BLOOMS GALORE - 2024
It's hard to resist the bold, cheerful charm of a sunflower in bloom. In recent years, sunflower farms and fields have become a late-summer, early autumn destination for the masses. People thrill to wander up and down the golden paths, taking family photos, selfies, and close-ups of the blooms as rows and rows of them rise up against a bright blue summer sky.
No matter where you live in Wisconsin, there's bound to be a sunflower farm near you. I've assembled a list of locations in Southeastern Wisconsin, and within a couple hours drive as well. The list changes a bit year to year, but there are always plenty of offerings. Be sure to check out the websites and Facebook pages linked for more details. Not all fields bloom at the same time. Some are opening in late July, early August; some will open in September. Some offer U-pick flowers, some do not. Pricing structures, photography rules, etc. can vary. Due to weather and field conditions, it's always best to confirm before going. |
Sunflower Bits...
just some random facts about sunflowers ~ They are native to North America as far back as 3000 BC. ~ It takes between 70-120 days from planted seed to bloom, depending on variety. ~ Young, immature sunflowers rotate to follow the sun. Once mature, blooms forever turn eastward, toward the rising sun. Poetic, isn't it? ~ Every sunflower is actually made up of thousands of tiny flowers. ~ Wild birds will feed on the seeds formed in the head of the sunflower. ~ Mature sunflowers can be harvested for the seeds to grow even more sunflowers. ~ Each sunflower can contain as many as 2000 seeds. ~ There are 52 species of sunflowers. ~ Sunflowers are often considered a symbol of love and friendship. |
SKELLY'S FARM MARKET
TBD: Last Week July, Early August Skelly's Sunflower Experience 2713 South Hayner Road, Janesville, WI |
BASSE'S TASTE OF COUNTRY
August 31-Sept.2, Sept. 5-8, 12-15 Apple & Sunflower Fest 3190 County Line Q, Colgate, WI |
LANNON SUNFLOWER FARM
Tentatively Opening in July U-Pick Sunflowers and More W204 N8525 Lannon Rd., Menomonee Falls, WI |
ROOTS & STEMS FLOWER FARM
TBD: late July, see Facebook U-pick Sunflower Field 11627 Highland Road, Mequon, WI |
OLD HOMESTEAD ORCHARD
September, see Facebook for updates Sunflower Fest 7814 Raynor Avenue, Franksville, WI |
KELLEY COUNTRY CREAMERY
Tentatively Early August, see Facebook Sunflowers Taking Flight W5215 County Road B, Fond du Lac, WI |
VAN DER BROHE ARBORETUM
Sunflowers Blooming Early August Arboretum Meadows Are Blooming 3800 Lincoln Ave., Two Rivers, WI |
KRESS-HILL SUNFLOWER FARM
late June/July - see Facebook Sunflowers, U-pick, Special Events 10821 W. Washington Road, Newton, WI |
CENTRAL & GREEN BAY AREA WISCONSIN SUNFLOWER FIELDS
HELENE'S HILLTOP ORCHARD
August 31 - September 21, 2024 Sunflower Experience N1189 Quarter Road, Merrill, WI |
PUMPKIN HOLLOW
Tentatively Late July, TBD Pumpkin Hollow Facebook Page 230222 Marathon County H, Edgar, WI |
REI ENGINEERING with PEYTON'S PROMISE
Sunflower Field Dates To Be Determined Visit their Facebook Page for Updates 4080 N. 20th Avenue, Wausau, WI |
U-Pick Flower FARMS
If you're not the gardening kind, or your anxious to put together a stunning summer bouquet to brighten up your space, or give as a gift before your garden is ready, check out these fantastic local cutting flower farms.
Some of them offer both U-pick flowers and sunflowers (as well as apple picking in the fall). I ended up returning a few times to satisfy my craving for cheerful arrangements. It was fun to pick just the blooms I wanted. Most offer pre-picked bouquet options as well. You'll find a wide variety of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes. Lots of opportunity to be creative. Many of the farms offer specialty events and tours, as well as other home-grown items for sale as well. As with the sunflower fields, be sure to check out their websites and/or Facebook pages for current field status. Heavy rains, and super dry days, among other things, can affect picking dates and hours. It's best to bring your own gloves, clippers, and a vase or container for transporting your blooms home. |
FOR THE LOVE OF FLOWERS FARM
Opening July (TBD) U-pick Flower Farm 12114 W. 5 Mile Road, Franksville, WI |
EUGSTER'S FARM MARKET
Late Summer, TBD, see Facebook Eugster's U-Cut Flower Field 3865 WI-138, Stoughton, WI |
ONE EIGHTY PETALS
Currently Taking Reservations U-pick Flower Farm 8999 S. Highland Road, Fish Creek, WI |
LAVENDER FARMSAhhh, lavender. The scent of it is so heady and relaxing. The precious oils are used in aromatherapy, and all kinds of skin care and healing concoctions. And, of course, the blooms are delicately beautiful - perfect for a timeless dried arrangement.
It may surprise you to know that there are several lavender farms in Wisconsin. Originally, I knew of two, but a quick search recently educated me further. Summer is the time to visit a lavender farm. For the beauty, for the homemade products, for the tasty treats like lavender lemonade and lavender ice cream. And for all kinds of events hosted on the farms, including yoga classes, art classes, even classes on how to grow your own lavender. So, if you're a lavender fan, put one of these Wisconsin lavender farms on your list, and check out their websites to browse the menu of items and experiences they have to offer. |
NEW LIFE LAVENDER
& CHERRY FARM Open June 1 through October 5 Lavender Farm Experience E10766 County Road W, Baraboo, WI |
ROWLEY CREEK
LAVENDER FARM Season Begins June 29 Special Events & U-Pick E13901 County Road W, Baraboo, WI |
PONDVIEW LAVENDER FARM
Begins mid-June to mid-July Special Events & U-Pick 3735 Business Hwy 29, Chippewa Falls, WI |
POTTER CREEK LAVENDER
June 26 - July 31, Reservations Required Scheduled Tours & Photography Bookings 3987 State Hwy 32, Pulaski, WI |
FRAGRANT ISLE LAVENDER FARM & SHOP
Mid-June to early September Special Events, Tours, U-Pick 1350 Airport Road, Washington Island, WI |