Nothing eases the transition from the heat of summer into the early days of fall festivals quite like a field of sunflowers lit by a backdrop of the setting or rising sun. Brave potential bees for the sweetest photo opportunities at these driveable farms.
Where: Eureka, Missouri
When: The sunflower maze opens in September 2025. It’s open to the public Monday–Thursday, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Friday–Sunday with Fall Festival admission. Pricing: Admission is $5 per person Monday–Thursday. Friday–Sunday access requires a Fall Festival ticket.
Options: Brookdale Farms features a full sunflower maze for guests to walk through and enjoy, but flower picking is not allowed.
Is photography available? Yes, personal photography is allowed during regular hours, but professional sessions require a photography pass, site fee, and prior notification. Props, ladders, and lighting equipment are not permitted.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Where: Spanish Lake, Missouri
When: Open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Sunflowers bloom early July through late August.
Pricing: Free entry
Options: This state park boasts 10–15 fields with staggered bloom times throughout the season.
Is photography available? Personal photography is allowed, but professional photography requires a permit.
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Where: Belleville, Illinois
When: The Sunflower Trail and Festival take place in early August, with the festival scheduled for August 2, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Field access is ticketed. Sunflower mini photo sessions also occur during this time and require pre-registration.
Pricing: A ticket is required for access to the sunflower fields. Additional fees apply for mini photo sessions. Other festival activities, such as face painting, are free.
Options: Visitors can explore a 2-acre sunflower trail, designed like a corn maze, where they can walk through and interact with the blooms. The trail offers ample opportunities for family fun and scenic photo ops.
Is photography available? Yes, photography is encouraged. Visitors may take their own photos throughout the trail. Professional mini photo sessions are also offered by reservation.
Where: Waterloo, Illinois
When: Through September, as long as the blooms are available.
Pricing: $1–$3 per stem
Options: U-pick flowers include sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias.
Is photography allowed? Both professional and personal photography is free of charge and welcome at Haudrich Farm.
Where: Clinton, Illinois
When: June–August, Saturdays only, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; September–October, Thursday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Pricing: $0.75 per stem; $12 per vase from the Make & Take Bouquet Bar
Options: Among its other u-cut flower offerings (including zinnias, snapdragons, and more), sunflower u-pick is available July through late September. Cutting supplies and instructions can be found inside the Bouquet Barn, just in front of the property’s Farm Market.
Is photography available? General visitor photography is not restricted.
Where: Marine, Illinois
When: End of July through September; weekdays 3 p.m.–dusk and weekends 9 a.m.–dusk
Pricing: $1 per stem or $15 fill a mason jar (jar included)
Options: Marine Meadows has dedicated u-pick rows with zinnias, cosmos, basil, marigolds, and sunflowers.
Is photography allowed? Yes. Professional photo sessions are $25 per hour. Personal photos are free and encouraged.
Where: Alto Pass, Illinois
When: The yellow sunflower field is estimated to bloom mid-August, and the autumn sunflower patch will bloom late September–early October.
Pricing: $6 adult admission; $8 22-ounce cup; $20 85-ounce tub (no admission fee); $30 gallon bucket (no admission fee)
Options: Both of the orchard’s sunflower fields are open to u-pick, with one blooming later in the season. The property also is home to a farm market with a robust range of produce, dairy, and gourmet and speciality gifts; other u-pick flower and crop options; and a farm-immersion experience at the Cottage at Rendleman Orchards.
Is photography allowed? Yes; find the updated policy here. Be on the lookout for Rendleman’s unique photo op spots.
Where: St. Jacob, Illinois
When: Late July–August
Price: Admission fee applies.
Options: This Metro East gem has yet to announce its sunflower season, but the fun farm typically offers a range of photo ops each season.
Is photography available? Yes; professional photographers are charged $25 per hour or $250 for the season.
Where: Bunker Hill, Illinois
When: Now through the end of September; Thursdays and Fridays 5–8 p.m. and Saturdays 8–11 a.m.
Pricing: $15–$60 per bucket
Options: At this cut-your-own farm, sunflowers and zinnias are the primary focus. Wood Acres also boasts a special spot to arrange and decorate your vase, crafts, and workshops.
Is photography allowed? Yes. Professional photographers are required to fill out the form on Wood Acre’s website. Personal photos are free and allowed.
Where: Oakville, Missouri
When: Early August through September, as long as blooms are available
Pricing: Free to view and take photos but not for u-pick.
Options: On the private property next to the lower lot in Cliff Cave Park, one landowner has planted sunflowers as a tribute to his deceased wife in a display known as Marian’s Place. He welcomes visitors.
Is photography allowed? Yes.
