We Kansans are lucky to live in the Sunflower State, and for good reason. While other states might have sunflowers, we have The Sunflower Field to beat all sunflower fields. You’d never happen upon it if you didn’t know to look for it, but once you’ve seen it, you will want to make it a yearly tradition to go the first week of September when these beauties are at their peak bloom.
Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, a sunflower fan, or just looking for something to do in early September, Grinter Farms in between Tonganoxie and Lawrence, Kansas is the place to be. The farmer and his wife are INCREDIBLY kind to share their beautiful land with the public. They do ask a few things of visitors, the most important I will highlight here:
Rules of Engagement (taken from The Farmer’s Wife)
- This is private property, the owners of which are generous enough to let us enjoy the beauty of these fields, and they have neighbors. Be mindful to park where they ask you to and not go in or block private drives.
- This is a field – there are no sidewalks through it, there are bugs, there are no bathrooms, and it’s a dirt field that gets muddy if it has rained.
- Sunflowers aren’t really a money-making crop. If you cut a sunflower head to take home, leave a dollar donation in the donation box ($1 per sunflower head is suggested). Consider visiting the General Store where they sell t-shirts, sunflower butter, sunflower seeds, and more. And if you’re profiting off the fields, like a photographer offering minis, definitely leave a portion of your profit as a donation.
- This is a field that will be turned over into a crop field. If you drop something, find it. Don’t leave behind sunglasses, props, ladders, dirty diapers, blankets, keys, or anything else (all of these have actually happened). These things can damage a combine.
- These fields are there for everyone to enjoy. Don’t ask people to move out of your shot, don’t be rude to other people, be aware that at certain times (sunset around Labor Day) it is going to be crowded. Allow everyone to enjoy it.
If you’re willing to abide by their expectations, then you definitely need to check out Grinter Farms. Here are some of my favorite photos from Sunflower Minis over the past 5 years.
