About This Festival
The Lyles Station Corn Maze is an annual fall event held in Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana, on the historic grounds of the Lyles Station Historic School and Museum. It takes place every weekend in October from October 4 through 26, 2025, on Fridays from 5 pm to 8 pm, Saturdays 1 pm to 8 pm, and Sundays 1 pm to 5 pm (Central Time). The event is accessible to all, including those with disabilities, and charges an admission fee.
Lyles Station is notable as one of the last remaining African American pioneer settlements in Indiana, recognized by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The event celebrates this heritage while offering a wide variety of family-friendly fall activities.
Venue and Surroundings:
The event is hosted at the historic Lyles Station site, which includes the museum and heritage garden. The atmosphere combines rural Indiana autumn with deep historical significance, making it both educational and entertaining. The vibe is festive, community-oriented, and family-friendly, with a focus on agricultural heritage and African American pioneer history.
Activities at the Lyles Station Corn Maze:
- 10-acre Corn Maze: Guests can explore a large Indiana cornfield shaped into a maze.
- Pumpkin Patch: Pick your own pumpkins, and then engage in pumpkin painting, with options for spooky or silly designs.
- Hayrides: Unlimited hayrides are available throughout the event.
- Petting Zoo: Visitors can meet and interact with farm animals.
- Campfires: Enjoy campfires, where you can roast hot dogs and make s’mores.
- Food & Drink: Seasonal favorites like hot apple cider are offered for sale.
- Bounce House: A play zone for younger children.
- Heritage Garden: Visitors can stroll through gardens reflecting local agriculture and history.
- Halloween-themed Events: On Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 8 pm to 10 pm, there is a special Haunted Maze event featuring a spooky experience for older children and adults.
Schedule Summary:
| Day | Times | Activities Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Fridays | 5 pm – 8 pm | Maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, campfires |
| Saturdays | 1 pm – 8 pm | Full activities including petting zoo, bounce house, Haunted Maze on 10/25 from 8 pm - 10 pm |
| Sundays | 1 pm – 5 pm | Maze, hayrides, pumpkin painting, garden stroll |
Admission Prices:
- Adults (12 and older): $8
- Children (4-11): $5
- Children 3 and under: Free
The event is ticketed to help support the museum and community preservation efforts.
History and Founding:
Lyles Station was founded by freed African American settlers in the early 19th century and is one of the last African American pioneer settlements in Indiana, historically significant for its representation of African American resilience and community-building. The Lyles Station Historic School and Museum preserves and educates on this heritage. The corn maze event was established to blend celebration of fall harvest traditions with cultural and historical awareness, supporting local history and museum fundraising.
This event is a blend of agricultural fair, historic education, and fall family fun, making it a unique seasonal destination in Southern Indiana.