Best things to do in Minnesota in the summer: Visit sunflower fields

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 09.09.23; 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.

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Last summer, 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.

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 that I plan to visit in 2023

Here’s an alphabetical list of the best sunflower farms in Minnesota. And a couple in nearby Wisconsin. You can add to your summer plans. It’s one of the best kid-friendly and almost-free things to do in the Minnesota in the summer.

• 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
• 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

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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
Sunflower festivals / special events: Early Sunflower Bloom Days (Aug. 3-5, 2023); Full Sunflower Bloom Days (second week in August through mid-September, 2023)
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 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 tp visit t2023.

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 held Aug. 19-20; Aug. 26-27; Sept. 2-3; Sept. 9-10
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kid-friendly activities: Yes. Hayrides available in September (confirming other activities)
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. 8-24, 2023
Sunflower festivals / special events:
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. Also a special music event scheduled Sept. 23 at 5 p.m.
Dog-friendly?: Yes! In fact, there is a corgi meet-up special event on Sept. 17 at 11 a.m.
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.
Restrooms: Need to confirm.

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Berry & Bloom Farm Sunflower Fields (and more), Chatfield, MN

Address: 6945 150th Ave SE, Chatfield, MN 55923
Sunflower bloom dates: July through September 2023
Sunflower festivals / special events:
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.

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
Sunflower festivals / special events: Early Sunflower Bloom Days (Aug. 3-5, 2023); Full Sunflower Bloom Days (second week in August through mid-September, 2023)
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 last weekend in July through Labor Day, 2023
Sunflower festivals / special events:
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. opening day through Aug. 13, 2023; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 14, 2023 to closing day.
Kid-friendly activities:
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 2023 through mid-September 2023
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 mid- to late August.
Sunflower festivals / special events: New in 2023: Babbette’s Seeds of Hope Memorial Trail will feature a half-mile walking path along the Chippewa River Bike Trail. More details to follow.
Hours: Open 24/7 to the public
Kid-friendly activities: TBD
U-pick sunflower fields: TBD
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: Estimated August 2023 (dates TBD)
Sunflower festivals / special events: Sunflower Celebration (dates TBD)
Hours: TBD
Kid-friendly activities: TBD
U-pick sunflower fields: TBD
Instagram / photo props: TBD (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.

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Frequently asked questions about sunflowers in Minnesota

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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 2023 locations

Where is the best sunflower field near me in Minnesota?

• 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
• 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

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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.

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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.

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