Best Sunflower Fields to Visit in Minnesota (2026 Guide)
Nothing says late summer in Minnesota quite like a field of bright yellow sunflowers stretching toward the sky. From family-friendly farms with hayrides and playgrounds to peaceful u-pick flower fields perfect for photos, Minnesota offers plenty of beautiful places to experience sunflower season.
Most sunflower fields begin blooming in late July, with peak blooms typically occurring from mid-August through early September, depending on the weather. Since bloom times vary each year, it’s always a good idea to check each farm’s website or social media before making the drive.
Here are some of the best sunflower fields to visit in Minnesota this summer.
🌻Afton Apple🌻
Location: 14421 90th Street South, Hastings, MN 55033
Afton Apple’s annual Flower Festival is one of the most beautiful flower events near the Twin Cities. Families can wander through more than seven acres of colorful blooms, including towering sunflowers, zinnias, and other seasonal flowers.
Highlights include:
- Over 7 acres of flower fields
- U-pick sunflowers and zinnias
- Scenic flower bridges overlooking the fields
- Incredible family photo opportunities
- Farm animals and family activities
- Food vendors and sweet treats
The Flower Festival typically takes place over several weekends in late August and early September. Since bloom timing changes each year, check the farm’s website before visiting.
Learn more and sign-up for their newsletter here: www.aftonapple.com/flowers
🌻Fresh Acres🌻
Location: 8102 72nd Street NE, Monticello
Fresh Acres Farm features a large sunflower field that’s perfect for both photographers and families.
You’ll find:
- Beautiful sunflower fields
- U-pick bouquets
- Farm animals
- Weekend family activities
- Corn maze later in the season
- Pumpkin patch
- Food concessions
Bring your own flower snips if you’d like to cut a bouquet to take home. Admission varies between weekdays and weekends during sunflower season.
Check their website for updates and more family fun: https://www.freshacresmn.com/
🌻Joyer Adventure Farm – Sunflower Walk🌻
Location: 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
One of the closest sunflower destinations to the Twin Cities, Joyer Adventure Farm combines thousands of beautiful sunflowers with a full day of family fun.
Visitors can enjoy:
- More than 20,000 blooming sunflowers
- U-pick flowers
- Hayrides
- Barnyard animals
- Giant jumping pillow
- Zoom Mountain slides
- Low ropes course
- Farm games and attractions
- Seasonal food and treats
With staggered sunflower plantings, blooms often last for several weeks, making it one of the longest-running sunflower experiences in the metro.
Check their website for updates and more family fun: www.waldochfarmonlinestore.com
🌻Green Barn Garden Center and Sunflowers🌻
Located at 26501 MN-65, Isanti, MN 55040
Visit a field of sunshine! The sunflower field is excellent for taking photos and enjoying the Minnesota sunshine. Green Barn Garden Center has 5 crops planted this year for continuous bloom through August.
Green Barn Garden Center has become one of Minnesota’s favorite sunflower photography destinations.
Visitors love:
- Massive sunflower fields
- Multiple bloom cycles throughout the season
- Hidden photo props throughout the fields
- Sunset photography
- Food trucks on select weekends
- Live music during special events
- Fresh-cut flowers
Whether you’re taking family photos or simply enjoying a relaxing evening outdoors, Green Barn offers a beautiful late-summer experience.
Check website for current admission cost (age 5 and under free) with free parking in the field.
The fields are open 8am-8pm (last entry 8pm-stay until dusk).
Visit their website for food truck schedules (Fridays-Sundays. Schedule is updated as changes may occur). Food trucks and tents are accessible without admission.
Make sure to watch for daily field conditions updates and new events: www.greenbarngardencenter.com/page/Sunflower-Update
🌻Treasured Haven Farm🌻
Location: 53407 Government Road, Rush City, MN
This beautiful 450-acre organic family farm offers one of Minnesota’s most peaceful sunflower experiences.
During Sunflower Days you’ll enjoy:
- Multiple sunflower fields blooming throughout the season
- Walking trails
- Prairie and woodland scenery
- Creek overlooks
- Farm animals
- Picnic areas
- Gorgeous photography locations
Because the farm plants multiple fields, visitors often have opportunities to enjoy blooms over several weeks.
