Lotus Flowers at Powell Gardens | Kingsville, Missouri
In the early-morning hours of late summer, the waters of the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden dazzle with pink, yellow, and white blooms. Each morning, the large blossoms of lotus flowers rise above the water’s surface and slowly open. As the sun makes its way into the afternoon, the lotus petals begin to close. At Powell Gardens, visitors can walk the 1-mile Family Discovery Loop, where they will find a large lotus garden surrounded by viewing decks, the perfect spot to experience the brightly colored blooms. With more than 900 acres, Powell Gardens offers plenty to explore beyond the lotus blooms, including the Fountain Garden, with annuals and sprays of water for cooling, and the Meadow and Pavilion, with native prairie grasses and flowers. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a nature photographer, or simply looking for a tranquil summer escape, the gardens offer an invitation to experience one of the Midwest’s more elegant late-season blooms.
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See Also: Scenic spots to see sunflowers within driving distance of St. Louis
Von Bergen’s Sunflower Festival | Hebron, Illinois
Each summer, thousands of sunflowers transform the 30 acres of the Von Bergen’s Country Market into a colorful oasis of golden petals. The Sunflower Festival marks this annual occasion with live music, food vendors, wagon rides, and family-friendly activities, drawing artists, photographers, and families alike. Visitors can wander through the sunflower fields and cut a bouquet to take home. The market sells baked goods, jams, and other locally made products. While sunflowers are the main attraction, the farm setting invites visitors to slow down, enjoy the countryside, and appreciate one of nature’s brightest displays. Depending on weather, blooms peak from late July into August.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm | Washington Island, Wisconsin
If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through the lavender fields of Provence, France, you don’t have to travel so far. Located on the scenic Washington Island, just off Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula, Fragrant Isle is one of the largest lavender farms in the Midwest, with more than 20,000 plants arranged in neat rows on the manicured grounds. Peak bloom typically takes place in July, though many varieties bloom into early August. While visiting the farm, you can stroll the fields, browse the gardens with dozens of lavender varieties, and learn about the cultivation and harvesting of the herb. The farm has a café that serves lavender lemonade, cookies, ice cream, and other treats. You’ll also want to stock up on essential oils, candles, culinary products, and small gifts while at the boutique. Be sure to save time to explore the island’s shoreline, especially the smooth limestone rocks of Schoolhouse Beach. A visit to Fragrant Isle, as well as Washington Island, offers a slower pace in which you can enjoy the beauty of one of summer’s most beloved blooms.
