If you are in or close to Iowa and googled “sunflower fields near me” you are in the right place. There are several beautiful sunflower fields and farms throughout Iowa for those that want to enjoy being in nature or take photos for instagram. Keep reading for a list of the best sunflower fields in Iowa that you can visit this summer and fall.
Sunflower Fields in Iowa
Below is a list of sunflower fields in Iowa. I have included useful information you need to plan your visit, including addresses, hours, bloom dates as well as links to their websites and facebook pages. Note: Some sunflower fields close after too much rain so make sure to check their facebook pages for the most up to date hours, dates and weather related closures before you go.
Sunflower Fields Near Cedar Rapids
Pheasant Run Farm
Pheasant Run Farm has 10 acres of blooming sunflowers. There are two elevated platforms that provide birds’ eye vantage points for looking at and photographing the sunflowers. The farm has paths mown into the sunflowers for visitors to wander through them and several “photo stations” that include rustic farm equipment and other fun props on which kids and adults alike can play. They also have several kid-friendly activities, including the Sunflower Forest—a special path cut in the sunflowers for the kids to explore. Food trucks are available on selected days.
Check their facebook page and website for most current information.
Where: The field is located in Benton County right along Hwy 30
between Keystone and Belle Plaine 1/4 mile south of the junction of Highway 30 and V40/131. Find detailed directions on their website here.
Dates: Pheasant Run Farm’s 2023 Sunflower Experience dates have not yet been determined. Last year it opened early August.
Cost: $6 per person (includes one sunflower). Ages 3 and younger are free. Cut-Your-Own Sunflower Bouquet (additional cost of $2/stem). Cash or cards accepted.
Bloomsbury Farm
Bloomsbury Farm is holding their 2nd annual Wine & Flower Fest where you can come pick & walk through acres of zinnias, sunflowers, & wildflowers. Pets are not allowed.
Check their facebook page and website for most current information.
Where: 3260 69th Street, Atkins, Iowa 52206 (located about 10 minutes west of Cedar Rapids and 40 minutes north of Iowa City).
Dates: Their Wine & Flower Fest will be held on July 28 – 30, August 4 – 6 & 11 – 13, 2023. Dates for the Sunflower Festival have not yet been determined.
Hours: 2pm-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays & 12pm-6pm on Sundays
Cost: $15.95 admission ticket is required for everyone 3 and older. Children 2 and under will not need a Farm Pass. Pick your own sunflower/zinniabBuckets and vases are available for an extra charge.
Sunflower Fields Near Sioux City
Scarecrow Farm
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Scarecrow Farm has over 2 acres of beautiful sunflowers and zinnias. Check their Facebook page, instagram and website for most current information.
Where: 1592 Charles Avenue, Lawton, Iowa 51030 which is located just outside of Sioux City.
Dates: Sunflower days are Saturdays and Sundays in September starting September 9, 2023 (September 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2023)
Dates: TBD. Admission includes one free bloom, tons of photo ops, and more. Additional sunflowers: $2/stem; additional zinnias: $1/stem; bucket of blooms: $25/filled bucket.
Sunflower Fields Near Des Moines
Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch
Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch has flower fields with sunflowers which vary in height and color, zinnias and other wildflowers in a stunning setting. You can take photos, partake in dried flower workshops, pick your own bouquet, play fun games, ride the bathtub train, cuddle with baby goats, and more. No pets allowed. Check their instagram or facebook page for current information.
Where: 3145 Howell Court, Cumming, IA 50061 (21 miles from Des Moines)
Dates: Howells Flower Festival will take place July 29-30, August 5-6 and August 12-13, 2023.
Hours: 11am- 7pm on Saturdays & 10am-5pm on Sundays
Cost: General admission is $16 online or $18 at the gate per person ages 2 years and older. Ticktes are now available for purchase online here.
Badger Creek State Recreation Area
Ready to go sunflower seeking? ? Your favorite spot may have moved!
Sunflower plots for dove hunting rotate yearly (including Badger Creek State Rec Area this year).
