Here are my top five tips for a fun visit to Grinter Farms:
- Check the Grinter Farms Facebook page for frequent updates. (2016 update with Rules of Engagement here.) Not only are they super kind in sharing their farm, they will let you know when the flowers are at their peak, when the path is muddy and other tidbits to make your visit enjoyable.
- Stop for the bathroom on the way. There are no facilities at Grinter Farms. That means no restrooms, no overpriced concession stand. We stopped at Sonic in Tonganoxie that is right along the route. The restrooms were clean, the iced tea was perfect for a hot afternoon.
- Take cash. The Grinters don’t charge to see their gorgeous farm. There is one red welded donation tube near the end of the drive on Stilwell road. If you cut a sunflower, leave a buck. If you are selling your photos, seems right to leave them a cut, right? I know of nowhere as beautiful in the area that so graciously invites all of us in for no charge. I left the equivalent of the admission charge at a botanical garden.
- Don’t stop at the first parking space. Folks tend to park out on Stillwell road, or they grab the first space as you turn into the farm. Keep driving! The road and the adjacent strip of grass for parking is 3/4 mile long. Pass that first big field of sunflowers and keep going toward the trees. You’ll see a big hill (yes, in Kansas) to the West. Wear sturdy shoes and hike up to the top. You’ll be glad you did. And it’s likely the crowds won’t follow you. (2016 Rules of Engagement posted on Facebook by The Farmer’s Wife are here, with important information on parking.)
- Leave nothing but your donation. Pick up after yourself. If you brought it with you, make sure you take it home. Let’s keep this place as low-maintenance as possible for the Grinters so they are encouraged to plant again next year.
About taking photos: You’ll see everything when you visit here. I saw a $3,000 drone with two cameras mounted on it. (There’s a really great aerial video of the farm here.) I saw professional photographers, folks with nothing but their cell phone camera and everything in between. As the sun was setting and we were making the tough decision to hike down the hill before we lost all light, we saw a tripod peeking out of the sunflowers about 100 yards further into the field than we had ventured. Everyone is welcome and we met nothing but friendly folks. Don’t worry about your camera equipment, just go. Or don’t take a camera at all and just soak in all of this goodness.
Grinter Farms is located between Oskaloosa and Lawrence, Kansas. The closest address for your GPS is 24154 Stilwell Road, Lawrence, Kansas. Check their Facebook page for updates.
And because you know I love sunsets, here is one last photo. I stopped to take this on the drive out. Sometimes the best color in the sky happens well after sunset. I’m so glad we stuck around for this.
Beautiful and stunning pictures! You really captured the beauty and color! Thank you also for the tips before going to see the sunflowers.
You made it sound and look wonderful. There’s no way I wouldn’t be there if Montana were closer to Kansas.
I’m going to guess there is an equally beautiful site to see in Montana. I hope to visit out your way soon!!
Yes, many beautiful Montana sites, though no huge fields of sunflowers that I know of. Do let me know when you’ll be visiting.
Such glorious shots and wonderful tips, Johnna! As I shared with you, our mutual friend Jennifer also has a huge sunflower field. I doubt the number of sunflowers come close to this one, but hers still takes my breath away. There’s something so compelling and amazing about a huge field of sunflowers. Glad you got to see them before your area was hit by storms. I know there are probably some sad folks who didn’t get to go beforehand.
How interesting on the drones, too. They haven’t made their way to our immediate area in huge numbers that I can see. I’m not sure how I feel about them.
Shirley
I’m not sure how I feel about drones either. Such incredible photography coming from them, but also privacy concerns when not used for good. I’m torn.
Well said. It seems we’re being “watched” so much these days when we’re near infrastructure that you’d think going to a place like this one would remove that factor. I’m sure those particular drones ended up capturing more than sunflowers. Probably nothing Big Brother-ish or malicious in that case, but still, it all doesn’t give one a warm fuzzy feeling.
when are the sunflowers blooming? i am going to.visit my aunt in Kansas and would love to capture the beauty of these!
Oh, I sure hope you get to visit! In my list of tips, there is a link to Grinter Farms FB page in tip #1. The last update indicated they were about a month away from planting. Last year, they were in bloom in early September but I know there are many variables so best to check with the farmers for good info. 🙂
i was just wondering if there is still sunflower that you guys planted akready
You would need to click on one of the many links in my post to the farm’s site. I am a food and travel writer who has visited the farm, but I am not the farmer.
when is the best time to go (month)
thanks
Hi, Mayra! There are multiple links in the post that go directly to the farm for information. It’s usually late Summer but you’ll want to check with Grinter Farms for exact dates.