20+ Breathtaking Sunflower fields in Maryland to visit

I don’t know about you, but I love the beauty of Sunflowers! Imagine standing in the middle of a sea of vibrant yellow sunflowers, tall stalks, carrying the sweet fragrance of nature all around you. Trust me, this is what awaits you in sunflower fields in Maryland, a magical escape that promises to leave you and your family mesmerized.

Sunflowers are a beloved summertime sight, with their vibrant yellow petals that seem to stretch on forever. In Maryland, there are several stunning sunflower fields perfect for families who want to enjoy some quality time together while admiring nature’s beauty. At most of these, you can enjoy an educational farm tour, purchase sunflowers to take home, or simply take some stunning photos.

From sprawling meadows of bright blooms to smaller patches of cheerful flowers, I have compiled a list of the best sunflower fields in Maryland for families to visit this summer.

20+ Sunflower fields in Maryland to visit for 2023

1. Magnolia Meadow Farms

• Address: 13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
• Hours: Fridays: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sundays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Fees: $15 (Children 2 & under are FREE)

Magnolia Meadows Farm is a local family-owned farm that grows a variety of things like pumpkins, gourds, and sunflowers and also cut flowers for their fall activities. The farm spans about 320 acres and is nestled in the farmland of Northern Frederick County, MD where they also grow hay, corn, and soybeans.

Each summer, the fields of sunflowers attract thousands of visitors from around the region who come to admire their beauty and take pictures.

The peak bloom period usually occurs in September, but it can vary from year to year. It is important to note that Magnolia Meadows Farm is a working farm and therefore visitors should take extra care when exploring the sunflower fields.

While picnicking and photography are allowed on the property, they ask that you avoid trampling any plants and stay on the designated paths. Visitors can also find a variety of other activities especially fun things for the kids at Magnolia Meadows Farm such as hay rides, feeding the animals, pumpkin picking and cut flower u-pick options.

They also offer special events like their Fall Festival in October where visitors can enjoy carnival games, live music, food trucks, and more!

The staff is super friendly, courteous, and accommodating! The farm has tons of photo props in the field to use including swings, a bathtub, a tractor, and more, so if you need great sunflower pictures, you are in luck.

Pro tip: You have to try the lemonade, especially in the summer heat, it is very refreshing!

Their Fall Festival admission fee includes access to over 20 different activities including Maryland’s Largest Corn Maze, hayrides, jumping pillow, slides, mini zip lines, pedal karts, farm animal interactions, and more but does not include pumpkins, sunflowers, cut flowers, apple cannons, gem mining, food/drinks, & merchandise. 

2. McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

• Address: 18600 River Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837

Located just an hour’s drive from Washington D.C., this beautiful area spans over 2000 acres and is home to some of the most breathtaking sunflower fields in Maryland.

Each year, visitors flock to McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area to witness the stunning beauty of its sunflower fields. With over 30 acres of sunflowers in bloom, visitors can lose themselves in the endless rows of vibrant yellow blooms that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Apart from the stunning beauty of the sunflower fields, McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From hiking and birdwatching to fishing and kayaking, there’s something for everyone here.

One of the most popular activities at McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area is taking pictures in the sunflower fields. With its breathtaking beauty and stunning scenery, the sunflower fields make for the perfect backdrop for a family photo shoot or a romantic couples’ shoot.

If you’re planning to visit McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The sunflower fields typically bloom from late July to early August, so plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, the area can get quite busy during peak season, so be prepared for crowds and arrive early to secure a good spot. Plus you cannot cut the sunflowers here which is a bummer but again, you can still take great pictures.

Pro tip: Take insect repellants or bug sprays and poison ivy with you as it has an insane amount of bees which is not surprising but my kids hate bees so that was an issue. Although I have heard there are fewer bees/ bugs at dawn compared to daytime. 

Additionally, it’s quite hard to get here due to the poor signage and there is not much parking. 

