Best Sunflower Farms Near Milwaukee: 2026 Family Guide

There is something magical about walking into a field of towering sunflowers with your kids. The bright yellow blooms, winding paths and colorful photo opportunities make a sunflower farm one of Wisconsin’s most memorable late-summer outings.

Sunflower season is also surprisingly short. Most southeastern Wisconsin fields reach peak bloom between late July and early September, but an individual planting may look its best for only one or two weeks. Dates can shift because of heat, rain and planting conditions, so always check the farm’s website or Facebook page before leaving home.

Here are the best sunflower farms near Milwaukee for 2026, including confirmed dates, admission prices and what makes each destination special.

Map of 2026 Sunflower Farms

North Shore Family Adventures

Sunflower Farms Near Milwaukee

Explore six sunflower and U-pick flower destinations for summer 2026. Select a marker or farm below for visitor information and directions.

All Farms Late July–Early August Mid-August–September Mixed Flowers ◎ Find Farms Near Me

Late July–early August Mid-August–September Mixed-flower farm

Sunflower dates are weather-dependent. Confirm bloom conditions, hours and admission with the farm before leaving home.

Lannon Sunflower Farm

Best for: A convenient and budget-friendly sunflower outing

W204 N8525 Lannon Road, Menomonee Falls

Located about 30 to 40 minutes from Milwaukee’s North Shore, Lannon Sunflower Farm is generally the closest dedicated sunflower farm on this list.

In addition to U-pick sunflowers, families can explore a kids’ corn maze, wildflower gardens and an adventure trail. Depending on the week, the farm may also offer raspberries, pumpkins, sweet corn and other seasonal produce.

The farm traditionally charges by the vehicle rather than by the person, making it one of the more economical choices for families. Its most recently published rate was $20 cash per vehicle, including 12 U-pick sunflower stems, but the farm had not yet posted its complete 2026 sunflower schedule and pricing as of July 18.

Important details:

• Cash-only operation

• Leashed, well-behaved dogs have traditionally been welcome

• Bring your own clippers or scissors unless the farm announces otherwise

• Hours and field conditions can change quickly

Check the farm’s Facebook page for the current opening date, hours, admission and bloom report.

Why families will like it: You can enjoy the flowers without purchasing separate admission for every family member, and the maze gives kids something to do after the photos are finished.

Skelly’s Sunflower Experience

Best for: Sunflower varieties, photography and special events

2713 S. Hayner Road, Janesville

Skelly’s Farm Market has one of Wisconsin’s most carefully designed sunflower experiences. Its 2026 field covers approximately seven acres and includes about 150,000 blooms representing roughly 30 varieties.

The farm divides the field into three areas:

• A six-acre walking area with rustic photo props and two viewing platforms

• A cutting area where visitors can select flowers to take home

• A specialty area displaying unusual sunflower colors, heights and bloom shapes

Skelly’s anticipated opening around July 22, with the primary season tentatively scheduled through August 9. Because the display lasts only about two to two-and-a-half weeks, check the farm’s bloom update before making the drive.

2026 gate admission:

• Single Flower Experience: $10 for ages 4–12 and $15 for ages 13 and older

• Bouquet Experience: $18 per person

• Ultimate Experience: $30 per person

• Ages 3 and younger: Free

The Single Flower Experience includes field admission, one sunflower, a bakery doughnut and a retail discount. Higher admission levels include six or 12 flowers, with the Ultimate Experience also including a decorative bucket. Online admission is less expensive than gate admission.

Skelly’s also has an extensive 2026 special-event schedule, including Kids’ Days, sunset hours, date nights, art workshops, princess appearances and a mocktail evening.

Extended evening hours are scheduled July 29 through August 5, when the field will remain open until 8 p.m.

Why families will like it: The viewing platforms and photo stations make it easier to capture the scale of the field, while the bakery, market and free playground help turn the visit into a longer outing.

Eugster’s Farm Market Sunflower Days

Best for: A full farm day with younger children

3865 State Road 138, Stoughton

This is the farthest destination in the guide, but it is worth considering for a sunflower-focused day trip. Eugster’s Farm Market planted more than 500,000 sunflowers across more than 10 acres for 2026.

Admission also includes two wildflower patches, a large zinnia field, the Ag-Venture Trail, U-cut flower access, a baby-goat playpen, an orchard, a vineyard and Eugster’s 15-acre petting farm.

2026 schedule:

• Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Tuesdays

• First Bloom Weekend: July 18–19

• Corn Roast Weekends: July 25–26 and Aug. 1–2

• Final Blooms Weekend: Aug. 8–9

• Possible final weekend: Aug. 15–16, depending on bloom conditions

Admission: $10 per person; ages 1 and younger are free. Cash and credit cards are accepted, but tickets are not sold online. The last admission is sold one hour before closing.

Pets are not permitted, except trained service animals.

Why families will like it: This is much more than a flower field. Children can see goats and other farm animals, explore the activity trail and visit several different flower displays during the same outing.

Thompson Farm Sunflower Season

Best for: A larger adventure-farm experience

7825 144th Ave., Bristol

Do not accidentally navigate to Thompson Farm’s strawberry field or mailing address. The sunflower and fall activities take place at 7825 144th Ave. in Bristol.

