Want to bask in sunflower fields? Here are five within an hour’s drive of Wichita
If you’re looking for a sunflower field to visit, you’re in luck this year thanks to well-timed rains.
With about a handful of sunflower fields open to visitors within an hour’s drive of Wichita, it’s also the perfect time to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the sunflower being named Kansas’ official flower.
Last year’s drought curtailed sunflower-growing efforts at both Klausmeyer Farm in Clearwater and the farm co-owned by Augusta Realtor Diana Burgess.
“It was heartbreaking that they didn’t grow,” said Burgess.
That’s not the case this year; the field Burgess’ husband planted on June 23 had already grown thigh-high by the end of July.
The sunflower — heralded in the state’s 1903 official proclamation for “its strong, distinct disk and its golden circle of clear glowing rays” — is Burgess’ favorite flower.
Last year, Klausmeyer Farm had a limited run on its sunflower fields open to visitors, as Debbie and David Klausmeyer managed to get a suitable crop in only one of their fields. This year, they were able to plant three fields, as they did in 2021. The Klausmeyers staggered the plantings to allow for a longer tourism season. The first field opened for visitors July 21, while the second and third fields are expected to be in full bloom in August and mid-to-late September, respectively.
Another field that is back this year is Sunflower Trails, which is part of the Peterson Farm Brothers operation in Lindsborg. The field’s hiatus last year, however, was manmade; one of the brothers welcomed a baby to the family in fall 2021, so they decided to take a break from their sunflower agritourism venture.
Because sunflowers, like other crops, depend on weather conditions, always check the farms’ Facebook pages, where owners post updates. The prime blooming time for sunflower fields tends to be 10 to 14 days.
Where to go
Here is a guide to area sunflower fields that welcome visitors. (LBR Family Farm in Wichita has already closed its sunflower field for the season.)
Klausmeyer Farm and Pumpkin Patch, 813 S. 119th SW, Clearwater. While one of its three fields is ending its blooms, Klausmeyer Farm expects to have a second field ready this month and another in mid-to-late September. The fields are open daily sunup to sundown. Admission is $2 per person; take-home blooms are $1 per flower. More info: klausmeyerdairyfarms.com, facebook.com/Klausmeyerpumpkinpatch or 316-703-5391
Cedar Creek Farm, 6100 N. 119th S.W., Maize. While the farm’s Facebook page lists admission, hours and other visitor information, a problem with weeds may thwart the opening of the farm’s fields so be sure to check social media if the fields will be available. More info: facebook.com/cedarcreekfarmandpumpkins or 316-295-8718
Kansas Maze Sunflower Festival, at Gaeddert Farms 13209 E. 82nd Ave, Buhler. With two different plantings for a total of 20 acres of sunflowers, this year’s Sunflower Festival is anticipated to run from Aug. 19 until Sept. 9 and will feature two special events. The farm’s Sunflower Trail 5K, with a competitive and noncompetitive option, along with a 1-mile walk/run, will happen Saturday, Aug. 26. More than 100 vendors, plus food trucks and live music, are scheduled for the Sunflower Market Saturday, Sept. 2; an extended parking area will be available during this year’s market. A new mini-gazebo — which owner Tonya Martisko declared is “so stinking cute” — is among the many photo props provided in the fields. In the past, some families have even brought drones to capture images in the fields, Martisko said. The farm also has a playground area that includes a jumping pillow, rope maze, giant slide and sand volleyball pit; a gift shop was also added this year. Admission is $10 per person, ages 4 and older. A $2 discount is available on Sunflower Market day tickets purchased in advance online. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays, and 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, with extended hours during the two special events. For more information and to register for the walk/run, visit kansasmaze.com; More info: facebook.com/kansasmaze facebook.com/events/853169948572619 or 620-931-7667
Diana Burress/ B. Realty’s sunflower field, 9251 SW 115th, Augusta. The farm is located a half-mile west of SW Thunder Road. This field is expected to be ready in late August. There is designated parking; parking along the road is discouraged because it’s a busy road, often including large farm machinery. Besides taking photos in the field, another photo opportunity is the sunflower mural on a nearby silo. No admission is charged. More info: facebook.com/dianaburressrealtor
Sunflower Trails at Peterson Farm Brothers, near 2951 13th Ave., Lindsborg. If you travel to the Peterson Farm Brothers’ sunflower fields, add a stop at nearby Coronado Heights to capture some photos of Kansas vistas. The anticipated dates are late August to mid-September. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family; even dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. If you’re interested in seeing how sunflowers are harvested, check out a video on the Peterson Farm Brothers’ website; the brothers are known for their videos promoting farming and creative musical parodies. More info: petersonfarmbrothers.com/sunflower-trails and facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros