Best sunflower fields in Minnesota
Walking through sunflower fields in Minnesota is one of the best things to do this summer. And many of the best and most beautiful sunflower fields are in or near the Twin Cities. Sadly, but understandably, Fish Sunflowers made the difficult decision to stop planting sunflower fields in Minnesota. I’ve updated this post with more of the best sunflower fields in Minnesota. Additionally, learn some fun facts about sunflowers. Updated 08.23.24; originally published 08.02.20.
I’m planning to visit some more beautiful and new-to-me sunflower field locations in Minnesota in late July and August. That’s when the sunflower fields start blooming in Minnesota. And some sunflower fields bloom through September (like Andover Sunflower Field in the Twin Cities – and it’s free!). Although not all sunflower fields are free like Fish Sunflowers, they are still a budget-friendly thing for families to do this summer and early fall in Minnesota.
This post contains recommended links to products and services. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. While you will not accrue any additional costs to support my blog, I may receive compensation if you purchase these products and services. All images are taken by kmf and available for digital download.
A couple of summers ago, my nieces, sister-in-law, and I experienced the sunflower walk at Joyer Adventure / Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes, MN. While not free, this sunflower experience was worth the price of admission. The cost of admission is $14.99 for ages 3 and up (online; $19.99 at the door).
However, you’ll find more than a beautiful sunflower field here. They offer pedal races, mazes, rope challenge, swings, tug-of-war, lots of props, and a barnyard of farm animals. And a tractor ride to the sunflower fields. Waldoch Farm is the the best sunflower field for kids in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Check out my full review.
While lilacs and tulips are my all-time favorite flowers, I gotta admit the sunflower is the happiest flower of them all. Their sunny disposition always makes me smile. I was super excited to learn that Minnesota has several sunflower fields / sunflower farms. As well as in nearby Wisconsin.
Watch for updates as I visit some of the best sunflower fields in Minnesota this summer.
List of the best sunflower fields in Minnesota
Here is an alphabetical list of the best sunflower gardens and sunflower farms to visit in Minnesota and nearby Wisconsin this summer and early fall.
- Afton Apple Orchard Sunflower and Zinnia Fields, Hastings, MN
- Andover Sunflower Field, Andover, MN
- Babette’s Seeds of Hope Sunflower Fields, Eau Claire, WI
- Berry & Bloom Farm Sunflower Fields, Chatfield, MN
- Brand Farms – Farmer Aaron’s Sunflowers, Lakeville, MN
- Fresh Acres Sunflower Fields, Monticello, MN
- Green Barn Garden Center Sunflower Fields, Isanti, MN
- Joyer Adventure Farm Sunflower Fields / Waldoch Farm Garden Center, Lino Lakes, MN
- Treasured Haven Farm, Rush City, MN
Editorial Note: Will update with 2024 season dates and information soon!
Joyer Adventure Farm Sunflower Fields / Waldoch Farm Garden Center, Lino Lakes, MN
I’ve already experienced the beautiful sunflower fields at Joyer Adventure Farm / Waldoch Garden Center in Lino Lakes, MN. So am listing this one first. Pictured are my two nieces who enjoyed one of the best sunflower fields in Minnesota.
Address: 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Sunflower bloom dates: Early August to mid-September 2024
Sunflower festivals / special events: Early Sunflower Bloom Days (Early August 2024); Full Sunflower Bloom Days (August 15 to September 15, 2024)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays
Kid-friendly activities: Hayrides to the sunflower field and U-pick sunflower fields; barnyard; obstacle course, trike races; maze; big slide, and more
U-pick sunflower fields: Yes
Instagram / photo props: Yes
Cost: $10.99 Early Sunflower Bloom Days; $14.99 (online; $19.99 at the door) Full Sunflower Bloom Days; admission includes 1 U-pick sunflower bloom; sunflower bouquets available to purchase separately; season passes also available
See my full review: best kid-friendly sunflower field in the Twin Cities, MN
Here is a list of more beautiful sunflower fields in Minnesota to visit in 2024.