Thompson Farm’s sunflower season is expected to run from mid-August into September. The farm generally offers three ways to visit:

• Quieter weekday sunflower visits

• Weekend festivals with additional activities

• Weekend evening sessions designed around sunset

The sunflower fields include walking paths, photo installations and seasonal flower picking. Adults receive a 22-ounce souvenir cup to fill with flowers, while children ages 3–12 receive a bubble wand.

As of July 18, Thompson Farm had not announced its 2026 sunflower admission prices. The farm accepts cash, cards and Apple Pay.

Check the official pricing page and daily farm update before visiting.

Why families will like it: Thompson works especially well for families who want activities beyond walking through a field. Its evening admission also provides an opportunity for cooler temperatures and softer photo light.

If your family enjoys picking its own produce, save our guides to strawberry picking near Milwaukee and raspberry U-pick farms.

Basse’s Apple & Sunflower Fest

Best for: Combining flowers with apple picking and fall fun

3190 County Road Q, Colgate

Basse’s Taste of Country offers one of the latest sunflower experiences of the season. Its seventh annual Apple & Sunflower Fest combines a sunflower maze with apple picking, zinnias, photo stations, games and an optional Grain Train ride.

2026 dates:

• Aug. 29–30

• Sept. 4–7

• Sept. 11–13

Hours:

• Fridays: 3–7 p.m.

• Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Labor Day: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Admission: $15.95 per person; children 23 months and younger are free. Tickets are sold at the festival entrance rather than online.

Admission includes a quarter-peck bag for U-pick apples, the sunflower maze, a zinnia walk, photo opportunities, games and the optional Grain Train ride. Picking flowers is not included.

A U-pick flower bucket costs an additional $18.49 and can be filled with sunflowers, zinnias or a combination of both. The reusable metal bucket is included, and the farm supplies cutting shears.

Basse’s is cashless and accepts credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments. Pets are not permitted, except trained service animals.

Why families will like it: This is the best choice for families who want to pair flowers with apple picking. Adults can also visit the beer and wine garden located near the sunflower patch.

For the Love of Flowers Farm

Best for: Creating a colorful mixed bouquet

12114 W. Five Mile Road, Franksville

For the Love of Flowers Farm is not a traditional sunflower maze. Instead, it is a U-pick flower farm growing more than 50 varieties of flowers and foliage, including several kinds of sunflowers.

Visitors can wander through the flower rows, select stems and arrange a personalized bouquet. Clippers and water pails are provided, and there is a shaded area for arranging flowers after picking.

2026 hours:

• Thursdays: 4–7 p.m.

• Saturdays: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

• Sundays: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

The season runs from July through early October, with special workshops and events offered throughout the summer.

Why families will like it: This is a quieter and more creative alternative to a festival-style farm. It is especially good for older kids, grandparents or anyone more interested in arranging flowers than navigating a maze.

What’s the Best Time to Visit?

The best time varies by farm because many destinations plant on different schedules. For 2026, the general timeline looks like this:

• Late July and early August: Skelly’s and Eugster’s

• August: Lannon and Thompson

• Late August and September: Thompson and Basse’s

• July through early October: For the Love of Flowers Farm

Always confirm bloom conditions on the morning of your visit. A severe storm, extended heat or heavy rain can dramatically shorten a field’s season.

What to Bring

Pack lightly, but plan for sun, heat and uneven ground:

• Water bottles

• Sunscreen and hats

• Bug spray

• Closed-toe shoes that can get dusty or muddy

• A wagon or stroller with large wheels for younger children

• Phone charger or backup battery

• Payment appropriate for the farm

• Clippers only if the farm permits outside tools

• A container with water for flowers, unless the farm supplies one

Avoid assuming that every farm permits picnics, pets, professional photography or outside cutting tools. Policies vary considerably.

Sunflower Photography Tips

For the best family photos, visit in the morning or during the final hour or two before sunset. Midday sunlight can create strong shadows and uncomfortable heat.

Try a mix of photographs:

• Children walking naturally along the paths

• Close-ups of hands holding flowers

• Photos taken from a lower angle to emphasize the height of the plants

• Wide images from viewing platforms

• Candid moments rather than only posed family portraits

Solid blues, whites, greens and warm earth tones stand out nicely against yellow flowers. Most importantly, remain on the marked paths and never bend or move plants for a photograph.

A Fun Sunflower Fact for Kids

Young sunflower buds exhibit heliotropism, meaning they move from east to west as they follow the sun during the day. Mature flower heads generally stop moving and face east. That east-facing position helps the flowers warm more quickly in the morning and can make them more attractive to pollinators.

Farm Etiquette and Safety

Help keep these fields open for future visitors:

• Remain on designated paths

• Pick only in marked cutting areas

• Supervise children around farm equipment

• Do not climb on tractors or props unless the farm expressly permits it

• Give bees and other pollinators space

• Watch for holes, roots and uneven terrain

• Carry out everything you bring into the field

• Follow each farm’s photography and pet policies

Flower fields can become muddy after rain, and many paths are not suitable for lightweight umbrella strollers.

More Summer Adventures Near Milwaukee

Sunflower season arrives during one of the busiest stretches of Wisconsin summer. Continue the fun with our guide to 102 summer adventures around Milwaukee, explore a local raspberry U-pick farm or plan a visit using our 2026 Wisconsin county fair guide.

Sunflowers do not wait for anyone. Check the bloom report, pack some water and make the trip while the fields are glowing. A few hours among the flowers may become one of your family’s favorite memories of summer 2026.