3. Gaver Farm

• Address: 5501 Detrick Rd Mt. Airy, MD 21771
• Hours: Usually 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Gaver Farm is a family-owned farm located in the picturesque countryside of Maryland. Known for its vibrant sunflower fields, Gaver Farm is a popular destination for families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. There are a lot of photo props in the sunflower fields, especially the piano. With over 6 acres of sunflowers in bloom, visitors can immerse themselves in a sea of yellow and take in the stunning beauty of these majestic blooms. 

Gaver Farm offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including a giant maze made out of sunflowers, pick-your-own sunflowers, pumpkin patches, and a variety of farm animals to interact with. Additionally, Gaver Farm hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, including a fall festival, sunflower festival, and more.

You can also pick your sunflowers here!

Gaver farm is also one of the best places to check out corn mazes in Maryland, plus it has pumpkin picking and a bunch of other pick-your-own fruits. They have one of the best apple cider donuts, hot dogs, and slushies. 

4. Butler’s Orchard Sunflowers

• Address: 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD 20876
• Hours: Friday-Sunday: 8:30 am-8 pm | Monday (Labor Day): 8:30 am-2 pm
• Fees: $10/person online, $12/person at the gate (walk-ins only accepted if they are not sold out ahead of time). Children under 24 months are free

Nestled in the scenic countryside of Maryland, Butler’s Orchard is a beautiful family-owned farm that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. It is one of our favorite farms to go for fruit picking and other fun summer and fall activities in Maryland.

One of the highlights of this charming farm is its stunning sunflower fields that span over 25 acres. Visitors can stroll through the fields and take in the vibrant yellow blooms that stretch as far as the eye can see, making for the perfect photo opportunity. 

Butler’s Orchard also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, slides, a playground, and a pick-your-own farm where visitors can harvest their produce. In addition, the farm hosts a range of seasonal events throughout the year, such as a fall festival and a strawberry festival. 

They also have a Sunflower Spectacular event where visitors can enjoy picking sunflowers at sunset. The sunflowers usually have their peak bloom mid to late august which means you can enjoy the sunflowers while also exploring one of the best pumpkin patches in Maryland. 

They have amazing Doc waters hard cider, donuts, and more to eat.

5. Lockbriar Farms

• Address: 10051 Worton Rd Chestertown, MD 21620
• Hours: Seasonally from May to December

Lockbriar Farms is a family-owned farm located in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This beautiful farm is known for its stunning sunflower fields, which offer a breathtakingly beautiful sight to visitors. Visitors can also pick blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sunflowers, lavenders, and more.

The sunflowers typically bloom in early august, and the farm hands guests a mason jar so they can pick sunflowers.

6. Clarksville Sunflower Market at Mary’s Land Farm

• Address: Mary’s Land Farm 4979 Sheppard Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042

This sunflower market is about 6 acres and has about 17 sunflower varieties in bloom ranging from 2 feet to 12 feet in height. The sunflowers typically bloom in August so visitors can stroll through the fields, take pictures with the stunning blooms, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the farm. During their annual sunflower market, visitors will enjoy some live music, food trucks, artisans, and more. 

The market is usually open for the sunflower festival on weekdays and weekends. On weekends, they have a wagon ride to and from the entrance while on weekdays they do not. But no matter what day you go, you can enjoy unlimited walking in the sunflower field, take photos, and pick your own sunflowers. 

The staff members are super helpful, after purchasing tickets online and arriving, they are there from the beginning to help direct people around and have clear signage everywhere to help guide visitors.

If you go on a hot day, you might want to explore the market area first and then go to the sunflower fields to prevent the flowers you pick from wilting away.

The Clarksville Sunflower Festival is about an hour from Washington DC and is a great time for visitors to enjoy the blooming sunflower fields, great live music from local artists, shop the vendors and food trucks and also pick their own sunflowers. 

7. Clear Meadow Farm Sunflower Field

• Address: 3767 Norrisville Rd. Jarrettsville, MD 21084

This is a favorite for a lot of people due to its late bloom which is typically in September because it tends to be slightly cooler than July and August which are the hottest months of the year. This sunflower field has about 21 acres of sunflowers. Although it is not a pick-your-own field as visitors are not allowed to cut the sunflowers, you can buy pre-cut ones for I think $1 a stem.

Another pro for families with kids is the sunflowers are shorter than other places that could get as high as 12 feet so families can get great pictures with their kids and the full sunflowers.

