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I love chasing sunflower fields in New York every August. The vibrant yellow hues bring life to the miles of green farmland that saturate upstate New York every summer. The towering yellow flowers make for the best insta-worthy photos and allow families of all ages to come together and enjoy the last few months of summer.
There are many public sunflower farms and privately owned fields in upstate New York that welcome visitors every August. Once they bloom, they won’t last forever, so make sure you time your visit just right.
I have lived in upstate New York for the past two years, June-October, but visited yearly in July since I was born. I never realized New York had so many fields just waiting to be enjoyed. Some of New York’s sunflower fields require an admittance fee, and offer U-pick flowers, while some are more “wild” and best enjoyed from the roadside. No matter what kind of field you visit, I’m certain the New York sunflower fields will be worth the trip.
In this post, I am listing my personal favorite sunflower fields, including all you need to know, from how to find them, when to go, entrance fees, and the best way to enjoy them. I have also included sunflower fields in New York that I have yet to visit but have rave reviews. Many of these fields make a great day trip from New York City or a fun pit stop on a Finger Lakes road trip.
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What is considered “Upstate” New York
When someone hears “New York,” they will almost always think of New York City, but there is a lot more to the state of New York than just the city. Although highly debated, many consider upstate New York as everything north of the New York City metropolitan area.
I’ve only been to a few of the “upstate” sunflower farms, but there are a number of sunflower fields on Long Island, only a few hours (at most) from Manhattan. You will need a car to access these Long Island sunflower fields as public transportation isn’t convenient.
Sunflower Fields on Long Island New York
- Waterdrinker family farm & gardens
- Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farms
- Pindar Vineyards
- Patty’s berries and bunches
- Martin Sidor Farms
Best time to see Sunflower fields in New York
Most Upstate New York sunflower fields bloom early to mid-August. Each year’s bloom is slightly different, varying from week to week, depending on the weather. A visit to Upstate New York during the 2nd-3rd week of August guarantees you an exciting New York sunflower field experience. With that said, some farms have blooms through labor day. If you are making a special trip to a sunflower field, it is always a good idea to contact the farm directly and ask when their sunflower season is.
What to know before you visit sunflower fields in New York
- There will be bees, but don’t worry they are not interested in you and won’t sting if you leave them alone. They are important to the fields and to nature so never try killing them, just enjoy them at work!
- It will be hot! Most sunflower fields won’t offer any shade so come prepared to sweat if the temperatures are warm. Wear lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with a back. Some fields may be muddy if you visit after a rain, and there may be weeds and other bugs if you walk through unmanicured fields. It’s nature, so come prepared to get a little dirty.
- Bring garden cutting sheers if you are picking your own stems. Sunflower stems are thick so cutting sheers are better than basic scissors. Your hands may get a little dirty or sticky after cutting, so wear gloves if you wish.
- Read through sunflower farm rules before you go. Each field has different rules and admittance fees. Always be respectful and behave appropriately at each sunflower field to encourage the farmers to keep growing sunflowers year after year.
- Buy tickets online. Most fields that charge a fee have an online ticketing system. Purchase ticketes prior to arrival to ensure you are not turned away and to save money, some fees increase at the gate.
The Best Sunflower Fields in New York
Please note that each heading is linked to its respective sunflower field’s best webpage for more information.
Turek Farms
Turek Farms is a family-owned and operated produce farm in Cayuga county. This was the first sunflower field in New York that I visited. I stumbled upon these sunflower fields driving to Ithica from Aurora on a Finger Lakes road trip. I remember when I first spotted something yellow from the car window that went on for miles but thought, “no way are they sunflowers.” I previously searched the internet for hours trying to find sunflower fields to see on the route I was on to no avail. So I was astonished and ecstatic when I realized they were sunflowers, and HUGE ones at that.
The first time I visited this farm, the flowers were off of HWY 90 right next to the entrance to Turek Farm. I asked the owner in the office if I could take photos in the field, and he was more than happy to allow it. The field moved across from Treleaven Winery on Center Road a year later, a 3-minute drive from 2020’s location.
This is not an advertised sunflower field for tourists, so chances are you will be completely alone to enjoy this field, which of course, makes for a better experience and awesome photos. Be respectful of the property and don’t pick the flowers. These are grown for birdseed and get harvested at the end of the growing season.
To enjoy this field, pull off on the side of the road or park at the winery and walk across the street to the sunflower field.
Dates: 2nd-3rd week in August. Peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on mother nature. You can call or email the farm to get updates.
Times: The Field is open 24/7
Location: 8558 State Route 90, King Ferry, NY 13081. Fields are usually planted off of 90 next to the farm facility or just down the road across from Treleaven Winery on-center road.
