Originally founded in 1946 by Kenneth and Marjorie Swendal, Boeshart Farms is a pillar of the Danville community, and a true example of a family owned and operated business. Though ownership has changed over the years, the farm remains a family business with Branton Boeshart, grandson of Kenneth and Marjorie, handling day-to-day operations since 2003, the official beginning of Boeshart Farms. The farm staff is also comprised of three generations of family members including Boeshartâs parents, brother, wife and children. Year-round, Boeshart Farms operates as a typical farm specializing in crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. However, from September to November, the farm transforms into a fall wonderland that features fun for the whole family.
In 2023, the Boeshart family kicked off their first year as Boeshart Farms Countrie Acres, after years of brainstorming and planning on Brantonâs part. Even the name was meticulously chosen with the spelling of âCountrieâ being a nod to co-owner Alenahâs middle name. Countrie Acres includes all the standard fall fun activities such as a 6-acre pumpkin patch, a 1-acre sunflower patch, scenic wagon rides, barrel train rides, corn pit slides and a petting zoo. The farm also features many unique attractions including a straw bale toss, apple slingshots, tug of war, a jump pad, a display of modern and vintage farm equipment, and the newest addition, The Combine Slide.
And of course, it wouldnât be a visit to Boeshart without a trip through the corn maze! Recently featured on the 2025 State of Ohio Corn Maze Trail, the team at Boeshart Farms Countrie Acres likes to keep visitors on their toes by making the 7-acre corn maze a different design every year. We caught up with co-owner of Boeshart Farms Countrie Acres, Alenah Boeshart to tell us more about this yearâs corn maze. âThis year the maze incorporates grain bins, a sunset, a flag and stars; but what truly sets our maze apart is how itâs planted,â said Boeshart. âUsing a 16ârow KinzeâŻ4905 highâspeed planter equipped with BlueâŻDrive electric control and a BlueâŻVantage monitor, complete with individual row shutâoffs; this advanced system enables precise planting according to the design. Each year, Brantonâs wife Sarah creates the maze layout, and Dustin Crunkilton uses SMS technology to translate the map onto the planterâs BlueâŻVantage monitorâbringing the design from paper to field with impressive accuracy,â Boeshart explained with excitement.
When chatting with Alenah we asked her a few more questions on what guests can expect or enjoy during their visit;
KCCVB: Besides pumpkins and all the fun activities at the farm, what else can visitors experience at the farm?
AB: We also have a retail store offering T-shirts, drinks, snacks, and a food truck with seasonal favorites. While we're open to the public on weekends, we also welcome school groups and large private groups during the week by appointment. In partnership with the Farm Bureau, we are proud to host our annual Kegs in the Corn event. Now in its second year, this event raises scholarship funds for students involved in Farm Bureau, 4-H, and FFA programs. Last year, we sold 250 tickets, and this year we expanded to 300. The event features five keg stops hidden throughout the corn maze, live music by Bryan Lewis, food, and multiple 50/50 raffles offering additional prizes. All proceeds go directly to support youth education and leadership in agriculture.
KCCVB: Any new attractions this year?
AB: Weâre thrilled to introduce three brand-new attractions to make this yearâs visit to the farm more memorable than ever. Firstâand undoubtedly our âbiggestâ additionâis the Combine Slide. Repurposing an old combine into a creative playground piece, this attraction now features three exhilarating slides descending from different sides. Atop the combine sits a lookout tower, offering visitors panoramic views of the fall festival and the surrounding farmlandâperfect for capturing that autumnal vista. Our second addition is a Jump Pad, located inside the barn near the corn pit. This inflatable attraction provides a safe, spacious, and fun jumping experience. Our third addition is our spooky woods trail that leads to the sunflower patch that is called âSkull Hollow Trail.â
KCCVB: If visitors stop out to the farm, where would you send them for a bite? Whatâs your families Danville (or Knox County) go-to?
AB: Sometimes visitors will find food local trucks at the farm, but in Danville our family's go-to restaurant is definitely The Hangout. There is always friendly service and the restaurant is committed to quality comfort food like cheeseburgers, fried pickles, and (delicious!) wings. Overall in Knox County, our family loves grabbing dinner at Fiesta Mexicana. Its extensive menu of authentic Mexican food, caters to a variety of tastes and flavors. The atmosphere is so family-friendly, making it an ideal spot for big gatherings after a day of fun.
KCCVB: Besides days at the farm, how does your family like to enjoy Knox County?
AB: Our family thrives on outdoor experiences across Knox Countyâfrom camping and hiking to kayaking serene waterways. We are also proud supporters of local youth sports in Danville, often attending games and cheering on athletes from the sidelines. And after a long day of sports or outdoor fun, we often find ourselves stopping at our local favorite, Round Hill Dairy.
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Thank you to the Alenah, the Boeshart Family and all the staff that make Boeshart Farms the must-stop, Fall destination right here in our back yard. So what are you waiting for?!? Thereâs pumpkins to pick, corn to maze and fun to be had for all!