Fallon’s Newest Attraction: An A-Maize-ing Maze

Skeptics may have thought Rick Lattin of Lattin Berry Farms was a few ears of corn short of a bushel when he decided to construct a maze in his cornfield as an attraction to draw visitors. But, with the familiar phrase "If you build it, they will come" guiding his efforts and a maze design by the preeminent maze designer in the world, Adrian Fisher of Hampshire, England, Rick Lattin constructed a five-acre "living crop" corn maze in the shape of Nevada on his farm. And proved those skeptics wrong!

Over 65,000 people have visited the maze since 1998. The attraction recently won a Tourism Development Award from the Nevada Commission On Tourism and received national publicity.

"We had visitors from 20 different states and five different countries that first year," Rick Lattin said. "And the publicity we received was overwhelming."

In 1998, the maze was among just a handful built in the United States. They are being developed to expand the economic viability of today’s farms which are facing increasingly difficult financial times. Lattin Farms is one of the few in the Lahontan Valley that specializes in fancy crops such as raspberries, corn, and the famous "Hearts of Gold" cantaloupe. The farm does a good business supplying these products to stores and restaurants, and selling them at its roadside fruit and vegetable stand.

"We thought the maze would attract more people to the farm and we would sell more produce," Lattin explained. "Well, the maze did just that and paid for itself in the process," he said.

The maze is constructed out of a living corn crop. It is cut in the shape of Nevada with a puzzle of corn planted inside of that. The 1998 puzzle featured legendary Nevada monsters, Tahoe Tessie and Cecil, the Hawthorne Dragon. The puzzle and theme is the Pony Express Territory. The maze will reflect all that is Pony Express which cut across the heart of Nevada in 1861, from Fallon to Ely, Nevada. The bridges in the maze (which are used by lookouts to help those who get lost in the maze) will be built to resemble covered wagons. Period costumes will also be worn by maze personnel.

The farm also has a rope maze, horseshoes, volleyball, pick-your-own produce, an antique trail and a picnic area.

Rick Lattin has plans to add lights to the maze so visitors can walk through it at night. He also plans to add more picnic areas to serve groups wishing to have parties at the maze. And this year, Rick plans to open a kitchen at Lattin Farms to make specialty jams and jellies, honey, and homemade pies.

The maze is located at Lattin Farms, 1955 McLean Road, Fallon. The maze will be operational in mid-August, and will be open through October. The cost to walk through is $5 for adults and $3 for kids and group discounts are available. For more information about the maze, call (775) 867-3750 or visit the maze on the world wide web at www.lattinfarms.com.