14 Sunflower Fields to Brighten Your Day in 2024

What feels like summer more than sunflowers? We’ve scoped out the brightest sunflower fields near Chicagoland! Getting lost in a sunflower field is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. Not to mention, they are the perfect backdrop to snap a few bright, happy photos to add to your summer collection.

Many of these local spots in Chicago will allow you to cut your very own fresh flowers at the field — the perfect souvenir and memory of a sweet, sun-filled day spent together. Remember the sunscreen and sunglasses for your winding adventure through the fields.

Be sure to check our map to find spots closest to you and all the features they offer.

Sunflower Field Map

Searching for a sunflower field near you? Check our handy map to see where all of the below sunflower farms are located! As you scroll down, you’ll also find details and dates for each location.

Sunflower Fields Near Chicagoland

M & D Farms and Garden Center

14946 S. Bell Road
Homer Glen, IL 60491
(708) 935-1715

Their sunflower field opened on August 8, 2024 and was just about done on August 23. They no longer have a website, but post updates on their Facebook page, but then delete them when the posts are no longer relevant. Entrance fee is $5 per person, ages 3 and under are free, and picking is allowed.

Johnson’s Farm Produce

8960 East Ridge Road
Hobart, IN 46342
(219) 962-1383

The sunflower festival is Saturdays and Sundays from September 7-22, 2024 from 8am-6pm. Please note that admissions closes at 5pm. General admission is $15 per person, which includes all the farm fun activities except train and produce cannons. All access is $25 per person.

Von Bergen’s Country Market

9805 IL Route 173
Hebron, IL 60034
(815) 648-2332

Sunflower opening day has not been announced yet for 2024 and will begin in July. Check back for dates. Open daily, 10am – 6pm. Hours are subject to change. Check their Facebook page or call ahead to their “Sunflower Hotline” at (815) 648-2332 for updates on the blooms.

Thompson Farm

14000 75th Street
Bristol, WI 53104
(262) 857-2353

Pick-your-own sunflower season is expected to begin mid July – mid September 2024. Admission is typically $15/adults, $10/kids 3-10 and includes a cup to fill with flower, plus shaved ice for the kids. Check their website or Facebook page for updates.

Tom’s Sunflower Fields

10214 Algonquin Road
Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 669-3421

Sunflower season this year was July 17 through August 4, 2024 and is usually open for three weeks each summer.

General admission to the sunflower maze with photo ops is $12 per person and includes access their their small children’s play area. Children 3 years old and under are free. You can also cut sunflowers from their cutting field for an additional charge of $3 per stem or 6 for $15.

Admission to the sunflower field the last weekend (August 2-4, 2024) is $25 and includes as many sunflowers as you can carry from the field (no bags, wagons, or helping hands).

Lannon Sunflower Farm

W204 N8525 Lannon Rd
Lannon, WI 53051
(414) 803-1542

Opening in mid-to-late July 2024. Admission is normally $20 per vehicle which includes 12 U-pick sunflowers and the kids corn maze. Check their Facebook page or website for updates and hours, which may change.

Stade’s Farm and Market

3709 West Miller Road
McHenry, IL 60051
(815) 675-6396

Sunflower picking began in mid July 2024 at Stade’s, but always call to check their hours before you visit. They also update their Facebook page regularly. Sunflowers are $2 each, $5 for 3 flowers, $25 per vase all you can fit inside.

Kuiper’s Sunflower Festival

1n145 Watson Road
Maple Park, IL 60151
(815) 827-5200

The Sunflower Festival runs from August 24 – September 14, 2024 (weather dependent) and includes 7 acres of 20+ different sunflower varieties with  photo ops. Weekends include live music and food trucks. Admission is $10.99 per person on weekdays and $13.99 on weekends. You can save $2 on the weekends by purchasing tickets online. One extra bloom is $2 and adding a bucket with 6 blooms is $17.99. Children 2 years old and under are free (bloom not included).

Heap’s Sunflower Harvest

4853 US Highway 52
Minooka, IL 60447
(815) 475-7373

Information for 2024 should be available soon; check their Facebook page for updates. In the past, they have charged $12 for a daily pass that includes access to the sunflower/zinnia patch, one bloom, maze, slide and various playgrounds.

The Wildflower Farm

11332 West Dralle Road
Monee, IL 60449
(708) 966-3021

Visit their website or Facebook page to find important updates and pricing. Season opening will happen mid-July. They generally have six unique containers to choose from, all at varying prices.

Matthiessen State Park (Viewing Only, No Picking)

2500 IL-178
Oglesby, IL 61348
(815) 667-4868  

Free viewing, but please note at this location flowers are ONLY for viewing and in bloom mid July through early August. Signs will be posted along Route 178 and the Vermillion River Area entrance road into the park. We recommend calling the park prior to your trip to ensure the sunflowers are still in bloom.

Keller’s Farmstand

2500 Johnson Rd
Oswego, IL
(630) 219-8194

Opening mid-July 2024. Dates have not been determined as of June 30. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Oswego farmstand in mid-July, upon opening.

Woody’s Orchard

3223 Creek Rd
Plano, IL 60545
(630) 247-9302

Woody’s is expecting sunflowers mid-July, but dates haven’t been announced. Check their Facebook page for updates. Tickets start at $14.95 (2 and under free). The tickets includes some attractions, date dependent.

Thistleberry Farm

61391 Mayflower Rd.
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 289-0164

Admission to all the fields is $10 per person and includes a bundle of u-cut lavender. Admission includes sunflower field zinnia field, bachelor button and poppy field, cosmos and lavender field. Hours are Sunday – Friday 3:00pm – 9:00pm and Saturdays between 10:00am – 9:00pm. Check their Facebook page for bloom updates.

Tips for Picking at Sunflower Farms

1. It’s always better to travel to a sunflower field when they start blooming rather than at the end. The ends of sunflowers are heavy and start to droop before drying up. There are still ways to get good photos, like taking pictures from ground level looking up, but it’s easier towards the beginning of the season.
2. Wear closed-toe shoes. Unless you are going to a sunflower field for a professional photo shoot, you most likely won’t want to wear sandals. Opinions may vary, but it’s not the greatest when walking through muddy or partially wet fields with open-toe shoes.
3. Before visiting, make sure you know what the rules are in the sunflower field. Some allow you to take cut flowers home and some are only for viewing.

Want more tips? Our friends at Jersey Family Fun have more tips for visiting a sunflower field.

Other Flower Farms with Picking

Nettle Creek Lavender Farm

8255 Pioneer Road 
Morris, IL 60450
(815) 325-1770

Nettle Creek is open for 2024 and another gorgeous place to visit with the family (and, they open before sunflower fields typically do. As always, visit their website or Facebook page for specifics and note that they are by appointment only.

Proclamation Flowers

IL-102 &, S Rivals Rd
Custer Park, IL 60481
(779) 429-2234

Proclamation Flowers offers u-pick sessions and flowers to purchase from their farm stand. You can also book photo sessions there. Public U-pick sessions are Sunday evenings from 4:00pm – 7:00pm, on select dates: 7/28, 8/11, 8/25, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, and 9/29.

Interested in more outdoor fun with the family? Our Outdoor Places to Go page has tons of ideas!