The Gauntlet

What do you get when you combine 400 large straw bales weighing more than 160 tons, one scary hay monster called Marvin, and a peaceful Montana farm setting? Nothing less than The Gauntlet. Created in 2003, The Gauntlet is a winding hay maze located a few miles from Bozeman at the Lazy B Farm. The maze caters to both children and adults with its towering stacks of hay, large and small tunnels, and clues that maze-goers search for in an attempt to solve a weekly riddle. The riddle focuses on a particular theme each year, with the 2005 theme focused upon “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

In addition to the maze itself, the Gauntlet offers several special events during its operation from September through October. Hayrides, pumpkin picking, and a Chronicles of Narnia Dress Up Night add to the autumn fun. Quickly becoming a favorite fall tradition in southwestern Montana, the Gauntlet is open to the public for a small admission fee on Friday and Saturday evenings, with private group reservations available during the week. Don’t forget to watch out for Marvin the hay monster. He may be lurking right around the next corner!