Bismarck, N.D. — A new fall attraction has opened its gates to residents, offering a unique outdoor experience for the autumn season. "Schmidt Happens," a newly constructed hay maze, began welcoming visitors earlier this month on October 1st, situated at 2528 River Road in Bismarck. The opening of this local feature was reported by KX News.
The "Schmidt Happens" maze is a considerable undertaking, featuring more than 800 individual hay bales. These bales, a mix of both round and square types, have been arranged to form the pathways and walls of the maze, providing a challenging and engaging experience for those navigating its twists and turns. The concept and physical creation of the maze are credited to Josh Schmidt, who not only designed the intricate layout but also personally assembled the entire structure. The attraction derives its name directly from its designer, underscoring the personal effort involved in bringing this fall activity to the community.
Considering the substantial number of hay bales involved, the construction of "Schmidt Happens" represents a significant effort. A standard bale of hay can weigh anywhere from 40 pounds for smaller varieties up to 1200 pounds for larger ones. Assembling hundreds of these weighty units into a cohesive maze structure would have been no small undertaking, requiring considerable physical labor and planning from Schmidt. The scale of the construction promises a substantial maze for visitors to explore, offering ample opportunity for outdoor enjoyment as the weather turns cooler.
The hay maze is open to the public seven days a week, with daily operating hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This consistent schedule allows flexibility for families and individuals in Burleigh and Morton counties to plan their visit throughout October. Admission to "Schmidt Happens" is tiered, making it accessible for different age groups. Children aged 5 and under are granted free entry. For children between the ages of 6 and 10, the admission price is $5. All other visitors, including teenagers and adults, will pay $10 to experience the maze. This new local offering provides another avenue for residents to engage with the autumn season, promoting outdoor activity and community engagement during a popular time of year for such events. The attraction adds to the array of seasonal activities available in the Bismarck area, inviting local families to spend time outdoors and navigate its unique challenge.