Cost: Free (no picking)
Contact: Facebook
Strawberry Fields & Floral Farm
This sunflower field maze is located right outside of Skaneateles, one of my favorite Finger Lakes, and offers more entertainment than just a sunflower field. Some years they split the field, half corn, half sunflowers, so the field is not as big as others on this list, but trust me when I say it is still plenty big! Strawberry Fields offers hayrides, U-pick sunflowers ($1 a stem), and guided tours but is known for its U-Pick standing-up hydroponic strawberries. They also have a cute farm store filled with locally crafted goodies and delightful gifts for friends and home.
After closing, I drove by the farm, looking for the sunflowers this past year but only saw corn from the road. I was so disappointed; I went back the next day during business hours and discovered the sunflower field was hidden from the road by the cornfield. It turns out if they split the field, they swap the crops every year, so you won’t always be able to see the sunflowers from the road. Also, they close off their parking lot after business hours, so it is best to enjoy this sunflower field during normal business hours, weather permitting.
Dates: Late July to early September. Strawberries Mid-June to October.
Times: Tuesday- Friday 10-5 pm and Saturday & Sunday 10-4 pm (closed Mondays)
Location: 4240 E Genesee Street Road, (on Route 20) Skaneateles, NY 13021 (1 mile west of Auburn)
Cost: $2 entrance to sunflower maze, $1 per stem, guided tours $12 per person (by appointment only)
Contact: (315)-751-5657
Frederick Farms
Frederick Farms is a family affair, as most upstate farms are, but this one offers sunflowers for a cause. Although originally planted in remembrance of a loved one, the fields brought so many smiles to neighboring faces that the owners made it an annual event. They don’t charge to enter, but they ask for donations. They grow over 30 acres of sunflowers, and sometimes you can spot their vibrant fields from the NY State Thruway. In addition, they offer hayrides, animal petting, and pony rides to children. They also have cut flowers and sunflower oil for sale. Follow Frederick Farms on Instagram (@frederick_farms) and Facebook for annual sunflower field updates.
A reminder that this field is on private property. While visiting, you will be at the owners’ home, so always be respectful while enjoying their beautiful sunflower fields.
Dates: Open to the public for peak bloom week in August (changes yearly). Check their Facebook page for updated days and times.
Times: Hayrides are usually 1-3:30 pm and 6 pm to sunset on certain days during peak week
Location: 2090 McBurney Rd, Clifton Springs, NY 14432, the fields were off of Stryker Rd. in 2020
Cost: Free, donations accepted (for the House of John)
Contact: (315)-548-2515, jffarms@zoom-dsl.com
Daniel Thorn Farm
I spotted this expansive sunflower field off the road while trying to locate another New York sunflower field. The sea of yellow in early August was easy to spot. There are no tourists, hayrides, or sunflower picking at this field and no official parking. Thorn Farm’s sunflower fields cover 200 acres, with nearly 1 million sunflowers bursting with joy against the summer heat. Trespassing isn’t allowed, but the views from the road a still worth a stop.
You will have to pull over on the side of the rural road to park, so be mindful of oncoming traffic and others stopping to enjoy the fields. Please respect the owner’s wishes and do not enter the field or pick any sunflowers; the fields are for viewing only.
Dates: Bloom in early to mid-August depending on Mother Nature
Times: Enjoy the fields from the road 24/7
Location: 10297 Turnpike Rd, Clyde NY 14433
Cost: Free
Contact: (315) 923-3789
Wickham Farms
Wickham Farms is the New York sunflower field you want to go to if you are looking for a full day of family fun. They offer over 25+ barnyard activities, including hayrides, mini-golf, carpet rides, and apple cannons, to name a few. All nestled among 12 acres of sunflowers with 30 sunflower varieties and over 1 million blooms.
For an additional fee, you can pick your own sunflowers and purchase food and drinks on-site. They also offer an annual pass to enjoy Lavender fields (end of June to mid-July) and pumping picking during their Fall Harvest Festival (early September to end of October).
Dates: Usually end of July through Labor Day. Dates vary every year; check their website before you go.
Times: 10 am-7 pm every day except closed Wednesdays
Location: 1315 Sweet Corner’s Rd. Penfield, NY 14526
Cost: $14 online $15 at the gate (weekday), $17 online, $19 at the gate (weekend) per person ages 3-79, $45 for an annual pass, purchase online for discount
Contact: (585) 377-3276, office@wickhamfarms.com
Stokoe Farms
Stokoe Farm near Rochester, NY, has been a family farm since 1812. They constantly pull out the creativity with their unique family events throughout the year from summer sunflowers, fall pumpkins, and winter Christmas trees. In August, over 250,000 sunflowers bloom in over 21 varieties illuminating their fields in vibrant yellows to deep crimson hues. Each sunflower experience comes with access to over 35 farm activities from bounce pillows, giant slides, Billy Goat Mountain, cargo climb, nature trail, animals, and more! They also have a Sunset Sunflower Twilight Experience perfect for anyone looking to capture stunning photos.