There are also a lot of bees, so might be great to take insect repellants

8. Gold Petal Farms

• Address: 37254 Manor Rd, Chaptico, MD
• Hours: Seasonal (sunflowers run from about June through October)
• Fees: $15 for adults and kids 7 and over. The Maze is free for kids aged 6 and under. 

Gold petals farm located in Chaptico, MD is a fairly new one to sunflower fields and is a hidden gem. It has well-designed sunflower mazes, right now they have 2, an easy one and a challenging one. I prefer the easy sunflower maze when I go with my kids but if I were to go alone soon, I would try out the challenging one. 

It has lots of flowers, with rows of wildflowers for visitors to stroll through and pick.

The farm changes its sunflower maze yearly to keep things exciting. In previous years, it had designs such as Starry Starry Night, Cow jumped over the moon, Bob Ross, and more. They also have pick-your-own flower gardens. The farm is usually open from June through October depending on weather and field conditions. 

One cool thing if you love taking pictures, they have photo contests where you can submit your best photo from their location. Visitors can buy pre-cut flowers although they recommend you bring tall containers and water to take the flowers home safely.

Outside of enjoying the sunflowers, Gold petals farm has fun activities for kids such as memory, painting, and corn hole.

Pro tip: Make sure you bring a head fan, hat, and bug spray not for the bees, but the other bugs there plus it can get super hot.

There are 2 port-a-potties just outside the entrance to the farm. 

9. Burnside Farms

• Address: 11008 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA 20181

Although located in Virginia, I have to include Burnside farms. This family-owned farm has amazingly beautiful sunflower fields. They also have pick-your-own farms for tulips. The farm has about 30 varieties of sunflowers planted on over 50 acres which start to bloom in July through labor day. 

The farm even has a special event called Sunflower sunsets which is an evening on the farm that happens every evening from 4 pm to dusk to view the sea of sunflowers. 

There is also a large area that is perfect for a picnic especially after checking out the sunflowers plus it’s shaded!

10. Rocky Point Creamery Sunflower Field

• Address: 4323A Tuscarora Road Tuscarora, MD 21790
• Hours: Thursday to Sunday 11.30 am-7 pm.

Does the idea of sunflowers and ice cream excite you? Then look no further, Rocky Point Creamery Sunflower Field is the perfect place. The creamery here has over 120 flavors of homemade ice cream, with milk, brown eggs, cheese, beef, and a beautiful 2-acre sunflower field in late summer and early fall.

The sunflowers are $1 and the beautiful thing is 100% of the funds from the sunflowers go to St Jude’s children’s research hospital. 

When you enter the field, there are scissors and a jar for you to use and also put donations as there are no entrance fees. They also suggest that if you do not pick sunflowers but come just for pictures to please put in a small donation. It’s a pretty small sunflower patch compared to all the others, but the ice cream is a must-buy!

11. Sunflowers of Lisbon in Maryland

• Address: There are two locations, one in Lisbon (Woodbine) and one in Maple Lawn (Fulton) The Maple Lawn Location (11788 Route 216, Fulton, Maryland) and the Lisbon Location (15875 Frederick Road, Woodbine, Maryland)
• Hours: Open Monday – Sunday, 9 am to 8 pm
• Fees: 4 yrs old and under free, 5+ $15 per person

The sunflowers of Lisbon has about 10 acres of sunflower fields which are open for long hours so families can enjoy the fields all day. 

During the Sunflowers of Lisbon fall sunflower festival, there are usually hayrides on weekends, kids’ activities and BBQ food trucks, lots of craft vendors, and more. They also have long hours compared to some other places. The admission fee to the festival gives access to all the sunflower fields, and you can cut and carry sunflowers! 

12. Broom’s Bloom Dairy

• Address: 1700 S Fountain Green Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015

This is another beautiful sunflower field that includes ice cream! The farm features its own old-fashioned ice cream, homemade lunches, and artisan cheese and pork sausage. They also locally produce their lamb, beef, chicken, turkey, and free-range eggs. 

