Posted by Michael Perna on Thursday, August 21st, 2025 3:32pm.
Michigan’s sunflower season is short, bright, and absolutely worth planning around. From Lake Superior sunsets behind golden blooms in the Upper Peninsula to kid-friendly mazes and u-pick bouquets downstate, the state’s farms deliver a burst of color right when summer is hitting its stride. Bloom windows vary by region and weather, fields often open or close with a few days’ notice, and photo policies can change by the weekend. The goal here is simple: help families and savvy locals pick the right field, show up prepared, and leave with great photos and even better memories.
Below you’ll find a quick-compare snapshot, then a region-by-region breakdown of Michigan’s best sunflower farms and festivals. Every listing includes practical details, insider context, and on-the-ground tips that matter when you’ve got kids, strollers, cameras, or a full weekend itinerary in play.
Hall Farms, Facebook
Expect earlier blooms up here and cooler nights. The UP’s signature experience is big-sky color at sunset with fewer crowds than downstate. Bring layers and plan around longer drives.
A classic UP field with a viewing platform that looks out over a sea of blooms, Hall Farms is built for sunset photos and unhurried strolls. Families like the simple, open layout that makes it easy to frame shots without jostling for space. The bloom typically peaks in August, with updates posted as conditions change. Expect rustic parking, grass paths, and a friendly, low-frills vibe. Admission posted seasonally; u-pick availability varies. Photo policy is friendly for personal use. Market, restrooms, and produce on site. Parking on-site. Time for a late-day visit for softer light in the maze. If Send Brothers’ field is open, entry is typically via Edgecomb’s corner location. Check the market feed the morning of your visit.
Northern Lower blooms linger a touch longer than the UP. Fields around Grand Traverse and Leelanau often pair with scenic overlooks or roadside stops. Weekend crowds are real, so go early or lean into golden hour.
Edgecomb’s runs a seasonal maze and often coordinates access to nearby fields, with updates posted frequently. It is easy to pair a market stop with a sunflower stroll, and the location just south of Cherry Capital Airport makes it a convenient add-on to a beach or downtown plan. Families appreciate the straightforward parking and short walk to the field. Admission posted seasonally; u-pick availability varies. Photo policy is friendly for personal use. Market, restrooms, and produce on site. Parking on-site. Time a late-day visit for softer light in the maze. If Send Brothers’ field is open, entry is typically via Edgecomb’s corner location. Check the market feed the morning of your visit.
Leabo is known for sweeping hillside sunflowers with simple, honor-system access during bloom. Because plantings are staggered, you can often find color for weeks, but exact timing shifts each summer. The vibe is low-key and photogenic, with easy roadside access. Bring cash for u-pick or donations if posted. Honor-system visits and u-pick vary by year. Personal photos welcome. No restrooms in-field; plan accordingly. Roadside parking. Climb to the top of the hill for a bayward backdrop. Pack bug spray and a small step stool for kids in taller plantings.
A beloved u-pick flower garden on Old Mission Peninsula, with sunflower rows in season and panoramic water views nearby. It is set up for self-serve cutting, accepts multiple payment methods, and posts straightforward guidance for first-time pickers. The garden sits at the corner of Center and Ladd, which makes it easy to combine with a peninsula drive or beach stop. Self-serve u-pick with per-stem pricing. Personal photos welcome; be mindful of other guests. Parking roadside. Cash, card alternatives accepted. Bring your own clean vase or bucket for the drive home. Early morning or late evening delivers softer light and fewer shadows.
Send Brothers plants large roadside displays east of Traverse City near Maple Bay. Some seasons include walk-in access or a maze that coordinates through Edgecomb’s; other seasons are scenic viewing only. Expect quick bloom shifts with heat or storms, and follow social feeds the week you plan to visit. Admission and access vary yearly. Personal photos typically welcome; respect posted signs. Roadside or market parking. Sunset shots facing west on clear evenings. Never pick flowers unless u-pick is expressly offered. It keeps these roadside displays coming back.
Edgecomb’s often posts same-day sunflower status for visitors who want a short, family-friendly stop. It is an easy add to a beach day, wine tasting, or a downtown TC plan. Admission posted seasonally. Photos welcome for personal use. Grab fresh corn and take a sunflower stroll in one stop. If the maze is open, weekday afternoons are calmer.
Bremer Produce, Facebook
West Michigan runs deep with family farms, markets, and mazes. Expect lots of u-pick options and add-on activities, from bakeries to petting zoos.
Bremer keeps it simple and welcoming, with self-serve u-pick hours that match family schedules and soft evening light. Fields are clearly signed, and pricing is posted on site or online. Expect a calm, respectful crowd and bring exact payment when possible. Admission free; pay for stems. Self-serve u-pick, dawn to dusk. Personal photos welcome. On-site parking area. Build a mixed bouquet with sunflowers plus filler stems. Bring clippers and a bucket to protect stems in transit.