Afton Apple Orchard Sunflower and Zinnia Fields, Hastings, MN
Address: 14421 90th Street South, Hastings, MN 55033
Sunflower bloom dates: Mid-August to mid-September
Sunflower festivals / special events: Flower Festival Aug. 17-18, 2024; Aug. 24-25; note these are tentative dates
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kid-friendly activities: Yes. Hayrides available in September
U-pick sunflower fields: Yes. Bonus: You can also pick zinnias at Afton Apple Orchard in Hastings, Minn.
Instagram / photo props: TBD
Photography policies: Yes – please see their photography policies.
Cost: $5 sunflower festival field access plus $7 orchard admission ($5 ages 4 and younger). U-pick sunflowers and zinnias are extra.
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly / allows pets? No pets allowed as this is a working farm. Service animals are welcome.
Refreshments: Yes, refreshments are available to purchase. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Restrooms: Yes, portable restrooms are available.
Since you’re in the neighborhood:
Visit Afton State Park
Andover Sunflower Field, Andover, MN
Address: 14861 Prairie Road Northwest, Andover, MN 55304
Sunflower bloom dates: Sept. 5-22, 2024 (tentative/anticipated dates)
Sunflower festivals / special events: TBD
Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week (rain or shine)
Kid-friendly activities: Kids (and pets) are welcome in the three acres of winding sunflower field paths.
Dog-friendly?: Yes! In fact, last year there was a corgi meet-up special event.
U-pick sunflower fields: No.
Instagram / photo props: Yes, lots of photo props at Andover Sunflower Field..
Cost: Free! No entrance fee. However, donations are accepted.
Parking: Yes. Free parking is located across the street from the field at Prairie Knoll Park, 148,00 Prairie Road Northwest, Andover.
Refreshments: Yes! Lots of food trucks available last year.
Restrooms: Need to confirm.
Berry & Bloom Farm Sunflower Fields (and more), Chatfield, MN
Address: 6945 150th Ave SE, Chatfield, MN 55923
Sunflower bloom dates: They’re giving their sunflower fields a rest during the 2024 season. However, you can pick berries and other blooms (50 different varieties).
Sunflower festivals / special events: N/A for 2024
Hours: Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays)
Kid-friendly activities: Kids are welcome in the sunflower fields and other flower fields.
U-pick sunflower fields: Yes. Bonus: Berry & Bloom offers more than just sunflowers; they grow 50 different varieties of flowers that you can pick and cut. They provide containers, waters, and scissors.
Instagram / photo props: Candid photography is acceptable. Professional photographers is not allowed unless booked through Berry & Bloom. See below.
Photography sessions: Yes (see website for details)
Cost: No entrance fee. However, because they are a working farm, purchases are expected. U-pick bouquets range from $7, $28, $65, to $80. A special VIP pass is also available.
Parking: Yes. Parking is available on the driveway.
Refreshments: Snacks and picnics are welcomed.
Restrooms: Yes, a portable restroom is available.
Brand Farms – Farmer Aaron’s Sunflowers, Lakeville, MN
Address: 18810 Cedar Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044 (Note: This is not the same location as the apple orchard.)
Sunflower bloom dates: Estimate mid-August to mid-September 2024
Sunflower festivals / special events: Sunflower Festival, Aug. 24-25, 2024
Hours: 10 a.m. to sunset, Saturdays and Sundays
Kid-friendly activities: Sunflower bounce pad; face painting and more during their Sunflower Festival
U-pick sunflower fields: Yes, for a fee
Instagram / photo props: Yes
Cost: $10 per vehicle
Parking: Included with cost of admission
Fresh Acres Sunflower Fields, Monticello, MN
Address: 8102 72nd Street NE, Monticello, MN 55362 (Note: the 7385 Jason Ave NE address is the farm address for eggs, meats, and vegetables pick-up)
Sunflower bloom dates: Estimate mid-August to mid-September 2024
Sunflower festivals / special events: TBD for 2024
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week
Kid-friendly activities: TBD (They offered yoga last summer. Will update when I learn more.)
U-pick sunflower fields: Yes; bring your own clippers.