The ice cream at Broom’s Bloom dairy is over the top amazing, definitely one of the best in the country if I may say so myself plus Tripadvisor lol. It has so many amazing flavors of ice cream unique to this place such ad green tea, corn, and sunflower seeds.

The sunflower field is breathtaking at sunset. Be prepared for a reasonably long line if you go on the weekends but it is well worth the wait!

13. Misty Meadows Creamery

• Address: 14325 Misty Meadow Rd, Smithsburg, MD

Are you dreaming of ice creams yet with all these creameries? Misty Meadows is another small family-owned creamery with sunflowers! The ice cream is made right on the farm and comes in various flavors. While here, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery in the valley with views of mountains, lovely sunflower patches, and a butterfly garden.

Kids can also play with several furry friends like sheep, cows, mini horses, etc. the creamery also has lots of activities and play areas for kids

There are lots of delicious foods, and plenty of room to run around, and cutting your own sunflowers is a plus!

14. Emily’s Produce

• Address: 2214 Church Creek Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613

Emily’s produce is another farm open to the public that allows visitors to pick their own sunflowers. Visitors can also pick strawberries and other fruits, enjoy a corn maze, farm animals, kids’ tractor rides, and more.

15. Valley View Acres

• Address: 4005 Valley View Rd, Middletown, MD 21769
• Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Before you head over, it’s important to know that Valley View acres does not allow pets, but service dogs are allowed. They are also a private residence with a working farm so they are not open during the week. For families with kids, the terrains are rough so might not be very stroller friendly. 

The farm itself is about 154 acres while they typically have about 8 acres of sunflowers planted over several weeks plus wildflowers too. Visitors are allowed to pick some sunflowers and wildflowers.  

They have the cutest activities for kids and adults alike such as cornhole, slides, and a basketball hoop. 

16. Kilby Cream

• Address: 129 Strohmaier Lane, Rising Sun, MD 21911
• Hours: Thursday 11 am-7 pm, and Friday-Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Kilby cream is another nice farm with ice cream and sunflowers that usually bloom in August. Although the sunflower field is small compared to others, it’s still a nice place to visit. It also has a kid’s playground, and an animal petting park with animals like goats, rabbits, and pigs. 

17. The Sunflower Garden in Maryland

• Address: 2390 Manchester Rd, Westminster, MD 21157

We have not been to the Sunflower Garden, but it sure looks cute although not a huge sunflower acres type of field. The beautiful sunflowers line up the driveway as you drive down to the gardens. Visitors are allowed in from early July although the peak bloom is usually from the end of august through September. 

It’s about $18 for a huge pick-your-own bouquet. They provide clippers and buckets or baskets to use while you pick and you can purchase a vase from them to take the flowers home.

18. Summers Farm

• Address:7503 Hollow Rd, Middletown, MD 21769
• Hours: Usually open from 10 am to 7 pm
• Fees: $19.50 per person online / $22.50 per person at the gate. Children 2 and under are free!

Summers farm recently moved to a new location about 5 miles from the old location. They have an amazing fall festival with over 45 fun activities for the family! It typically lasts from the middle of September to the end of October. The farm has about 8 beautiful acres of sunflowers with 35 different varieties that bloom from late August to September!

An admission ticket gets access to a wagon ride to the sunflower field, one free sunflower, tons of activities for the kids, farm animals, and more. They also have live music and food trucks.

19. Farm Heritage Conservancy Sunflowers in Southern Maryland

• Address: 6960 Serenity Farms Rd, Hughesville, MD 20637

Here at Farm Heritage, visitors can enjoy 6 acres of pick-your-own sunflowers, hay rides, photo ops, local art shows, vendors, petting pens, and more! The ticket price to get in includes the sunflower picking and build your own bouquet station, you do have to bring your shears. Outside of the sunflower festivals, the sunflower fields are open to the public on other days. 

20. The Millers Farm

• Address:10140 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
• Fee: $5 fee per person (children under 5 are free)

The sunflowers here are a huge hit! They usually take about 65 days to bloom once planted and last about 2-3 weeks depending on the weather. So it’s a perfect place to explore the sunflowers and take great photos, and on select weekends, they have vendors, food trucks, live music, yard games, and more. 

