11 Sunflower Fields to Brighten Your Day in 2023

Summer means sunflowers, so 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.

M & D Farms and Garden Center

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

Their sunflower field normally opens in August. Check their website or Facebook page for any updates. Entrance fee is $5 a person; ages 3 and under are free.

Johnson’s Farm Produce

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

Sunflower festival 2023 is on September 9, 10, 16 and 17, 8am – 6pm. General admission is $12/person which includes all the farm fun activities except train/produce cannons. Check their website or Facebook page for more info.

Von Bergen’s Country Market

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

Sunflower opening day was July 8, 2023 and tickets for the Sunflower Festival are now available. 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 Strawberry Farm

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

Pick-your-own sunflower season is expected to begin late July 2023. 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.

Lannon Sunflower Farm

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

Opening in mid-to-late July 2023. 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 early July 2023 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.

Heap’s Sunflower Harvest

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

Information for 2023 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.

Kuiper’s Sunflower Experience

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

The Sunflower Experience includes 7 acres of 20+ different sunflower varieties with many perfect photo ops. Weekends include live music and food trucks, too. Exact dates should be announced soon.

Tom’s Sunflower Fields

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

Tom’s plans to open for sunflowers on July 14, 2023. Check their website or Facebook page for updates. Their sunflower maze includes a small play area for the kids and many photo ops.

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

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. Definitely call the park prior to your trip to ensure the sunflowers are still in bloom.

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 another gorgeous place to visit with the family (and, they open before sunflower fields typically do in mid-late June). 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 is a beautiful place to bring the family that features u-pick sessions in July-October. They have pick-your-own private and public sessions to choose from, as well as flower field photo sessions.

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