Eastern Iowa Sunflower Plots You Can Visit & Explore for Free

Every year in July, sunflower fields and plots are blooming across the great state of Iowa. It's nice to be able to see them when you can. Now, some places will charge for you to take a gander at their flowers and usually offer other fun activities. But, what if you wanted to do some simple sunflower peeping without paying a cent? I mean other than a little gas. Well, I've got you covered, as we take a look at free to visit and view sunflower plots on public hunting lands.

Iowa's sunflower fields aren't just picturesque spots for Instagram-worthy photos; they also play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, particularly doves and deer. These fields are part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) dove food plots, which provide a vital food source for doves, goldfinches, turkeys, quails, and yes even deer. While the sunflowers bloom beautifully in mid-July, they serve a greater purpose beyond their aesthetic appeal, come fall. As I mentioned, these food plots are visit and view, not pick and keep for this very reason.

My wife and I were visiting one of our favorite areas for a quick hike close to home, when we noticed two separate food plots of sunflowers, and right now they are beautiful. By the way they are free to check out, if you can find them. The Iowa DNR makes that much easier with their interactive public hunting atlas. This handy tool may be great for hunters, but it's also your tool for finding full bloomed sunflower fields right now.

Each year, the Iowa DNR plants sunflower plots across various counties, and although the full list is published in August, these plots are primarily designed to attract doves for hunting season, starting September 1st, although deer enjoy them as well. This timing ensures that the sunflowers are in peak bloom during the late summer, making them an attractive destination for both nature enthusiasts and hunters come fall.

Where to Spot Sunflower Fields in Eastern Iowa

Here's a list of some prime locations in Eastern Iowa where you can enjoy these free-to-visit sunflower plots and experience the natural beauty:

Allamakee County

• Lansing
• Waterloo Creek

Benton County

• Dudgeon Lake

Bremer County

• Sweet Marsh
• Walnut Bend

Clinton County

• Goose Lake
• Lost Nation Hunting Area
• Manikowski Prairie
• McAndrews Wildlife Area

Delaware County

• Buffalo Creek

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Dubuque County

• Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area
• Whitewater Wildlife Area
• Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area

Fayette County

• Glovers Creek
• IHAP Fayette 4
• Volga River State Recreation Area

Jackson County

• Green Island
• IHAP Jackson 2
• Papke Wildlife Area

Johnson County

• Hawkeye

Jones County

• IHAP Jones
• Muskrat Slough

Linn County

• Chain o Lakes

These locations offer a fantastic opportunity to explore Iowa's natural landscapes and witness the vibrant sunflower blooms. Food for thought, you may have to do some exploring to find the sunflower field, but rest assured it's there. Make sure to dress accordingly as ticks have been an ever-present issue. As a bonus, hunters can enjoy the added advantage of these plots, making it a prime location for hunting activities during their respective seasons. The full list of Iowa sunflower food plots can be found here. So, whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or hunter, these sunflower plots provide a delightful outdoor adventure in Iowa's beautiful countryside.

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