Where to See Sunflowers Near St. Louis This Summer
There is just something about walking through a field of bright yellow sunflowers that instantly feels like summer. Whether you are looking for the perfect family outing, a beautiful photo backdrop, or a fun u-pick flower farm, there are plenty of places to see sunflowers within a short drive of St. Louis. Since bloom times depend on the weather each year, I always recommend checking each farm’s social media or website before making the drive.
Here are some of my favorite sunflower fields near St. Louis.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area (Spanish Lake, MO)
If you are looking for a free sunflower field near St. Louis, this is my top recommendation. The Missouri Department of Conservation plants multiple sunflower fields each year with staggered bloom times, so you often have several weeks to catch the flowers. The fields are free to visit and are usually at their best from mid-July through early August, depending on the weather.
2026 Update: As of July 7, 2026 the flowers are just starting to bloom in a few fields. The large fields are not in full bloom yet.
Area Hours: Open daily 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Address: 801 Strodtman Rd, St. Louis, MO 63138
Directions: In North St. Louis County, take the Riverview Drive exit from I-270, then Riverview north about 2.50 miles to the area. There are sunflower signs within the conservation area to point you to the fields. There are multiple fields blooming at once typically so drive around until you see one. There is construction in the area so use caution and avoid any closed roads.
Weldon Spring Conservation Area (Weldon Spring, MO)
Another great free option from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the sunflowers are located along the road leading down to the boat ramp, making them easy to find and access. The area is in St. Charles County and is a bit further west than Columbia Bottom, but still very drivable from St. Louis.
2026 Update: Fields are starting to bloom now as of July 7
Admission: Free
Hours: Open daily 4am to 10pm
Address: 6990 S Highway 94, St. Charles, MO 63304
Directions: From Highway 40/61, exit onto Highway 94 and travel south approximately 5.25 miles. The entrance will be on the left. Follow the road down the hill, cross the Katy Trail, and continue on the gravel road following signs toward the boat ramp. The sunflower fields are along this road leading to the boat ramp.
Haudrich Farm (Waterloo, IL)
One of my favorite local u-pick flower farms that supports a great cause. All proceeds from Haudrich Farm go to Growing Hope Globally, a nonprofit fighting world hunger, so your flower purchase goes a long way.
The farm offers sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias throughout the season with multiple staggered plantings so there is something in bloom from early summer through fall. It is fully self-serve though the farm provides scissors and shears for cutting. Both personal and professional photography are welcome at no charge.
2026 Update: As of July 5, the dahlias and sunflower petals are just starting to open while Bachelor Button’s are in full bloom
Admission: Free to visit; flowers priced by stem (sunflowers $2, zinnias $1, dahlias $3)
Hours: Open dawn to dusk, July through October
Address: 7903 State Route 156, Waterloo, IL 62298
Eckert’s Sunflower Experience (Belleville, IL)
If you are looking for more than just flowers, Eckert’s is always a fun choice. Their annual Sunflower Festival typically takes place in late July and early August at the Belleville farm. This event feature walking through the blooms, family activities, specialty food and drinks, local artisan vendors, and all of the great farm shopping Eckert’s is known for.
In 2026 the Sunflower Festival kicks off August 1 from 10am to 2pm. Festival admission is free but tickets are required for the Sunflower Experience itself. Check their website for ticket release dates and any additional special events like Yoga in the Sunflowers and Sunflowers at Sunset throughout the season.
Admission: Festival admission free; Sunflower Experience tickets required (check website for pricing)
Hours: Check Eckert’s event calendar for dates and hours as they vary each year
Address: 951 S. Greenmount Road, Belleville, IL 62220
Brookdale Farms Sunflower Maze (Eureka, MO)
Brookdale Farms is home to one of the area’s most popular sunflower mazes and it opens each September as part of their fall season.
Visitors can walk through the maze and enjoy plenty of photo opportunities, although flower picking is not allowed. During the week the maze is available as a standalone experience while on fall festival weekends it is included with full festival admission. The peak bloom typically lasts about two weeks so sign up for their bloom notifications on the website before planning your trip. Professional photography requires an additional photography pass fee and prior notification. No lighting equipment, ladders, or props are permitted.
Admission: $6 per person Monday through Tuesday as a standalone; included with Fall Festival admission Wednesday through Sunday in September. $3 per stem for cut flowers.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10am to 5pm; Friday through Sunday during Fall Festival
Address: 8004 Twin River Road, Eureka, MO 63025
Marian’s Place at Cliff Cave Park (Oakville, MO)
Marian’s Place is one of the most unique and meaningful sunflower displays in the St. Louis area. This 50-acre wildlife sanctuary along the Mississippi River was established by Tom Rollins in honor of his late wife Marian, who loved sunflowers and passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2023. In 2023 alone nearly 500,000 people visited after the word spread. The sunflower field is located on an elevated plateau with sweeping views of the Mississippi River and surrounding natural habitats. Access begins at the Cliff Cave County Park pavilion parking lot.
