There’s something magical about standing in a field of sunflowers. Check out these tall, cheery flowers at various places around the metro area. Take a selfie, have a full-on family photoshoot, or just enjoy the serene vistas. Be sure to check websites or social media as sunflower season starts only when the flowers are ready!
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity.
Where to see Sunflowers around Des Moines and Central Iowa
Carl Voss Trail, Des Moines
Where: Park near the intersection of Rose Ave and East 26th St on the south side
This sunflower patch is a hidden gem, located in Des Moines off of the Carl Voss Trail. Let the kids run and explore in the blooms. Be sure to bring your camera for fun photo ops. The 5-mile trail starts in downtown Des Moines and goes to Easter Lake. Park at Hosanna Church and follow the path behind it to the left for about 10 minutes to find the sunflowers.
Bank Swallow Bend
Where: 12565 168th Ave Ackworth, IA
From Indianola: head East on Highway 92. Turn South on Highway S23. At the intersection of S23 and 168th, Turn Left onto S23. The parking lot will be on your right and sunflowers are east of the parking lot.
When: Early to mid July
Center Grove Orchard
Where: 32835 610th Avenue, Cambridge
When: Starting late August through early October
Admission: TBD
Features: Wander the fields and get lost in the beautiful blooms. Cut your own flowers or purchase fresh-cut stems in the Country Store. Sunflowers will bloom through mid-October, so make sure to plan a visit!
PepperHarrow Farm
This 20-acre flower farm in Winterset is NOT open to the public, but you can schedule a visit. Their sunflower plots are available for rent to local photographers. You can also do a Cut Your Own Bouquet Experience–a fun activity with kids or friends. Check their website for more details.
Badger Creek State Park
Where: 120th Lane, Van Meter
You don’t want to miss these sunflower fields! When they are blooming (typically mid to late July) in all their glory they are a sight to be seen (and photographed).
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch
Where: 3145 Howell Court, Cumming
When: Sunflower Festival, July 29, 30; August 5, 6, 12, 13
Admission: $16 per person ages 2 years and older if purchased in advance; $18 per person at the gate.
Features: Enjoy a tractor ride to the flower fields and take in the view of the breathtaking countryside. All guests are invited to take a stroll among the colorful rows of flowers, cut their own stems for purchase, and take photos with their families and friends. Check the website for dates.
Deal’s Orchard
Where: 1102 244th St., Jefferson
Enjoy the beauty of their 1.5-acre sunflower field. With anticipated bloom in early September- the exact dates will be determined by the weather. Follow their Facebook for updates on when the field will be in bloom. The blooms will be at their peak for 10-14 days. Admission to the sunflower field is included with your Apple Acres admission.
