Imagine acres of corn with people wandering about on twisting paths. No, it’s not the Field of Dreams — it’s the Amazing Maize Maze.

Volunteers are currently working to finish the “world’s largest maze,” which will be located in a seven acre field of corn. The paths, which will vary in width from five to 15 feet, will twist and turn around various designs associated with Iowa and the state’s sesquicentennial celebration. The main design for the paths is the symbol that was previously used with the promotional slogan “Iowa – A Place to Grow.” The word “Iowa” and “150” also will be spelled out in the maze.

Iowa State architectural student Lori Berglund assisted with the design of the maze and headed the design committee. The Ankeny Lutheran Church, of which Lori is a member, is sponsoring the project.

The field of corn was cross-planted in order to make it very thick, and the paths where the corn is to be removed were marked. After all the paths are marked, an aerial photo shot will be taken to make sure the paths line up correctly. Volunteers are planning to use a roto tiller to clear the corn.

More than two miles of paths make up the maze, which could baffle some visitors for many hours. But there is a trick to reaching the end of the maze with ease — just brush up on Iowa history before going to the maze. Iowa history clues can be found throughout the maze to assist those less fortunate in finding the exits. Several numbered posts with walkie talkies are located around the maze and can be used “in desperation,” said Paul Christoffers, who directs the project. Directions will be given to the next numbered post or the exits.

Of course, there is a benefit in finding the dead ends. Christoffers said he hopes to place promotional clues at the dead ends, and offer some sort of prize to people who can correctly identify a certain number of clues after exiting the maze.

For a real challenge, visitors should wait to visit after the corn has grown to maximum height, which should occur around July 15. At the opening on July 4, the corn will probably have grown only to waist-level.

The main purpose of the project is to raise funds for non-profit organizations. A group can earn money by selling tickets to the maze, by volunteering to work at the grounds, or both.

The Amazing Maize Maze is scheduled to open on July 4 and will remain open to the public every weekend into September. Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission will be $6 per person. All proceeds will go to non-profit organizations. There are still openings for groups that would like to use the fund raising opportunity. Contact John Christoffers at 1-800-965-9921.