind the clouds, and temperatures that make you bundle up, then look no further then Heaps Haunted Corn Maze. Heaps is located in the southwest suburb of Minooka, Illinois, about one hour away from Chicago and about 20 minutes from Joliet. This farm is special in that it is one of the oldest properties used for a haunted attraction. Founded back in 1860 Heaps is still family operated by its 5th generation of farmers!

Stepping onto the grounds, the area is desolate and eerily quiet with a lingering fog that engulfs you. Now add in the sounds of screams, shrieks, and chainsaws in the background and this setting provides the perfect ambiance. Set across an 8-acre farm of 12-foot-tall corn, which is hand-cut each year with a different path, the tone has been set and you’re left worrying about what’s lurking within and if you’ll ever find your way out.

Now if you haven’t been to Heap’s, during the day, they are a fully functioning pumpkin farm that has daytime fall fun activities for families of all ages. However, once the sun goes down, the creatures of the corn awaken from their slumber to feast on the unknowing souls wandering where they clearly don’t belong.

For those unaware, there aren’t many corn mazes in the Chicagoland area, so for our team, this is always a treat.  The night we visited was absolutely perfect and one of the first cool evenings this October (finally!), so it definitely put us in the perfect mindset to go through this outdoor adventure.

We began our journey through the corn, weaving our way throughout. Every rustle within the corn making you wonder is someone there or is it simply the wind?! With the moonlight peeking out through the clouds, the light begins playing tricks on your eyes forcing you to question what is real and what is not.

While the majority of Heap’s isn’t technically a “maze”, your path is full of constant twists and turns taking angles you would not expect within a hand cut field!  Varying scenes and houses filled with your nightmares break up the pathway. From a visit to the doctor, a trip to the asylum, a stroll through the swamp, a walk past the hillbilly shack, and even an encounter with some cannibalistic clowns in the circus!  The actors are primed and prepared to strike when the light is just right. Using the sharp angles, shadows, and varying noises to their benefit, they find the perfect moments to attack. The elements may be your enemy, but they are definitely their friend!

As you make your way to the end of your journey you encounter a surprise, your path suddenly provides you a choice. Just when you think you’ve made it out alive your path becomes an actual maze forcing you to think on your feet and pick a path! Cross your fingers, think fast, and find your exit there is definitely someone behind you!

As always, Heaps leaves their guests with a perfect ending that keeps you screaming for more (or screaming for it to end?).

Monsters of Note: The scarecrows lurking in the dark and the clowns who are oh so ready to play.

The Bottom Line:  If you’re looking to have a fun and spooky evening under the stars and enjoy the fall weather, you definitely want to make the trip out to Heap’s Haunted Corn Maze.  This trek through the corn is definitely one you will enjoy! Take it from us, it gets better each year, and the staff is truly amazing!

Don’t just take our word for it, check out these images from our visit:

 

-Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review