From the Wren's Nest: Make a trip to rural Wrenshall this weekend

"People are always happy when they come here, and if they aren't, they are always happy when they leave". That was Angela Rubish's response when I asked her about her business, the Ru-Ridge corn maze, located just north of Wrenshall on County Road 1.

I tested Rubish's claim this past weekend when I took my 2- and 4-year-old children for an afternoon visit. We came happy, we left happy, and we had some good times in between - all without even making it 10 feet into the maze itself.

"I'm always surprised" Rubish said. "A lot of people have that experience, they end up not really going in the maze and just hanging out. I think families are just looking for a fun and relaxing place to enjoy being outside".

Angela and her husband, Jeremy, have been running the seasonal attraction for three years and have created a welcoming space.

"We try and change things up every year to make it interesting for folks who want to keep coming back," she said. "This year we have a ninja warrior course that can challenge kids of all ages, a straw bale maze for younger visitors, pumpkin painting, and hayrides."

I would also add a very adorable pig and goat-petting zoo. My 4-year-old found the most enjoyment from a corn pit complete with toy tractors.

Of course, as the name suggests, Ru-Ridge corn maze also has a maze of maize. The eight-acre spread features a scavenger hunt and corn tall enough that even the tallest of visitors won't be able to cheat.

"We're open rain or shine," Rubish said. "All that sandy loam is great for growing corn and keeping visitor's feet dry."

There is more than just one farm welcoming visitors this weekend in Wrenshall. Our Food Farm is hosting an open house 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday featuring tours of the organic vegetable operation led by its experienced growers and the Free Range Film Barn is putting on a visual arts exhibition from 4 to 8 p.m.

On a side note, I would like to send a special thanks to the fourth-grade daughter of Andrew and Kristina Ward, who led a fundraising effort to provide lunch money for kids in need. It's always nice to remind ourselves that we can all choose to help others.

Wrenshall Outing planning details:

Food Farm Open House:

Saturday, September 21, 2-4pm

http://www.Foodfarm.us

2612 County Road 1, Wrenshall,

Field Trials II

Art Exhibition

Free Range Film Barn

909 County Road 4, Wrenshall

Ru-Ridge Corn Maze

1781 County Road 1

218-590-5855

Hours

Thursday 4-8

Friday 4-10 (bring your own flashlight for flashlight Friday)

Saturday 10-8

Sunday 10 -6

If you want to share your own Wrenshall story, let me know. Just call 218-310-4703 or email [email protected]