South Dakota corn mazes embrace America’s 250th birthday

Katelyn Winberg
Jul 3, 2026
Jul 3, 2026

1 of 2

An aerial view showcases Back Forty Beef's completed America 250-themed corn maze, featuring a bald eagle, stars and stripes, the outline of the United States and the phrase "Est. 1776." The patriotic design celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary and will welcome visitors during the fall agritourism season.

Submitted photo

An aerial view shows the early stages of the Streff family's America 250-themed corn maze near Salem, S.D. The design features the Liberty Bell, a waving American flag and the words "250 Liberty" and "We the People," celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. As the corn continues to grow throughout the summer, the maze's details become more defined.

Submitted photo

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Katelyn Winberg

Andrew Streff still remembers the corn maze his now-wife dragged him through while they were dating. As a farmer himself, he came away with one declaration: he’d never pay to walk through another man’s corn field again.

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Streff Corn Maze (2).jpeg — The Streff family's America 250-themed corn maze becomes more visible as the corn matures in Salem, S.D. The patriotic design depicts the Liberty Bell, an American flag and the phrase "We the People," honoring the United States' 250th anniversary and illustrating how the maze takes shape as the growing season progresses.
Submitted photo

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Back 40 Corn Maze (14).jpeg — Jaycee, 7, and Kylie, 5, watch their father, Clint, plant the corn that will become Back Forty Beef's America 250-themed corn maze. The annual maze celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary and will open to visitors this fall.
Submitted photo

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Back 40 Corn Maze (3).jpeg — Kelly and Clint pose with their daughters, Kylie, 5, and Jaycee, 7. Together, the family operates Back Forty Beef, where this year's America 250-themed corn maze celebrates the United States' 250th anniversary.
Submitted photo

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Born and raised on a farm in southeastern South Dakota, Katelyn currently resides in Sioux Falls. She enjoys attending SDSU football games (her alma mater), going to farmer’s markets and visiting her parents at their family farm. Reach her at kwinberg@tristateneighbor.com.