Starting ***Aug 1*** you can find pinned map locations for ? access points at https://t.co/zAk20gJ0Gm. pic.twitter.com/xxB6vMrcAF
— Iowa DNR (@iowadnr) July 15, 2021
Badger Creek State Recreation Area has a large sunflower field that draws thousands of visitors a year. The location changes as sunflower plots are rotated each year. You can find pinned map locations for access points to sunflower plots at iowadnr.gov/doves (click on “Food Plot Sites”).
If you love making summer visits to the sunflowers, consider purchasing your habitat fee, even if you’re not a hunter! Funds from the habitat fee help pay for the planting of these fields, which take a lot of staff time and effort to plant and develop.
Check the Iowa Department of Natural Resources facebook page for updates.
Where: Badger Creek State Recreation Area, 120th Lane, Van Meter, Iowa
When: Sunflowers are expected to bloom mid July 2023.
Center Grove Orchard
Center Grove Orchard has six sunflower meadows blooming at different times so they have a long sunflower season. If you are a professional photographer, make sure to read their professional photography policy.
Check their facebook page and website for most current information.
Where: 32835 610th Avenue, Cambridge, IA 50046 (about 30 minutes from Des Moines and Ames)
Dates: Sunflowers are expected to open at the end of August/ beginning of September through mid-October in 2023.
Hours: Open daily between 9 AM – 7 PM.
Cost: 2023 are TBD.
Deal’s Orchard
Deal’s Orchard has planted a 1.5 acre sunflower field. In addition to sunflowers, this family run apple orchard has 45 acres of apple trees with more than 25 varieties, an orchard store selling cider, homemade apple pie, local honey and other artisan food goods, as well as a seasonal corn maze and other family activities.
Check their facebook page or instagram for updates.
Where: 1102 244th St., Jefferson, IA 50129 (located 67 northwest of Des Moines)
When: 2023 dates have not yet been announced. Last year they were open from late August to late September.
Cost: Admission to the sunflower field is included with Apple Acres admission ($6 adults, $9 kids). You can cut your own sunflowers from the field, or purchase precut flowers (1 Sunflower: $2.50, 6 Sunflowers: $10.00, 12 Sunflowers: $16.00) Professional photographers need to purchase a pass ($75 per day or $150 annual) and make reservations at least 48 hours in advance.
Sunflower Fields in East Iowa
Pride of the Wapsi
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Pride of the Wapsi is hosting their annual sunflower days with fields of sunflowers and zinnias. Professional photographers can book a private session/plot for their clients. Check their website and facebook page for most current information.
Where: 14600 305th St, Long Grove, IA 52756 (18 miles from Davenport)
Dates: Their 2023 Sunflower Days are July 12-30, 2023.
Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am-4pm
Cost: Admission is $13.95 online for adults, $8.95 for children age 3-12 or $26.95 for a season pass. Admission includes 1 sunflower and farm favorite family activities & entertainment (jumping pillow, ball zone, farm animals), concession foods, local wines, and music. Kids age 2 and under are free. See prices and purchase tickets in advance here.
Sunflower Fields in Southeast Iowa
Harvestville Farm
Harvestville Farm has over 10 acres of sunflowers of all colors and sizes. Their sunflowers vary in height and color and they will also have several photo prop areas throughout the field this year. Pets are not allowed.
Check their website and facebook page for most current information.
Where: 1977 Highway 2, Donnellson, Iowa 52625
Dates: TBD.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-4.
Cost: TBD. Cut your own sunflowers: 1 stem for $2.50, 3 stems for $6, 6 stems for $12, 12 stems for $18 or fill and take home a tin flower bucket for $35.
Sunflower Fields in Western Iowa
Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard
Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard has a sunflower & zinnia patch. They will also have a corn maze. They will have precut flowers in the building or you can cut your own. Photography is encouraged although there will be a fee for commercial photographers. Check their facebook page for daily updates.
Where: 19475 225th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 (14 miles from Omaha)
Dates: Their sunflowers will be available for picking starting early July, 2023 and continue up to fall frost. They plan to plant every 10 days so that there are flowers to harvest on a regular basis. The zinnias will begin to come in a few days later then the first sunflowers.
Cost: U-pick sunflowers are $2.50 per stem or 5 for $10.
Have you visited any sunflower fields in Iowa?
