A visit to a sunflower field is a perfect send off to Midwestern summertime. And the Greater Cincinnati area has several to choose from to last you through the fall. These farms boasts rows and rows of beautiful blooms — perfect for a selfie or just to soak in and enjoy.
Some require a fee to explore, and some can be experienced for free. Call or check their social media pages before you visit to make sure you plan your trip when the flowers are at their peak.
Sunflower Field across from Cottell Park
One of Greater Cincinnati’s most well-known sunflower spots (and usually one of the earliest to bloom) is located across from Mason’s Cottell Park. The expansive field of flowers is located off of Snider Road and is an eye-catching attraction when passing through the area. Admission is free, but tread lightly so that other guests can enjoy them. 5847 Irwin Simpson Road, Mason.
Gorman Heritage Farm
The gorgeous landscapes scattered throughout the land that Gorman Heritage Farm rests on were once hunting grounds used by the Shawnee, Mingo, Chickasaw and Miami tribes. The 122-acre working farm was cultivated by settlers (or whatever term you want to use) in 1789, and today it is operated by the Village of Evendale and the Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation. The historic barns, sprawling fields and, of course, abundant sunflowers make for some perfect scenery. Their 23rd-annual Sunflower Festival is slated to take place Oct. 3 and 4 this year. In general, visiting amateur nature photographers are free to take pictures, however, professional photographers must make official inquiries via email. 10052 Reading Road, Evendale, gormanfarm.org.
Red Sunflower Farm
Red Sunflower Farm is known for operating 35 acres of beautiful, natural land in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. The modern homestead helps visitors gather knowledge on sustainability, even offering classes on how guests can contribute to maintaining the ecosystem and their environment. The farm’s sunflower patch is open to guests from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 16 and proceeds from admissions raise funds for the Kenton Conservancy. Admission to experience and take photos in the patch costs $5 per adult guest; free for children under 13, paid for with cash or check made out to the Kenton Conservancy. No pets. 5043 Webster Road, Independence, redsunflowerfarm.com.
Niederman Family Farm
The Niederman Family Farm has been kept in the Niederman family since its inception in 1948. The farm has adapted over the years, offering many services of entertainment like paintball, corn mazes, hayrides, and tours of the farm. Jaw dropping rows of sunflowers as tall as you are just a small part of a gorgeous, quiet landscape that would make the trip out to the farm worth it. According to a recent post on the farm’s website, they will hold a Fall Fun with the Sunflowers event from Sept. 18-19. 5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Road, Liberty Township, niedermanfamilyfarm.com.
Burwinkel Farm
Burwinkel Farm prides itself on 100 years of experience growing and serving produce to the communities of Southwest Ohio. With eight locations throughout the area, the primary farm in Ross showcases a dazzling sunflower field that looks like it jumped out of a scene of a movie. With an abundance of activities for children and recipes and a fresh produce market for adults, Burwinkel is more than just a pretty piece of land. The Burwinkel Farm sunflower patch is expected to bloom in late September or early October. 4359 Hamilton Cleves Road, Ross, burwinkelfarms.com.
The Black Barn
The Black Barn is a greenhouse and farm market in Lebanon that sports 16 greenhouses full of perennials, hanging baskets, bedding plants and nursery stock, in addition to 10 acres of fresh produce. The best thing about the Black Barn is that it’s totally open and free to the public. Guests can walk around the sunflower field, which is freshly in bloom, and take all the pictures they want. 1161 W. Main St., Lebanon, searchable on Facebook.
Blooms & Berries
This Loveland farm specializes in beautiful flowers and fresh produce. The farm has been in business since 1999 and welcomes visitors to pick their own blueberries and strawberries when they’re in season. Their sunflower field is anticipated to be in bloom between mid-September and October, during which time they will have their Fall on the Farm event (Sept. 19-Nov. 1), which includes hay rides, farm animals, corn mazes and more. 9669 S. State Route 48, Loveland, bloomsandberries.com.
This article appears in The Burger Issue 2020.
