Step through the gates of Colonial Williamsburg’s Governor’s Palace, and you’ll find a hidden gem that has delighted visitors for decades—the iconic hedge maze. This living labyrinth isn’t just a fun diversion; it’s a carefully crafted piece of history, blending 17th-century English garden traditions with Virginia’s colonial heritage.
The maze, officially known as the holly maze, owes its existence to Arthur Shur Cliff, the first landscape architect of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. He designed it as a smaller replica of London’s famous Hampton Court Palace maze, which dates back to 1690 ¹. For years, the maze was lined with American holly bushes, but in 1999, workers replaced them with 650 hardy yaupon holly plants to better withstand the test of time ¹. Today, these lush green hedges grow to over five feet tall, creating walls that challenge and charm explorers of all ages.
What makes this maze so special? It’s a classic box maze design, the kind once used to test mice, with winding paths that lead to dead ends and unexpected turns ¹. The goal is clear: reach the small brick patio with benches at the center, a peaceful reward for those who navigate the twists and turns successfully. For some visitors, like Texas resident Steve Obermann, the maze is a trip down memory lane—he recalled visiting it as a child 30 years before his recent return ¹. For others, like the Brat to li family from New Jersey, it’s a quick but satisfying adventure that takes just three or four minutes to solve ¹.
While no one can confirm an exact 18th-century maze on the site, historians believe it’s a likely addition, as hedge mazes were popular in English gardens during that era ¹. The current maze, restored and reopened in 2001 after two growing seasons, has become a beloved spot in the Governor’s Palace gardens ¹. Chappell, a representative of the foundation, noted that it’s “without a doubt a favorite spot in all of our gardens,” appealing to kids and adults alike ¹.
Whether you’re a history buff, a puzzle lover, or just looking for a break from museum tours, the holly maze offers something unique. It’s a place where you can slow down, laugh at wrong turns, and feel a connection to the past. As you wander through the yaupon holly walls, you’re not just solving a maze—you’re stepping into a tradition that has captivated people for centuries.
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