Golden Happiness: Where to Find Sunflower Fields near Appleton

sunflower fields Bergsbaken Farms cecil
Bergsbaken Farms | Photo Credit: Christy Sprotte

What could be more magical than a selfie with thousands of blooms in a sunflower field? Native to North America, acres of the happy, bright yellow flowers can be found in Outagamie County and beyond. To catch a shot in these Instagrammable backdrops, hit the road and head to one of these farms!

Sunflowers bloom in Wisconsin typically in the late summer to early fall during July, early August. The season lasts for a very short time, only 1-2 weeks. Keep an eye on the farms’ Facebook pages and websites for updates.

We are on the verge of the season and farms will soon be ready to welcome you for some photo opportunities! Put these fields near the Fox Cities on your late summer bucket list.

sunflower fields in wisconsin

Sunflower Facts

  • They can grow up to fourteen feet tall!
  • Seeds can be made into an edible spread called Sunbutter, a great substitute for peanut butter for nut-free lunches! 
  • The flower heads love full sun and track it through a process called heliotropism
  • They are self-pollinating.
  • A seed head actually consists of thousands of mini flowers.
  • More than just cutting flowers, the seeds are used for sunflower oil, livestock feed, food for birds and squirrels, and of course, a delicious snack for humans. 
Bergsbaken Farms Sunflower Farms Cecil
Bergsbaken Farms | Photo Credit: Sarah Forseth

Bergsbaken Farms

Bergsbaken Farms is a family-owned and operated functional farm growing corn, black oil sunflower seed, sweet corn, and more in Cecil.

  • Distance: 40 miles / 50 minutes from Appleton 
  • Distance: 40 miles / 50 minutes  from Oshkosh
  • Distance: 30 miles / 35 minutes from Green Bay

The farm is hosting its Annual Sunflower Festival Friday, July 26th – Sunday, July 28th, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is just $3 per person. They welcome you to bring along your favorite photographer for your family photos for an additional fee and do have some photo props on hand. 

Event Features: Viewing platforms, wagon rides, bounce houses, face painting, pick your own sunflowers, live music, concessions, dog friendly.

Sunflowers Taking Flight at Kelley Country Creamery

Kelley Country Creamery

Kelley Country Creamery is a functional dairy farm with pastured cows and has award-winning ice cream, making this potentially the sweetest road trip on our list! You can enjoy your ice cream treat on their beautiful porch overlooking their hillside pastures after catching a peek of ice cream being made in through the viewing window in the ice cream parlor.

  • Distance: 45 miles / 40 minutes from Appleton 
  • Distance: 25 miles / 30 minutes  from Oshkosh
  • Distance: 80 miles / 1 hour from Green Bay

Sunflowers Taking Flight runs from Wednesday, August 7, through Sunday, August 18, 2024. This event supports Old Glory Honor Flights through flower bouquet sales, hats, and tee shirts. Note: Admission and all other purchases are cash only.

Sunflowers Taking Flight at Kelley Country Creamery

Polly’s Pumpkin Patch

Polly’s Pumpkin Patch is a small family farm located just North of Chilton on Highway 57. It is a fun fall destination with activities all season long. The sunflower field opens on Saturday, July 20, 2024, and lasts about 10-14 days. Admission is $5 / person, ages 5 and up.

  • Distance: 30 miles / 40 minutes from Appleton 
  • Distance: 40 miles / 50 minutes  from Oshkosh
  • Distance: 35 miles / 45 minutes from Green Bay

Polly’s added a sunflower field to the farm! There are 10 different stops along the sunflower paths for various photo opportunities. 

Visit animals and take a ride down the slide, then refresh in the store with apple cider donuts and drinks. Saturday and Sunday hot dogs and grilled cheese are available for lunch.

READ MORE: Gardens In and Around Northeast Wisconsin

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