PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

Few destinations are farther from the beaten path.

To reach the World of Mazes, you’ll have to pull onto a gravel road outside tiny Townville in Crawford County; two miles later, you’ll happen upon an odd assortment of buildings and structures with names including “Circus Maze” and “Dream Dinosaurs.”

These hand-built labyrinths are the work of Charles H. Himes, who has designed mazes on paper since the age of 14 (he’ll gladly sell you a book of his creations); since 1989 he has built physical mazes and other do-it-yourself attractions on a sprawling, pastoral stretch of land. Unlike many corn mazes that pop up around Halloween, Himes’ creations are truly challenging; while you’ll likely be able to solve the “Spider’s Den” (by locating the mama spider and stealing an egg) without much trouble, the emerald-green labyrinth near the rear of the property will probably confound you.

A (cash-only) admission of $10 will get you access to all the mazes; you can also try your hand at similarly homemade carnival games and miniature golf, or poke around “Round 2 Toys,” a chaotic collection of vintage toys and games, all for sale.

Call ahead (814-967-3307), as hours change throughout the year — and don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Himes will likely show you around the property himself — he’s happy to tell you about the new attractions he’s dreaming up for the future.

Find It!
Townville: Mercer Road, between PA-77 and State Road 408