Instagram / photo props: TBD
Cost: $8 admission / $2 per stem at U-pick sunflower field (honor system: pay in cash at cash box or via PayPal / Venmo)
Parking: TBD
Green Barn Garden Center Sunflower Fields, Isanti, MN
Address: 26501 Highway 65 E, Isanti, MN (Note: GPS will take you to the Green Barn Garden Center. The sunflower field is west of the garden center across the highway.)
Sunflower bloom dates: Estimate second weekend in August 2024 with staged blooms following
Sunflower festivals / special events: Doggie dress-up photo contest; Aug. 9, 2024
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. opening day through Aug. 18, 2024; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 19, 2024 to closing day(anticipate through Labor Day).
Kid-friendly activities: TBD
U-pick sunflower fields: No. That’s because these sunflower fields are specially grown for bird seed. However, special sunflower bouquets available to purchase.
Instagram / photo props: Yes. Props at this sunflower field in Minnesota include bicycles, tractors, a silo, piano, wagon, and more (last year they had 20 props).
Cost: $7 (free 5 years and younger); $25 individual season pass; family season passes and group rates also available.
Parking: Yes. Free parking in the field. Do not park on the road (not allowed). Enter on the south side of 265th Avenue.
Refreshments: Yes. Food trucks onsite Fridays and Saturdays in August. Picnic benches available inside a large tent.
Restrooms: Portable restrooms in the field; restroom also available in the garden center
Dog-friendly: Yes. Leashed pets are welcome (clean up any messes).
Treasured Haven Farm Sunflower Fields, Rush City, MN
Address: 54307 Government Road, Rush City, MN 55069
Sunflower bloom dates: Estimated late July 2024 through mid-September 2024
Sunflower festivals / special events:
Hours: 10 a.m. to sunset (Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays); 4 p.m. to sunset (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays)
Kid-friendly activities: Hiking trails through the woods and prairie grasses and along a creek.
U-pick sunflower fields: No. You may purchase sunflowers from the gift shop.
Instagram / photo props: Yes, photo props include a tractor, combine, benches, etc.
Professional photographer policies: No additional cost required; However, must schedule professional photography sessions with large animals such as horses.
Cost: $20 per vehicle / $10 if solo
Parking: Yes. Designated parking (included in admission) available. No parking allowed on public roads, driveways, lawns, etc.
Refreshments: Bring a picnic lunch. Beverages and snacks (including sunflower treats) available to purchase on the weekends.
Restrooms: Yes. Portable restrooms available.
Dog-friendly: Yes. Leased pets are welcome at Treasured Haven Farm Sunflower Fields. Please scoop!
And here are a couple of sunflower fields near me (and the Twin Cities) in Wisconsin. I’m currently researching both sunflower fields and will provide more details soon.
Babette’s Seeds of Hope Sunflower Fields, Eau Claire, WI
Note: I’m currently researching more details for Babette’s Seeds of Hope Sunflower Fields in Wisconsin.
Address: W5725 State Road 85, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Sunflower bloom dates: Estimated Aug. 24-Sept. 1, 2024
Sunflower festivals / special events: TBD
Hours: Open 24/7 to the public
Kid-friendly activities: Sunflower maze, wagon rides, sunflower U-picking, and more.
U-pick sunflower fields: Yes
Instagram / photo props: TBD
Cost: Free and no cash donation request. If you would like to donate, make your contribution through the Eau Claire Community Foundation.
Parking: TBD
Refreshments: TBD
Restrooms: TBD
Dog-friendly: TBD
White Pine Berry Farm Sunflower Fields, River Falls, WI
Address: 1482 Oak Drive, River Falls, WI 54022
Sunflower bloom dates: Early to late August 2024
Sunflower festivals / special events: Sunflower and Smoky Treats (BBQ); Aug. 10, 2024; Sunflower Celebration Craft Fair; Aug. 18, 2024; 12 to 5 p.m. – local food and treats available
Hours: TBD
Kid-friendly activities: Yes
U-pick sunflower fields: TBD
Instagram / photo props: Yes(Note: professional photographers can reserve sessions for their clients)
Cost: TBD
Parking: TBD
Refreshments: You may bring your own refreshments.
Restrooms: TBD
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed in the fields.