A photogenic field that leans casual and community minded. Some seasons include small props and mowed paths, with donations encouraged. Because access can change year to year, watch for current directions and field placement before you go. Admission usually low cost or donation. Personal photos welcome. Field parking. Pair the visit with a Lake Michigan beach stop near White Lake. If winds are high, arrive earlier to beat the breeze and glare.
This 2.5 acre sunflower maze typically opens in mid August with special golden-hour nights and family activities. The market and flower field add easy extras like tomatoes and a petting area, and the team keeps hours and ticketing clear online. Admission posted online. U-pick and per-stem options vary. Personal photos welcome; pro sessions check in. Market, restrooms, and parking on site. Book a golden-hour slot when available. Maze paths are grass. Closed-toe shoes beat sandals if it rained.
A century-old farm that now pairs sunflowers with live music, dinners, and weekend events. Expect a lively scene, a good bakery, and plenty of reasons to linger after photos. Updates land frequently during bloom, including ticketed evenings. Admission varies by event. U-pick details vary by field. Personal photos welcome; pro sessions see policies. Parking on site; food and drinks available. Catch a Friday or Saturday music night with the fields as backdrop. Reservations may be required for select events. Check the farm calendar first.
Hanulcik combines a long-running market with seasonal sunflower patches and other u-pick produce. It is a straightforward, family-first stop with clear directions and a reliable season rhythm. Admission varies; call or check posts for sunflower days. Personal photos welcome. Parking on site. Fold a sunflower stop into a late-summer peach run. Call ahead on windy or rainy days to confirm field conditions.
A full-blown family destination with a zoo, market, and large summer hours that make day trips easy. Flower Mania layers in extensive cut-flower and sunflower experiences, plus classic farm attractions. Expect lines on blue-sky Saturdays and plan your timing. General admission required; flower field closes before farm close. Personal photos welcome; pro sessions check site. Food, restrooms, and shade options available. Mix sunflower time with a zoo loop for little kids. Arrive early to snag parking near the entrance on peak weekends.
Rasch runs a summer sunflower maze that transitions into a haunted version on October weekends. It is a great fit for families who want a maze, market treats, and a manageable drive from Grand Rapids. Admission posted by season. Personal photos welcome; tripods may be limited on busy days. On-site parking, baked goods, and fall u-pick options. Do the maze twice, once in full sun and again near sunset for softer photos. If you want apples and the maze, aim for mid to late September.
Corey Lake Orchards, Facebook
This corner stacks orchards and classic farm markets. Expect big variety plantings, sunset sessions, and easy tie-ins with lake days.
Two fields and a steady stream of late-summer updates make Corey Lake a reliable bet. The team often offers guidance for photographers and posts specific bloom timing. The market’s donuts and a weekend flower bar sweeten the stop. Admission posted; u-pick and photo details vary. Restrooms and market on site. Parking adjacent. Golden-hour sessions when offered. Check the weekly “What’s in Season” post before you drive.
A dedicated cut-flower experience with sunflowers, dahlias, and more. Weekends only for U-pick keeps crowds manageable, and staff provide clippers and tips for first-timers. It is an easy in-and-out for families. Admission for U-pick plus per-stem or container pricing. Personal photos welcome. Parking on site. Build a dahlia-plus-sunflower bouquet late season. Bring a short bucket and cool water for the ride home.
A simple, beautiful field that leans into the joy of the view. Some years offer small merch and light amenities. As always with open fields, treat it gently to keep this spot available to the public. Admission often free or donation. Personal photos welcome. Roadside parking. Visit on a partly cloudy afternoon for dramatic sky texture. Avoid stepping into rows to keep plants standing for others.
Gull Meadow is a sunflower powerhouse with dozens of varieties and well-managed festival days. Expect clear ticketing, strong family amenities, and lots of photo props. It is a crowd-pleaser that runs like clockwork. Timed or day tickets required in season. U-pick options and jar or bucket pricing offered. Personal photos welcome; golden-hour windows limited. Stage a height shot with kids among different varieties. Book early in August. The best time slots sell out.
Think classic cider-mill country with late-summer blooms rolling into fall donuts. Distances are short, which makes multi-stop afternoons easy.
A newer, family-friendly farm that layers sunflowers into a broader set of seasonal activities. Expect daily market hours in summer and easy add-ons for kids. Admission varies; u-pick offered in season. Personal photos welcome. Petting farm and play area. Grab hand-dipped ice cream after photos. Watch social posts for the first big bloom week.
A small, kid-run plot with a tight-knit community vibe and donation buckets for cut blooms. It is a quick, wholesome stop for photos and a good way to support young growers. Admission free; donation per stem common. Personal photos welcome. Roadside parking. Put a few dollars in the jar to keep this going. Bring small bills or use the posted digital pay option.
Over 25 acres of sunflowers plus themed events like yoga, dinners, and a color run turn this into a full destination. If you want a festival feel with wall-to-wall blooms, this is your move. Ticketed festival; u-pick included for a stem. Personal photos welcome; pro sessions may require coordination. Parking on site. Book a dinner in the sunflowers if seats remain. Go first thing in the morning for softer light and cooler temps.
