Eckert’s Millstadt Farm reveals corn maze design, inspired by Kindergarten 150th anniversary

Eckert’s Farm, the family farm with locations in Belleville, Millstadt, and Grafton, Ill., as well as Versailles, Ky., has announced the annual corn maze design at Eckert’s Millstadt Farm (2719 Eckert Orchard Ln, Millstadt, IL 62260) in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Kindergarten in the United States, which started right in the nearby St. Louis. Susan Blow opened the first public kindergarten class at the Des Peres School in Carondelet in 1873.

Eckert’s is paying homage to this anniversary with a kindergarten-themed 12-acre corn maze and will donate $1 back to the St. Louis Public School District in honor of Des Peres School on Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17 for every admission ticket purchased.

See a video of the Millstadt corn maze being created here. 

Eckert’s will also be donating freshly grown apples to local schools and choose one local classroom to receive a free field trip to Eckert’s Farm in appreciation of teachers.

The corn maze will open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 9 and will be open Friday – Sunday through October 29.  Guests can gain access to the maze through the farm general admission tickets starting at $10 if purchased online through Eckert’s website.

 On Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, Eckert’s will donate a portion of admission sales to St. Louis Public School as the Des Peres School of Carondelet was the very first kindergarten in the US. In addition, Eckert’s will give back to Kindergarten classes and teachers by offering the following give-back opportunities:

•  Win Eckert’s Sweet Treats For Your Class: Nominate your favorite kindergarten teacher and Eckert’s will randomly select one nominated teacher to receive homegrown apples, freshly pressed apple cider, and apple pie for the class (valid for up to 40 students).
• Win a Free Field Trip to Eckert’s Farm: Nominate your favorite kindergarten teacher to enjoy a FREE field trip for the class to Eckert’s Millstadt Farm. The field trip is valid for up to 40 students and includes one pick-your-own pumpkin for each student and all the fun our Millstadt Farm offers. Transportation is not included.
• Win Free Apples For Your Class: Nominate your favorite kindergarten teacher to enjoy free apples for their classroom.

The public can nominate their teachers for all of the mentioned give-back opportunities through the form provided here.

“Our corn mazes are a beloved tradition here at Eckert’s Farms and we always try to use it for good with give-back opportunities like the Kindergarten teacher nominations,” said Eckert’s Inc. President Chris Eckert. “We are excited for the chance to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Kindergarten starting right here in St. Louis and give the community the space to appreciate the deserving educators that have helped them be who they are today.”

A variety of entertaining activities for visitors of all ages are included in the price of admission to Eckert’s Millstadt Farm, including a petting zoo, miniature golf, push-pedal tractors, carnival rides, a pumpkin cannon, and a 70-foot slide. Later, in late September through October, the farm will host a pumpkin patch as well as other events like haunted hayrides and bonfires. Tickets are available through their website or may be purchased in person at the farm.

For more information, visit www.eckerts.com or follow Eckert’s on Instagram and Facebook.