North Dakota Welcomes Travelers for Peak Sunflower Season

America's leading sunflower-producing state invites travelers to experience vibrant blooms, scenic drives and the flavors of one of North Dakota's signature crops.

BISMARCK, N.D., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Every summer, North Dakota's landscape transforms into brilliant shades of gold as sunflower fields bloom across the state's prairies. North Dakota is one of the country's most spectacular places to experience sunflower season, where scenic drives wind through vibrant fields in bloom, leading travelers to welcoming communities, unforgettable landscapes and authentic agricultural experiences.

North Dakota harvested more than 1 billion pounds of sunflowers from over 500,000 acres in 2025, reinforcing its position as America's leading sunflower producer. From late July through August, many of those fields reach peak bloom, creating an annual display that draws photographers, road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. While the blooms are the star of the season, they're also a gateway to the people, places and flavors that make North Dakota unique.

"Sunflower season is one of North Dakota's signature summer experiences," said Sara Otte Coleman, director of the North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division. "Visitors come for the incredible scenery, but they also discover the charm of our communities, the beauty of our wide-open landscapes and the agricultural heritage that's woven into so much of the North Dakota experience."

Make the Most of Sunflower Season

Follow the Bloom
North Dakota's 2026 Sunflower Map features a record 28 participating sunflower fields and is updated throughout the season with bloom conditions, helping travelers find fields at peak color while discovering nearby attractions, restaurants and lodging. Because bloom timing varies with planting dates and weather conditions, visitors are encouraged to check the latest updates on the Sunflower Map or on North Dakota Tourism's social media profiles before heading out and find fun itineraries to help build a trip around North Dakota's blooming sunflower fields.

Taste the Harvest
New this year, North Dakota Tourism will offer complimentary GIANTS® sunflower seed samples at select sunflower viewing locations, giving visitors a chance to enjoy one of the state's signature crops while taking in the scenery. Look for special "Be Sunny" mailboxes at select fields.

Beyond the fields, sunflower flavors can be found throughout the state in products such as: 

• GIANTS® Sunflower Seeds & Sunflower Oil: Produced in Wahpeton, GIANTS® partners with trusted growers to source premium sunflower seeds that are carefully selected, roasted and packaged into one of the nation's most recognized sunflower seed brands. Visitors can sample GIANTS® sunflower seeds at select viewing locations and purchase them at retailers throughout the state.
• SunButter: Developed in partnership with the USDA in 2003, SunButter® was the first sunflower seed spread created as a nutritious, nut-free alternative for schools and families. Every jar is still proudly produced in Fargo, in a facility free from all top nine food allergens. For a list of retailers visit SunButter's Where to Buy page.
• JC's Smoked Spitz / Old 81 Gourmet: Crafted in Wahpeton, JC's Smoked Spitz offers premium smoked in-shell sunflower seeds in a variety of bold flavors, offering visitors another way to enjoy one of North Dakota's signature crops. Visitors can find JC's products at Minn Dak Market.
• Pride of Dakota Products: Discover locally made sunflower snacks, spreads and specialty foods from Pride of Dakota member businesses, showcasing products grown, made and processed across North Dakota.
• Bismarck-Mandan CVB Gift Store: Celebrate the state's signature "sunny" flower with a variety of sunflower-themed goods including apparel, blankets and coasters alongside locally made art and earrings available at the BisMan CVB gift store.

Explore Beyond the Fields
Sunflower season offers more than spectacular photos. Across North Dakota, fields in bloom are surrounded by communities rich in history, outdoor adventure, local flavor and wide-open hospitality.

Whether you're planning a lakeside escape, a leisurely drive through the prairie or a weekend in the North Dakota Badlands, sunflower season offers countless opportunities to discover local restaurants, attractions, outdoor recreation and small-town charm. Here are a few stops to consider along the way:

• Bismarck & Mandan: Pair nearby sunflower fields with Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, riverfront trails and a vibrant dining scene.
• Medora & the North Dakota Badlands: Experience Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and the Medora Musical after a day spent following the bloom.
• Devils Lake, Lakota & Cooperstown: Combine sunflower viewing with world-class fishing, prairie drives and welcoming small-town communities.
• Kenmare & the International Peace Garden: Take the scenic route through north-central North Dakota, stopping at sunflower fields and local cafés. Time your visit to the International Peace Garden with the peak summer bloom season to explore thousands of vibrant flowers across the formal and sunken gardens, alongside a world-class conservatory collection of cacti and succulents.
• Grand Forks & Emerado: Stretch your sunflower adventure into September at Nelson's Pumpkin Patch's Sunflower Shindig, then explore Grand Forks' restaurants, shopping and arts scene.

Capture the Bloom
Every sunflower field offers a different perspective, from sweeping prairie vistas to close-up views of North Dakota's signature summer crop. Whether you're photographing endless rows of golden blooms, stopping for a family photo or simply soaking in the scenery, these tips will help you make the most of your visit:

• Time Your Visit: Early morning and evening offer soft, golden light for landscape photography, while overcast skies are ideal for capturing the vibrant details of individual blooms.
• Enjoy Responsibly: Admire fields from public roads and designated viewing areas and only enter fields with permission from the landowner. Keep in mind that active farming operations may be underway throughout the growing season.
• Share Your Adventure: Celebrate National Sunflower Day on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, by posting your favorite photos using #NDLegendary.

For bloom updates, visit the 2026 Sunflower Map or follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook, Instagram or on X; and to plan a trip around North Dakota's blooming sunflower fields, visit NDTourism.com.

SOURCE North Dakota Tourism Division