Frequently asked questions about sunflowers in Minnesota
Here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about sunflower fields in Minnesota. And fun facts about sunflowers in general.
Where are the best sunflower farms and fields located in Minnesota?
You may also like: Best kid-friendly sunflower field in the Twin Cities
Sunflowers fields of Minnesota listed alphabetically by 2024 locations
Where is the best sunflower field near me in Minnesota?
Here is an alphabetical list of the best sunflower gardens and sunflower farms to visit in Minnesota and nearby Wisconsin this summer and early fall.
- Afton Apple Orchard Sunflower and Zinnia Fields, Hastings, MN
- Andover Sunflower Field, Andover, MN
- Babette’s Seeds of Hope Sunflower Fields, Eau Claire, WI
- Berry & Bloom Farm Sunflower Fields, Chatfield, MN
- Brand Farms – Farmer Aaron’s Sunflowers, Lakeville, MN
- Fresh Acres Sunflower Fields, Monticello, MN
- Green Barn Garden Center Sunflower Fields, Isanti, MN
- Joyer Adventure Farm Sunflower Fields / Waldoch Farm Garden Center, Lino Lakes, MN
- Treasured Haven Farm, Rush City, MN
Can I take photos in the Minnesota sunflower fields? Can I paint or sketch in the Minnesota sunflower fields?
All visitors, photographers, artists are typically welcome to bring their own media. This includes cameras, photographer, props (within reason), sketchbook, or paints to take photos or draw. Some sunflower fields may require you to schedule a photo shoot. And may charge extra. See details above for any special instructions about professional photography sessions in Minnesota sunflower fields.
When are sunflower fields open in Minnesota?
Typically, Minnesota sunflower fields open late July through mid-September. Sunflowers bloom for seven to ten days. To help lengthen the sunflower season, farmers plant fields at different times. That way the sunflower fields bloom throughout the latter part of the summer.
Are Minnesota’s sunflower fields crowded?
From my experience visiting sunflower fields, crowds are not an issue. The sunflower fields in Minnesota attract a lot of people, but I discovered plenty of space and plenty of sunflowers to go around. In fact, I went around to the back of this sunflower field and it was pretty much just me.
Sunflower fun facts
Here are some fun facts about sunflowers.
- Sunflowers can grow as tall as 16 feet with a Guinness World Record of 30 feet and 1 inch.
- These happy sunflowers always turn to face the sun (term called heliotropic) and at night return facing east waiting for the sun to rise in the morning.
- While these sunflower fields listed in this post are located in Minnesota – the Land of 10,000 Lakes – Kansas is officially known as the Sunflower State.
- Apparently, that head of sunflower is actually made up of smaller flowers.
- There are more than 70 varieties of sunflowers.
- Sustainability tips: you can repurpose a dried sunflower head as a scrubbing pad or leave the sunflower head outside for the birds to eat the seeds.
Another favorite flower farm in Minnesota
My husband and I loved Swenson Gardens’ peony fields, located in Howard Lake, Minn. Like sunflowers, they too have a short, but stunning, season. I had no idea there were so many varieties of peonies. And I did not know that you could grow no-stake peonies).
Swenson Gardens’ Peony Days in Howard Lake, Minn. are typically scheduled for two weekends in June every year. You can check their website and/or follow them on Facebook for more details. Summer is the time to order peonies as you’ll want to plant in early September. Many varieties sell out fast.
Pin it for later! Things to do in Minnesota: Visit a sunflower farm
What a beautiful place to visit. Love that it is free too and not that busy. Such interesting facts about sunflowers too.
Thank you so much! It was such a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. I could have stayed there all day.
Beautiful place to spend a couple of hours! Sunflowers look so happy, indeed. Thanks for sharing, great idea for an afternoon close to home.
Anda
My pleasure and thank you!
That is so neat that there are so many sunflower fields in Minnesota! And what a bonus they are free. Sunflowers are a fun and cheery flower to photograph!
Thank you! Love that we have so many beautiful sunflower fields in Minnesota! They are such happy flowers!
Definitely enjoy this post, keep up the good work!
