A look at 7 Different Circle Mazes; Create a Circular Maze template

I have made step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types. And while I have made circle mazes before I wanted to explore what the shape would look like when done in different maze constructions. So today I am going to show you 7 different circle maze constructions then show you how to make a template to create your own circle mazes.

7 Different Circle Maze Constructions

1 - Kids Circle Maze

A circle maze that is meant to be easy, relatively obvious false pathways, and large fonts.

Kids Circle Maze

Kids Circle Maze

2 - Circle Grid Maze

While not a typical grid from on square or rectangle, I was able to make a circular grid and then use it to make a maze !

Circle Grid Maze

Circular Grid maze

3 - On Line Circle Maze

In this type of maze you travel ON the line rather than between them.

On Line Circle Maze

4 - Circle Escape Maze

In an escape maze you start in the center and need to escape to the goal outside of the maze.

Circle Escape Maze

5 - Large Circle Maze - Goal in question

In this version of an escape maze, there are multiple possible goals and the solver needs to figure out which one is correct !

Large Circle Maze

6 - Circle Arrow Maze

I am a big fan of Arrow Mazes and I wanted to try making a circular version. I think it came out ok, but getting the direction of the arrows just right can be difficult.

Circle Shaped Arrow Maze

7 - The Moon Maze

A maze art example of a circular shaped maze. This is meant to be printed on very large paper.

A maze of the moon of Earth

I may make more circular mazes in the future, and if I do I will add them here.


How To Create A Circular Maze Grid Template

This step by step will give you a template to make many different types of circular mazes digitally.

1 - Draw # Concentric Circles

The number of circles will obviously determine the size of the circle maze. One note - the center will probably become either the Start or Goal of the maze, so make sure it is large enough to hold the letters or arrow you will use for that. My example is 8 circles.

8 concentric circles

2 - Draw a Vertical Line Down the Center of the Circles from Top to Bottom

I made my vertical line the same thickness as the circles, but that is not required (I think it looks better).

8 concentric circles with vertical line drawn down center

3 - Copy and Paste the vertical line rotated at # degrees (repeat)

Again we have a # where you decide depending on how many grids you want. Luckily 360 degrees is divisible by 20, 30, 45, 60. See what the 4 options look like below (I like 30 degrees). You will copy/ rotate/paste until you fill the circle.

4 Circle Maze Grid Template section options

4 - Empty out the Center

The center is full of lines now, so now we want to cover them with a white circle. If the center is too small you can fix that now also. Make the white circle just slightly smaller than the circle you want to be the innermost. My example below uses the 30 degree version.

Circle Maze Template with 12 sections

You can now use that template to make a circular grid maze, a circular escape maze, etc.

You can invent your own maze types with some help from this 3 part guide:

Part 1 - Options for Starting and Ending a Maze

Part 2 - Maze Pathway options

Part 3 - Conditional Pathway options

Maze of the Week #120 - Bulldog

Maze of the Week #120 features a bulldog for National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day on April 21st.

Were you able to guess correctly based on my preview ?

Bulldog Maze Preview

Here is the first version of the maze. I went with a standard color fur…and green glowing eyes - I’m not sure why.

Bulldog Maze

And the alternative version I went with a white coat and brown eyes. I feel like this maze should be colored again in a new way ? And before I posted this I did not like the green eyes so I did another version to replace it, with orange of course.

Downloads are available in the comic book style maze section. Come back tomorrow to see what the comic book cover looks like !

Next weeks Maze Preview: What do you think the maze is ?

Maze Preview

6 Labyrinths to Visit in Kansas

So you want to visit a labyrinth in Kansas. I can help. I have selected 6 of the best (there are over 30) that are accessible to the public from around the state, focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.

Why visit a Labyrinth ?

Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…


6 Labyrinths to Visit in kansas


1. St. Albans Episcopal Church Labyrinth

 

This painted concrete 7 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is located in front of the middle building that contains the Accent Music Academy of Wichita, Monart School of the Arts and Little Ducklings Academy. A zoom in on the satellite view of the map above will give you a good view of the labyrinth !

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Address:
7230 East 29th St. North
Wichita, Kansas 67226

2. Village Presbyterian Church Labyrinth

All photos courtesy of the Village Presbyterian Church

This 7 circuit prayer labyrinth is made from crushed granite and brick and is located at the back of the parking lot. It was built in 2017.

Location: Overland Park, Kansas

Address:

9900 Mission Road
Overland Park, Kansas 66207

3. Hollis Renewal Center Labyrinth

Hollis Center Prayer Labyrinth

Hollis Center Prayer Labyrinth, photo courtesy of the center

This grass with brick outlined 11 circuit labyrinth is located at the Hollis Renewal Center which looks like a great place to plan a retreat ! You can learn more about the labyrinth in the shared spaces section of the website.

Location: Kansas City, Kansas

Address:

11414 Kansas Ave.
Kansas City, Kansas 66111

4. Here-ing Labyrinth

I love a unique labyrinth, and this contemporary labyrinth is in the shape of a human ear ! Cut into the grass, it is a 1 mile long hike. It was designed by Janine Antoni who can tell you everything you need to know about it on her website dedicated to it. Made as a collaboration with The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas.

Location: Lawrence, Kansas

Address:
Roth Trail Head, E 1600 Road
Lawrence, Kansas 66044

5. Trinity Episcopal Church Labyrinth

A 5 circuit labyrinth made of concrete that is always open. I love labyrinths that have their own websites or webpages !

Location: El Dorado, Kansas

Address:
214 South Taylor Street

El Dorado, Kansas 67042

6. Grace United Methodist Church Labyrinth

All photos courtesy of the church

If you like to read about labyrinth building, and re-building with lots of pictures, this is the labyrinth for you. Full of pictures of the process, from the initial build in 2007, and then again during the re-build in 2019-20. The time and effort put into this is impressive ! A 7 circuit labyrinth that is 59 feet in diameter.

Location: Olathe, Kansas

Address:

11485 Ridgeview Road
Olathe, Kansas 66061

5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH

  1. Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.

  2. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.

  3. Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.

  4. Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.

  5. Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.


5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING

I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.

  1. Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN

  2. Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN

  3. Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN

  4. Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN

  5. Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN

If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:

  1. Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.

  2. Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress

  3. Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation


I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from Kansas. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings:

Taj Mahal Maze

The Louvre Maze

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Maze