Dates: Certain weekends in August, check their website for specific sunflower experience dates
Times: 10 am – 5 pm
Location: 656 S Rd656 S Rd, Scottsville, NY 14546
Cost: $$
Contact: (585) 889-0770, info@stokoefarms.com, Facebook
Sunflowers of Sanborn
Sunflowers of Sanborn started planting their field to brighten the days of the owners who were going through a hard time after losing family. It worked like a charm, and now their farm is home to over 100,000 sunflowers of six different varieties. This New York sunflower farm offers sunset sunflower yoga, food and drink concessions, a sunflower sifter and trail, a corn maze, and tractor rides.
Dates: August 1st through labor day, the full bloom is usually mid-August
Times: 11 am-8 pm daily weather permitting
Location: 3311 Saunders Settlement Road Sanborn, NY 14132
Cost: Free to enter and walk around the field, other activities are extra, U Pick flowers are $1 a stem or $5 for a dwarf sunflower, Photography permits $50-$175, purchase online.
Contact: (716) 628-9513, SunflowersOfSanborn@gmail.com
Wagner Farms
Wagner farms have been farming produce since 1998 and frequently update their offerings based on consumer needs. So enjoy their sunflower fields, along with you-pick berries, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, onions, eggplant, sweet corn, and more. In addition, their event center offers a farmer’s museum, corn maze, tractor rides, free-range walking trails to discover how they farm, and even Haunted Summer Night events.
Dates: Mid-August for peak bloom
Times: 10 am – dusk
Location: 5895 Old Oneida Rd, Rome, NY 13440
Cost: $8 to enter, U pick sunflowers not allowed, but they sell stems
Contact: (315) 339-5182
*check their Facebook page for updates
Kelder’s Farm
Another great New York sunflower field to enjoy with the whole family is Kelder’s farm in southern New York. This farm is open April – November for a variety of seasonal activities and U pick fruit. August 1 kicks off their Sunflower Extravanganza with thousands of blooms over 6 acres. They also have many different yard games and farmyard attractions, including mini-golf, tube slides, farm animals, jumping pillow, fruit picking, corn maze, and more. It is enough fun to fill a day!
Dates: August 6 through early September
Times: Open Daily 10 am – 6 pm closed Wednesdays. The last entry is 5 pm.
Location: 5755 US Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY, 12446 US
Cost: Day and seasonal passes $12-$150 depending on pass and day of the week; purchase online for discount
Contact: (845) 626-7137, info@keldersfarm.com
Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils
Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils is a family-owned farm offering 6-10 acres of New York sunflower fields to the public every year for pure enjoyment. The entrance is free, but there is a cut flower fee. The farm donates a portion of the cutting fees to local charities such as Sparrows Nest, Miles of Hope, and The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. The family agrees, “Without a doubt opening the fields to the public is the best part of our job.” Read more about their story and how their sunflower fields came to be on their website.
Dates: August, contact farm for exact bloom dates
Times: 10 am – 5 pm or until sunset on special event days
Location: 235 Plass Rd. Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Cost: Free until 5 pm, $5 per car after 5 pm – sunset on event nights
Contact: (845) 489-8368, hvcpoil@gmail.com
Sunflower Valley Farm
This sunflower farm in New York offers children’s games, a petting zoo (on most days), and kicked off the 2021 season with their first annual Farmer’s Market. They do sunset sunflower events but are most known for the Wawayanda Music on The Farm Festival every August. Enjoy family games, picnics on the lawn, craft food and drink concessions, live music, and of course, the beautiful sunflower fields.
Dates: End of July – early September, check the website for specific events dates
Times: Closed Mondays, Weekdays 10 am – 5 pm, Weekends 12-5 pm
Location: 366 County Route 12, New Hampton, NY 10958
Cost: Weekdays, age 12-Adult $10, age 5-12 $5, under 5, FREE. Sat/Sun/Holidays, Adults $12.10am-5pm Tues-Sunday Closed Monday. U pick sunflowers $1 a stem (2 FREE sunflowers with ticket). $30 1 hour photo session
Contact: (845) 843-9372, sunflowervalleyfarminfo@gmail.com
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If you haven’t been to a New York sunflower field, what are you waiting for? August is a great time to visit upstate New York to relish in the beauty of its sunflower fields, hike in the state parks, or go waterfall chasing through the many scenic gorges. From the Catskills, Adirondacks, and the Finger Lakes region, New York is a fantastic state filled with exciting adventures around every corner suitable for all ages and interests.
Read More about Upstate New York:
The Best Scenic 5-day Adirondack Fall Foliage Road Trip Itinerary | 10 AWESOME reasons to visit the Adirondacks in the fall | The BEST 7-Day Finger Lakes Road Trip Itinerary (with map)Finger lakes | Complete Guide to the Best Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes | Hiking the Stunning Watkins Glen Gorge Trail | Your Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Fall in the Finger Lakes