Thank you so kindly! Love sharing what I discover like the most beautiful sunflower fields in Minnesota!
Beautiful!! I didn’t realize sunflower fields also had peak viewing times. What a great post. Love it!
Thank you so much! I’m so happy I had the opportunity to visit and learn more.
How BEAUTIFUL!!! I could spend hours just relaxin and photographing here! Incredible!
Thanks…definitely lots of photo opportunities!
What a beautiful place to visit! Sunflowers are my favorite flowers so I could probably spend hours roaming around this lovely field. Also that’s so cool they have volunteers help plant the sunflower fields!
Thank you! I could have stayed in those sunflower fields all day…so beautiful!
What a great place to visit right now. With all of the negative going on. A bright and sunny field of sunflowers would do everyone good. Thanks for sharing something positive and happy!
My pleasure! So happy to pay the sunflower love and happiness forward!
I love sunflowers! I’ve heard of a field like this near us too, but we’ve never visited. I have, however, seen some of the amazing pictures that have come from others. Going to have to add it to our ever-growing to-do list, thanks!
Oh, I know that ever-growing to-do list…so much beauty in the world!
We have a sunflower field right behind my son’s soccer fields and I really need to go visit during practice! This one looks beautiful.
That’s so convenient!
This is a dream for us! I have a house full of photographers and videographers. Such a great post – thank you. We have a sunflower farm here in TN, but they want $75 to visit, so we haven’t gone yet. So awesome that this one was free!!
It’s the perfect venue for photographers and videographers. Wow…$75? Very grateful that these sunflower fields in Minnesota are sponsored and available for free to the public…such a great way to give back to the community.
How lovely!! I’m such a sucker for flower fields, especially the sunflower ones. We do have some in Maryland/Virginia, but I admit that your post made me want to visit the ones in Minnesota. I could spend all day in each one of them.
Thank you! I’m considering checking out each sunflower field to see how they differ.
This looks really fun, and at times, peaceful. I’ve never been to a sunflower field, but I’d like to. My grandma always had sunflowers, but not this many!
It was very peaceful just to be surrounded by so many sunflowers.
I love this idea for socially distanced outside fun! The notifications for blooms is great. Definitely disappointing to mistime a trip and have dying flowers in all your pics.
They are pretty organized so definitely a stress-free and happy experience.
Sunflowers do make me happy! We use have some in our backyard but wow they attract bees for sure! Loved it though!
They are such happy flowers!
It’s not often that places like this are free! The sunflowers are gorgeous!! I could easily spend an afternoon in the sun here.
It’s so awesome they are offering all of their sunflower fields for free!
If we lived closer we would definitely be visiting one of those sunflower farms; they are so beautiful! I think it would be amazing to see so many up close! (Side note, Lilacs are amazing, as well… they just smell soooo good!)
Thanks! There’s nothing quite like lilacs…wish the blooming season was longer.
Your photos are great and the list is SO helpful! I’m far away, but I would use it if I were close. 🙂
Thank you so much! Hopefully you can find a sunflower field near you.
The list you provide si so cool. I would love to visit one. I have heard bees can be a problem though at times.
There were a lot of bees, but they didn’t bother anyone…they had plenty of work to do!
thank you for this, my son recently moved here and when we visit and he is at work we are always looking for points of interest.
Awesome…this would be a perfect thing to do in Minnesota!
Thank you for this list! I live in Minnesota and would love to check these out! Always looking for more things to get out and do during these Covid times!
Awesome! It’s great that they offer so many different venues at different times.
I always associate sunflowers with happiness! I love that admission to the farm is free 🙂
It’s such a nice bonus to spread happiness for free.
I had no idea these were in MN! Thanks!
So nice to have so many options to visit the Minnesota sunflower fields.
I love sunflowers. They are so beautiful. Do the fields also collect the seeds to be eaten?
I’m not sure if they collect the seeds, but would make sense.
They really are such a happy flower. We had fun picking sunflowers last weekend. When we were in Italy two years ago, there were fields and fields of them in Tuscany.
Nice! It’s definitely the season for them!
That’s a fabulous idea to plant the fields. There’s certainly no doubting they are the happiest fields.