Visit these sunny fields and mazes for a perfect summer day trip from the city.
Photograph: Courtesy Lannon Sunflower Farm
Craving a quick day trip from Chicago? Then plan a flower-themed expedition this summer and fall. Grab a pair of gardening clippers, your own decorative vase and hop in the car to reach these stunning sunflower fields, where you'll find acres upon acres of stunning yellow blooms (and plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops, too). Whether you're looking for u-pick options, pre-cut flowers or interactive activities—like twisting sunflower mazes and duck races, for instance—these farms in the suburbs and surrounding states are filled with enough cheery sunflowers, as well as berries, to keep you and the family occupied for an afternoon.
RECOMMENDED: Discover the most unique day trips from Chicago
Driving time from Chicago: About an hour
This huge Wisconsin sunflower patch is studded with four million sunflowers spread out over several fields, so come prepared with clippers and a jar (or buy scissors for $3 and grab a plastic souvenir cup on site) to prepare for a long day of roaming and picking. Visitors can also explore sunflower mazes and take advantage of the many photo opportunities through the fields.
Mid-August-September 22nd, open Wed-Sun 10am–7pm.
Driving time from Chicago: About two hours
Pack cash, a clean jar and a pair of clippers before driving up to this Wisconsin sunflower farm, where you can pick up to 12 sunflowers from a three-acre field while supplies last. While you're there, explore a wildflower butterfly garden and corn mazes manicured into the shape of flowers.
Open daily 8:30am–7pm. $20 per car, cash only.
Driving time from Chicago: About an hour
Book your ticket online ahead of time to ensure access to this Minooka, Illinois farm, where sunflowers and zinnias abound. A ticket nets you access to both fields and all other farm activities (like corn and soybean mazes), plus one sunflower to take home. Want pick even more sunflowers? Spring for add-ons like the flower bucket, which includes a pail that you can fill with as many sunflowers that will fit inside.
Sunflower season: August-September, open daily 10am–6:30pm.
Driving time from Chicago: About an hour and a half
A maze of sunflowers awaits you at Von Bergen's Country Market in Hebron, Illinois, where 30 acres of sunny flowers have been planted sequentially to ensure maximum blooming time throughout the season. Follow the farm's Facebook page for up-to-date announcements about field conditions and weather.
Open daily 10am–6pm through September 17.
Driving time from Chicago: About 50 minutes
Wander through a u-pick sunflower field at one of this Hobart, Indiana-based farm’s Sunflower Fun Farm Weekend days (held September 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 this year). The farm also features train rides, duck races, an obstacle course and tons of other family-friendly activities to enjoy after you've plucked your fill of flowers.
Open 8am–6pm on select dates. $15 per person.
Driving time from Chicago: About one hour
Looking to get lost in a sea of yellow blooms? Then head to Tom’s Farm Market in Huntley, where you’ll find a four-acre sunflower maze. You can also cut your own flowers or enjoy a glass of wine or beer while walking the fields during special Sip ‘N Sunflower evenings.
Open Mon, Tue and Fri 9:30am-2pm; Sat 9:30am-5pm Sun 9:30am-4pm. $12 per person.
Driving time from Chicago: About one hour
Walk through over seven acres of fields and see more than 20 sunflower varieties at this farm in Maple Park. You’ll have plenty of photo ops in front of the gorgeous blooms, plus if you visit on the weekend there’s live music and food trucks on the orchard lawn.
August 24-September 14. $12-$14 per person on weekends, $11 on weekdays.
Driving time from Chicago: About an hour and a half
Bountiful u-pick options await you at this McHenry farm, from strawberries and blueberries earlier in the season to towering sunflowers beginning in July (with a crop lasting through late September). Grab a pair of flower clippers—which are available on site if needed—and wander through more than two acres of fields stocked with 18 different varieties of sunflowers for individual clipping, or buy a $25 vase and fill it with as many flowers as you can fit.
July-September, open daily 9am–5pm.
Driving time from Chicago: About an hour and 45 minutes
South Bend’s Thistleberry Farm will once again erupt in a three-acre sea of sunflowers and zinnias starting in July. The floral fields are replenished through August for a lush and full fall season come September, when you can enjoy plenty of activities like pedal car racing, a wagon ride and corn mazes.
Opens for fall season September 7.
Driving time from Chicago: About 45 minutes
This Homer Glen garden center and farm features four different varieties of sunflowers so you can fashion a unique-looking bouquet. Plus, you can pick up seasonal selections of produce—like melons and pumpkins—before heading out.
Opens in August; Mon-Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–3pm.
Driving time from Chicago: About 50 minutes
This boutique flower farm in Monee offers a variety of u-pick container sizes, ranging from small jars to large ceramic pitchers. Bring scissors, your furry best friend (it's dog-friendly) and fill your vase strategically—all flowers that fit inside it are yours to keep.
July 23-August 18, $10 per person.
No car to get out of the city? Don’t let that stop your pursuit of sunflowers—simply hop on the Green Line to visit Sunflower City, an acre of tall, cheery sunflowers nestled next to the El tracks in Washington Park. Originally conceived as a research experiment to test how the hardy flowers absorbed lead from soil in a Kenwood lot, the project eventually moved neighborhoods and morphed into an urban agriculture venture to help beautify the surrounding cityscape. Keep up with the org’s social pages to plan the best time for a (free) visit.
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