It is free to visit, but please remember this is not a u-pick field. Please be respectful of this special place and its mission.
2026 Update: The owners have shared that deer have damaged many of this year’s sunflowers, so blooms may be more limited than in previous years. Check their Facebook or website for updates before visiting.
Admission: Free
Hours: Open during Cliff Cave County Park hours, dawn to dusk
Address: Access via Cliff Cave County Park, 4300 Cliff Cave Road, St. Louis, MO 63129 (follow signs to the pavilion parking lot and look for the Marian’s Place access trail at the northwest corner)
Marine Meadows (Marine, IL)
Marine Meadows is a locally owned small farm with 3 or more acres of sunflower and wildflower fields east of St. Louis. Throughout the season you will find sunflowers along with zinnias, cosmos, and many other flowers. It is a fully self-serve u-pick experience open June through September. Personal photography is free and encouraged. Professional photo sessions are 20/30 minutes or $30/hour.
2026 Update: As of June 24, wildflowers are open for u-pick and a photo op only sunflower field is blooming. Only pick from designated areas on the on site map.
Admission: Free to visit; flowers are $10 for small vase or $15 for large
Hours: Open weekdays 3pm to dusk and weekends 9am to dusk, late July through September
Address: 580 South Oregon Street, Marine, IL
Rendleman Orchards (Alto Pass, IL)
If you don’t mind a longer drive into Southern Illinois, Rendleman Orchards is worth the trip. This place is so beautiful with a huge variety of large and stunning flower fields. There are two separate sunflower plantings here: the main yellow sunflower field is estimated to bloom mid-August, and an autumn sunflower patch blooms from late September through early October.
You can also enjoy the farm market with produce, dairy, and specialty goods, other seasonal flowers, and unique photo op spots throughout the property. Admission is $6 per adult with no fee for cutting your own stems beyond the cup or bucket price. Professional photography is welcome with an updated policy and fee on their website.
2026 Update: As of July 6, the zinnia fields are in full bloom.
Admission: Admission is $6 per person on weekends; Sat 9-5, Sun 12-5, 12 & under FREE, weekdays FREE
flowers sold by cup or bucket ($8 for 22-ounce cup, $20 for 85-ounce tub, $30 for gallon bucket, no admission fee required for large bucket options)
Hours: Open daily through Halloween, Monday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, Sundays 12:00pm-5:00pm
Address: 9252 Highway 127, Alto Pass, IL 62905
DeMange Family Farms (St. Jacob, IL)
This Metro East family farm typically opens its multi-color and traditional sunflower fields along with the fall fun in September.
Admission in past years was $5 per person (babies are free) and includes personal photo access throughout the fields. Pick-your-own blooms are available following staff directions. Professional photography requires a paid pass booked in advance. Check their Facebook page for the latest on bloom timing and opening dates as they announce them closer to the season.
Admission: $5 per person; babies free
Hours: Check DeMange Family Farms Facebook for current hours and opening dates
Address: 1205 Cypress Road, St. Jacob, IL 62281
Bonnie’s Farm (Worden, IL)
Bonnie’s Farm often includes beautiful sunflower fields as part of its annual Fall Festival. If you are planning a fall family outing, this is a fun place to combine flowers with pumpkin patch activities, farm attractions, and seasonal events. Check their website for dates and admission details as they vary by season.
Admission: Varies by event; check website
Hours: Check Bonnie’s Farm website when the fall season kicks off for hours and events
Address: 4795 State Route 140, Worden, IL 62097
Mariah’s Mums & More (Clinton, IL)
Mariah’s Mums & More offers seasonal u-pick flowers throughout the summer, with sunflowers typically blooming in August. Visitors can build their own bouquets in a peaceful country setting.
Admission: Check the website for pricing details but sunflower stems are typically $1/stem
Hours: Check Mariah’s Mums & More Facebook for current hours and bloom updates
Address: 16727 Airport Road Clinton, IL 61727
Tips Before You Visit
- Bloom times change every year depending on rainfall and temperatures
- Always check each farm’s website or social media before making the drive
- Many sunflower fields attract bees so be aware
- Closed toed shoes are recommended in the fields
- Only pick flowers at designated u-pick farms and fields, follow all rules and fees
- Sunrise and the hour before sunset usually provide the best lighting for photos in places that are open during those hours
- Wear light, breathable clothing since most fields are in direct sun
Have another favorite sunflower field near St. Louis? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to my list!
