8 beautiful lavender fields near Chicago to visit this summer

Driving time from Chicago: Four hours

It’s a bit of a hike to get there from Chicago, but this gorgeous farm in Shelby, Michigan is well worth the driving hassle. Along with a market that stocks fresh-baked goods as well as fruits and veggies from the farm’s orchards and gardens, Cherry Point also boasts a stunning lavender labyrinth—designed in a 12-point vesica pattern—that bursts into sweet-scented bloom during mid- to late July. Take a contemplative walk through the roughly two-mile labyrinth (it’s free to visit!) before swinging by the market for cherry pie, or plan your visit around one of the farm’s summer fish boils (which also conclude with a serving of cherry pie).

Driving time from Chicago: One and a half hours

After their kids had grown up, husband-and-wife team Mike and Doreen King decided to open this small-but-mighty lavender farm and shop near the shores of Pine Lake in La Porte, Indiana, where you’ll find rows of flowers and a petite lavender labyrinth. Come during peak bloom in mid-June through mid-July for u-pick—which includes an annual lavender festival—and don’t forget to snag some of the farm’s soothing essential oils and fragrant lotion on your way out.

U-pick: $11 per bundle.

Driving time from Chicago: One and a half hours

More than 3,000 plants and 11 types of lavender span this 20-acre farm in Stevensville, Michigan, where lavender enthusiasts will discover a variety for every purpose. Want to make some sweet-smelling potpourri? Opt for French Perfume lavender. Looking to incorporate lavender into your baking? A blend of English varieties should do the trick. The farm also occasionally collaborates with local businesses to create products, like a limited-edition lavender-infused pilsner from Sister Lakes Brewing Company. 

Driving time from Chicago: Two and a half hours

If your plans for a weekend getaway from Chicago lead you to Saugatuck, Michigan, take a detour to check out this tranquil farm in nearby Fennville. The area’s sandy soil provides a hospitable home for more than 1,200 lavender plants, plus plenty of native flowers and a Japanese-style zen garden complete with a babbling water feature. Keep an eye out for public events throughout the season, from weekly yoga classes to the yearly Bloom Festival in July. 

Driving time from Chicago: Two hours

Located on a picturesque plot of land in Niles, Michigan, Lavender Hill Farm will equip you with a pair of scissors for picking as much lavender as you can bundle into the farm’s provided twist ties (usually around 50-60 flower stems). Pick up pre-cut bundles, balms, sachets and other sundries at the gift shop—and once lavender season has passed, come back later in the summer for u-pick sunflowers. 

U-pick: $5 per bundle.

Driving time from Chicago: One and a half hours

Head downstate to Morris, Illinois to visit this small, family-owned farm that’s home to fields of lavender and cut flowers as well as an herb garden, apiary, mini orchard and vintage greenhouse. You could make an entire afternoon of cutting your own lavender bouquet (scissors, a basket and bouquet care instructions are provided), but why not book a farm tour to get a comprehensive look at the farm’s ecosystem? 

U-pick: $8 per bundle of 70-100 stems, 10 cents per stem for smaller bundles. Appointment required.

Driving time from Chicago: Three hours

Flowers are only part of the allure of this farm in Wisconsin’s Baraboo Bluffs. Plan your (free) visit to see 13 varieties of lavender and then stop by the farm cottage on the way out to pick up goods like teas, bath salts and body butter. For those in need of some self-care, reserve a yoga and meditation session, lavender foot bath or a botanical facial and steam treatment. Groups of 6-10 people can also book a private u-cut experience and take home freshly cut lavender bundles.

Driving time from Chicago: Three hours

Walk through 40 acres of beautiful fields when you make the trip to this farm north of Madison, Wisconsin. If you want to learn everything there is to know about lavender, reserve a spot on the farm to table wagon tour; you’ll enjoy an hour-long tractor ride while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the sustainable agricultural process as well as an eight-acre bee sanctuary. At the end of the tour, guests are treated to slices of lavender cherry pie and have the opportunity to shop all sorts of lavender products, from jams and syrups to soaps and essential oils.