Check their website for updates and more family fun: www.treasuredhavenfarm.com
🌻 Brand Farms – Farmer Aaron’s Sunflowers 🌻
Location: 18810 Cedar Avenue, Lakeville
One of the newest and fastest-growing sunflower destinations in the south metro, Farmer Aaron’s Sunflowers at Brand Farms offers much more than flowers.
Expect to find:
- Thousands of sunflowers
- Giant bounce pad
- Photography props
- Family photo opportunities
- Farm store
- Honey and local products
- Fresh produce
- Weekend sunflower festival
- Photography nights
The annual Sunflower Festival typically runs for several weekends beginning in late July. Admission is charged per vehicle, making it an affordable outing for families.
Brand Farms, a beloved fourth-generation family farm near Lakeville, hosts Farmer Aaron’s Sunflowers, a vibrant sunflower field that typically blooms through early September, drawing visitors across the Twin Cities metro. Admission is $10 per vehicle, which includes access to a fun sunflower bounce pad for children, and often features local food trucks, honey tastings, and sunflower seed products. This seasonal stop is perfect for families looking for photo ops, scenic walks among towering blooms, and fresh farm goods—sunflower seeds, honey, and jarred items—from Brand Farms’ store offering. Community favorites frequently praise the friendly farm atmosphere, playful activities like hayrides and apple cannons, and charming event setups during fall festivities.
Visit Brand Farms’ official website or their social pages for the latest bloom updates, festival happenings, and driving directions.
Blue Sky Flower Farm
Location:
24231 Dakota Ave, Lakeville, MN, 55044
If you’re looking for a peaceful flower farm close to the Twin Cities, Blue Sky Flower Farm is worth adding to your summer bucket list.
Depending on bloom conditions, visitors may enjoy:
- Sunflowers
- U-pick flower bouquets
- Seasonal specialty flowers
- Scenic countryside views
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Because flower varieties rotate throughout the growing season, check bloom updates before visiting.
🌻 White Pine Berry Farm
Location:
1482 Oak Drive, River Falls, WI, 54022
Just across the Minnesota border, White Pine Berry Farm makes a wonderful day trip from the Twin Cities.
Families can enjoy:
- Beautiful sunflower blooms
- U-pick flowers
- Berry picking (seasonal)
- Farm market
- Relaxing country setting
It’s a great option for anyone looking to combine a flower outing with a short scenic drive.
🌻 Backlund Acres
Location: 6552 250th Street W, Belle Plaine, MN
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, Backlund Acres offers another beautiful sunflower experience.
Visitors may find:
- Seasonal sunflower fields
- U-pick flowers
- Family-friendly farm atmosphere
- Photography opportunities
- Additional seasonal blooms
This destination pairs well with a summer cabin trip or Wisconsin family vacation.
Tips for Visiting Minnesota Sunflower Fields
Before heading out, keep these tips in mind:
- Peak bloom is usually from mid-August through early September.
- Always check bloom updates before driving.
- Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and bug spray.
- Visit during golden hour for the best photos.
- Stay on designated walking paths.
- Many farms offer u-pick flowers for an additional fee.
- Some farms require admission or advance tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do sunflowers bloom in Minnesota?
Most sunflower fields begin blooming in late July, with peak blooms arriving during August and early September. Weather can shift bloom dates by one to two weeks.
Which sunflower field is closest to Minneapolis?
Some of the closest options include Joyer Adventure Farm in Lino Lakes, Brand Farms in Lakeville, Blue Sky Flower Farm in Elko New Market, and Afton Apple near Hastings.
Can you pick your own sunflowers?
Many farms offer u-pick sunflowers for an additional fee, although some fields are for viewing only. Always check each farm’s policies before visiting.
Are sunflower fields good for family photos?
Absolutely! Many farms provide designated photography areas, scenic overlooks, props, and wide walking paths perfect for family portraits.
Do I need tickets?
Some sunflower farms are free to visit, while others charge admission or require advance reservations during peak weekends. Check each farm’s website before your visit.
Plan Your Sunflower Adventure
Whether you’re looking for the perfect family photo, a relaxing afternoon surrounded by flowers, or a fun day on the farm, Minnesota has plenty of incredible sunflower fields to explore. Pack your camera, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of one of the state’s most beautiful late-summer traditions.
Related Topic: Minnesota Parent Family Calendar