21. Clark’s Elioak Farm Sunflower Patch

• Address: 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

There is so much to love about Clark’s Elioak Farm, from being one of the best places for easter egg hunts in Maryland to amazing pumpkin patches, petting animals, and fall events. The sunflowers here are a plus to an already fantastic place.

The admission tickets give full access to the sunflower fields and all the other fun attractions, including the rides, farm animals, Fairy Forest, and Enchanted Forest. 

22. Lesher’s Sunflowers

• Address: 1187 Marion Rd, Chambersburg, PA but check their Facebook page for address changes

Although located in Pennsylvania, this farm has the largest sunflower fields, about 200 acres of sunflowers. Can you believe how beautiful this is? It usually blooms from early September through the middle of September. It is free to enter and has no entrance or exit times, you can also buy some pre-cut sunflowers for about $1 per stem. 

23. Maryland Agricultural Resource Council

• Address: 1114 Shawan Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030

The sunflowers here typically bloom in mid-late August through September and are $1.00 per stem or $10 per dozen. 

Families are encouraged to enjoy a picnic while here, in addition to exploring the trails, demonstration gardens, animals, history, and more. Remember to bring your clippers, baskets, or buckets. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Sunflower Fields in Maryland

Tips for taking great sunflower photos

Sunflowers are beautiful and iconic flowers that can make for stunning photos. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to snap some pictures with your smartphone, there are some tips and tricks you can use to capture truly amazing sunflower photos. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Timing is key

Sunflowers look their best when they’re in full bloom, which usually occurs in the late summer or early fall. Check your local area to see when sunflowers are blooming, and plan your photos accordingly.

2. Location, location, location

Look for sunflower fields or gardens in your area, or consider planting your sunflowers for a more controlled setting. The right location can make all the difference in your photos.

3. Get creative with angles

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles when taking sunflower photos. Try shooting from above or below the flowers, or get up close and personal for a more detailed shot.

4. Use the right equipment

While you don’t need a fancy camera to take great sunflower photos, having a quality camera or lens can help you capture the details and colors of the flowers. If you’re using a smartphone, consider investing in a clip-on lens for better quality.

5. Pay attention to lighting

Sunflowers look their best in natural light, so try to schedule your photo shoot for early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer. Avoid the harsh midday sun, which can wash out the colors and create unflattering shadows.

6. Experiment with editing

Once you’ve taken your photos, don’t be afraid to play around with editing software to enhance the colors and details of the flowers. A little bit of editing can go a long way in making your sunflower photos stand out.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to capturing beautiful sunflower photos that you’ll be proud to share with the world.

Tips for Picking the perfect sunflower

Sunflowers are a beautiful and cheerful addition to any garden or home. However, choosing the perfect sunflower can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to gardening. 

1. Look for healthy plants

When choosing sunflowers, make sure they are healthy and free from any diseases or pests. Inspect the leaves and stems for any signs of damage, discoloration, or wilting. Healthy plants will have strong stems and vibrant green leaves.

2. Choose the right size

Sunflowers come in different sizes, from dwarf varieties that grow only a few inches tall to towering giants that can reach up to 16 feet. Consider the size of your garden or the area where you want to plant the sunflowers and choose a variety that fits the space.

3. Consider the bloom size

Sunflowers have different bloom sizes, from small, single-flowered varieties to large, multi-flowered ones. The size of the bloom will also depend on the variety you choose. Consider the purpose of the sunflowers – are you planting them for their beauty or as a source of seeds for birds and wildlife? – and choose a variety with the appropriate bloom size.

4. Look for the right color

Sunflowers come in different colors, from classic yellow to orange, red, and even bi-colored varieties. Choose a color that complements your garden’s color scheme or your personal preferences.

Picking the perfect sunflower is all about finding a healthy, appropriate-sized plant with the right color, and bloom size 

Final thoughts on Sunflower fields in Maryland

Visiting a sunflower field in Maryland is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. There are opportunities for everyone whether you’re looking for beautiful blooms to admire, want to pick your own sunflowers, want fun photo ops with friends and family, or just need some peace away from it all, there are plenty of options available across the state.

Each sunflower field comes with something unique, different heights of sunflowers, activities, and more

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