Take This Road Trip to the 5 Most Eye-Popping Sunflower Fields in Iowa

Did you know that Iowa has some of the most spectacular sunflower fields in the Midwest? Year after year, the state's fields explode with vibrant colors and offer stunning photo opportunities that are hard to beat. So, if you love adventure and going on a photograph tour as much as we do, grab your camera and head out to view these destinations featuring eye-popping sunflowers in Iowa.

This tour of sunflowers in Iowa will take about nine hours to complete and cover more than 550 miles. It's a bit of a journey, but you won't find a more spectacular excuse for a road trip. Use this interactive map to help you customize your journey.

1. Pheasant Run Farm, Belle Plaine

The Sunflower Experience at Pheasant Run Farm is the first stop on this tour. Here, you’ll find more than five acres of blooming sunflowers that you can wander through, photo stations, and flower cutting options. There are even several kid-friendly activities, including a corn box and a sunflower forest.

2. Scarecrow Farm, Lawton

Scarecrow Farm in Lawton is easily one of the best sunflower fields in Iowa, and hosts Sunflower Days each Saturday and Sunday in September. During this popular event, you’ll walk through the gorgeous sunflower fields, capture incredible photos, and devour delicious treats (we strongly recommend the apple cider donuts!). Each admission ticket includes one free bloom, with options to purchase more. There are also more than a dozen activities for the entire family including slides, straw bale swings, and a pirate ship for kids to explore.

3. Badger Creek State Recreation Area, Van Meter

Did you know that you can find gorgeous sunflowers at one of Iowa's favorite state recreation areas? The Badger Creek State Recreation Area has a four-acre field that draws lots of visitors every year. We think it's worth a stop, and also a great place to birdwatch if you want to spend even more time outdoors.

4. Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge

Center Grove Orchard is the ultimate day trip destination. You’ll want to spend hours at this stop on our road trip as you can wander through the sunflower and zinnia meadow, pick your own flower bouquet, enjoy hayrides, take a train ride, visit the farm animals, and so much more. Make sure you come hungry because this farm also serves incredible fall food from fresh apple cider donut towers to funnel cakes, burgers, corndogs, etc.

5. Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins

The last stop on our road trip is a little different. Here, you can surround yourself with marigolds and mums during the fall season. It's like walking through seas of color. Plus, depending on when you visit, there are all types of activities and events from hot air balloons and pumpkins to corn mazes, kid activities, and more.

Have you had a chance to visit any or all of these destinations featuring sunflowers in Iowa? Or, are there any sunflower fields you'd recommend we add to this itinerary? Let us know by filling out this nomination form. We'd love to hear from you.