A Mid-Michigan favorite that treats sunflowers as a seasonal bonus to cider-mill fun. Look for pop-up admission days when the field is at peak and pair your visit with bakery stops. Ticketed sunflower windows; one stem often included. Personal photos welcome. Market, concessions, wagon rides on select days. Warm donuts after golden hour. Check the field’s exact open dates; they can be short.
A big, beloved mill that runs sunflower days alongside its bakery, taproom, and farm trail. Expect clear calendars and a classic family crowd. Admission or jar pricing posted by date. Personal photos welcome. Parking on site, many add-on activities. Taproom sip, then a farm-trail loop post-photos. Watch the calendar for U-pick days and bring a jar for transport.
Known for fall fun, The Wild Pumpkin also opens fields for summer color and photos. It is a gentle, family-leaning stop with simple amenities and good signage. Admission varies; check site. Personal photos welcome. Parking on site. Use farm props for height variation in photos. Come early with toddlers to avoid midday heat.
Ankley Family Farm, Facebook
This is Michigan’s festival capital for sunflowers, with big-acre displays, jar and bucket pricing, and plenty of food trucks and live music. Expect crowds on peak weekends and book ahead.
A photogenic trail pairs sunflowers with wildflowers and a friendly u-cut field. Prices are clear, sessions are relaxed, and the trail layout is made for family photos. Admission for trail; u-cut jars and buckets priced on site. Personal photos welcome. Parking and farm stand on site. Walk the trail at golden hour for backlit blooms. Bring clippers and a wide-mouth jar if you plan to u-cut.
A massive, well-run festival with wagon rides to the fields, music, demos, and big vendor energy. This is the most “event” version of sunflowers in the state. Buy tickets in advance and plan your parking strategy. Ticketed admission; u-pick options on site. Personal photos welcome; pro policies posted. Food, drinks, restrooms, and shaded seating available. Golden-hour wagon ride to the field. Early Sunday sessions are calmer than primetime Saturday.
CornFun adds a sunflower festival to its fall lineup, with hayrides, maze time, and plenty of family photo spots. It is a quick hop for Macomb and St. Clair families. Ticketed admission. Personal photos welcome. Parking on site. Combine the maze and the field for a half-day visit. If you want quieter photos, arrive at opening.
Metro Detroit’s biggest sunflower event by acreage and attendance. Expect thick blooms, a clean operation, and a wide spread of family activities. Tickets are date-specific and sell fast in fair weather. Ticketed festival; u-pick options on site. Personal photos welcome; check rules for props and pro shoots. Parking on site, concessions available. Plan a golden-hour entry for softer light. Book ahead for the first fair-weather Saturday of bloom.
Five acres of trail, classic farm touches, and u-pick stems when posted. Pair it with a stop at the summer market on Rodesiler Highway if you want more bouquet variety. Admission posted seasonally; u-pick stem pricing on site. Personal photos welcome. Parking on site. Do an engagement-style walk through the trail at sunset. Watch the separate summer market address if you are chasing bouquets.
A well-curated cut-flower farm with dedicated sunflower beds and a calm, picnic-friendly setting. It is ideal for families with varied ages who want an easy, low-stress u-pick. Pay by stem or container. Personal photos welcome. Bathrooms and shade limited. Plan a weekday morning cut for fewer crowds. Bring water, clippers, and a towel-lined bucket.
A longtime orchard and cider spot that hosts Sunshine Acres festivals among its fields. Expect a country atmosphere, plenty of space, and a busy weekend crowd during bloom. Admission posted for festival days. Personal photos welcome. Market, bakery, and beverages on site. Pair the field with a cider flight on the deck. GPS sometimes misroutes. Follow the website directions if you are new to the area.
A low-key, community favorite that welcomes photos when the patch peaks. Donation boxes sometimes appear; be respectful and stay on mowed paths. Admission often free; donations encouraged. Personal photos welcome. Roadside parking. Frame photos with the field edge to keep a clean horizon. Bring bug spray at dusk.
Seven-plus acres of sunflowers and wildflowers when conditions cooperate, with jar and bucket options. It is an easy drive for Livingston and western Washtenaw families. Admission and cutting options posted by date. Personal photos welcome. Parking on site. Keep stems long and recut at home for better vase life. Afternoons run warm. Aim mornings with kids.
Wagon rides to the field, u-pick options by the jar or bucket, and plenty of farm fun make Westview a reliable pick north of Detroit. Tickets often open early, and best times sell out. Ticketed admission. Personal photos welcome. Parking and restrooms on site. Book an early slot and ride straight to the field before the heat. Photo props help with height. Bring a small step stool for family portraits.
Michigan’s sunflower season is fast, bright, and unpredictable in the best way. Pick your region, confirm day-of details, and pack the simple gear that makes visits easy. If you are weighing neighborhoods, school commutes, or want a family-friendly move that puts you near farms, trails, and weekend drives, reach out. Local, practical advice is what we do every day in Metro Detroit.
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