See the Sunflowers: Experience Nelson Produce Farm in Nebraska

As the heat of summer sweeps across the picturesque fields of Valley, Nebraska, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds. Endless rows of golden sunflowers sway gracefully and turn their faces towards the sun. The Sunflower Festival at Nelson Produce Farm is a vibrant celebration of nature’s beauty and a delightful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Don’t miss out on the unforgettable experience that awaits you at Nelson Produce Farm. Here’s everything you need to know.

1. Plan your Visit to the Sunflower Festival

Nelson Produce Farm, a family-owned gem nestled in the heart of the Cornhusker State, is known for its commitment to sustainable farming and its passion for agriculture and the outdoors. Every year they invite visitors to share in the splendor of sunflowers at their annual Sunflower Festival. The event lasts around two weeks and takes place during the end of August into the beginning of September. As Nebraska’s largest original U-pick sunflower field, it is a manifestation of their desire to bridge the gap between rural and urban Nebraska.

Purchasing Tickets

General admission to Nelson’s Market and U-pick farm is available year-round even on non-festival days. You can either purchase a day-pass at the farm entrance or online. There is a five-dollar discount when purchasing online in advance. Regular day passes are sold for $10 online and festival day-passes are $15. With your General Admission ticket, you have access to hay bales, a little farmers’ interactive play area, feed the animals, tractor rides, goat attraction, U-Pick Produce Area, and much more. Activities and attractions will vary based on season. You can also purchase a season pass that includes admission for an entire season calendar. Sunflower festival tickets can be purchased here. Keep reading for a full list of the Nelson Produce Farm festivals and events.

Getting There

Nelson Produce Farm is located just 26 miles outside of Omaha, Nebraska at 10505 N 234th St, Valley, NE 68064. A quick drive through the corn fields and you’ve reached your escape from the commotion of the city and traded it for slow and easy outdoors.

Parking

Parking is completely free at the farm and is located just outside the entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The farm is open Monday through Thursday 9 am to 5 pm, and Friday through Sunday 9 am to 9 pm during the festival weeks. Hours may differ on certain event days so be sure to check their calendar. This year the temperatures were not forgiving and even reached 100° on some days. You can tell the flowers were feeling the heat by some of the drooping blooms. Depending on the weather, visiting during the earlier part of the festival may allow you to see happier blooms with upturned faces. I would also suggest visiting early in the morning or later in the evening as the mid-day sun can be brutal. But regardless of when you are able to visit, the flowers are still a sight to behold.

Other things to Note

The farm accepts both cards and cash at the entrance and in the market. Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your furry friends at home due to their health certifications, as this is a real working produce farm.

Viewing the Sunflowers

The sunflowers are planted in stages along a hillside in order to promote the best viewing and bloom time for visitors, with the top field being the first to bloom and the lower field being the last. The festival boasts over 100,000 blooms with multiple sunflower varieties. Paths have been cleared through the fields so that you can literally immerse yourself in the sunflowers. Fun props are scattered throughout, making for gorgeous photo ops. This year, they even had an antique piano in the fields.

U-Pick

Your admission ticket includes the opportunity to pick one bloom from the fields. Scissors are provided at the field entrances to make this task easier. If you can’t bring yourself to leave with just one they have the option to add on additional stems for three dollars, 20 blooms for $20, or blooms in a vase for $30.

Depending on what is in season you may also have the ability to pick other fresh fruits and veggies. Check their site to see prices and what’s currently being picked.

2. Sunflower Festival Activities

Enjoy a spectrum of exciting activities at the Sunflower Festival! From crafting exquisite sunflower bouquets to savoring sunrise breakfasts amidst the sun-kissed fields, the festival boasts a wide variety of experiences.

Bouquet Class

Prepare to unleash your inner florist and craft a spectacular sunflower bouquet during the Sunflower Bouquet Making Class. This interactive workshop offers you the ideal chance to discover the secrets of floral arrangement and fashion a magnificent masterpiece to take with you.

Rise and Bloom

With their rise and bloom event, from 6 am to 9 am you can partake in a delightful breakfast amid the breathtaking sunflower fields. Watch the sunflowers as they start their day by turning to face the sun. When you are finished enjoying your coffee, pastry, and fruit cup you can fill your breakfast bucket with blooms.

Photography Nights

Nelson Produce Farm reserves special evenings exclusively for photographers and their clients, creating a serene sunflower photography experience free from public crowds. This unique event spans four evenings, providing an exceptional opportunity to capture the beauty of the fields.

Photographers can secure their spot for $250 on the first night, with a generous discount of $50 available for each subsequent photography session. This fee covers both the photographer and their clients, ensuring an undisturbed and picturesque sunflower photography experience.

Butterfly Release

This event provides the opportunity to release Painted Lady Butterflies among the fields. With each gentle release, you watch as these symbols of transformation take flight, gracefully fluttering amidst the sunflowers, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. This act of releasing butterflies in a sunflower field serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty of change and the importance of cherishing the fleeting moments of life’s vibrant tapestry.

Sunflower Sunsets

These select dates provide extended hours with the chance to view the sunflowers at sunset. As the sun’s warm embrace turns to a soft, golden farewell, these vibrant blooms take on a mesmerizing, almost ethereal quality.

Yoga Classes

What’s better than a sun salutation among the sunflowers? This event is an opportunity to reconnect with the earth, find your inner balance, and bask in the radiant energy of the sunflowers. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this unique outdoor event offers multiple distinct yoga classes to choose from, each catering to different preferences and levels of practice.

Sunflower Date Basket

Prepare for a unique and unforgettable date night with a carefully curated Date Night Basket including charcuterie selections, farm-fresh veggies, and sweet farm-baked goods. Grab your favorite picnic blanket and find a cozy spot among the sunflowers for a romantic evening.

Be sure to check out the festival page and calendar for ticket purchases and more information on events.

3. Tips for Your Visit to the Sunflowers

What to Wear

There are plenty of photo opportunities and a cute sundress is sure to stand out, but remember you will be walking through the dirt. Plan to wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Nebraska’s sun can be intense during the daytime.

Camera Ready

Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for capturing those stunning sunflower moments. I brought along my tripod as well.

Bugspray

There are many bugs that love these flowers almost as much as we do! It’s a good idea to bring insect repellent to keep them off of you and on the flowers.

Leave No Trace

Dispose of your trash properly and be respectful of the field’s rules and regulations. Leave the field as beautiful as you found it for others to enjoy. Try to stay on designated paths and avoid trampling on the flowers. Be mindful of the environment and wildlife that may call the field home.

3. Other Nelson Produce Farm Activities

There is so much to do at Nelson Produce Farm. Along with a fully stocked indoor market they have different events year-round showcasing the beauty and functionality of their farm.

Events

The yearly events include:

Nelson Farm Market

Discover the ultimate destination for farm-fresh delights at Nelson Produce Indoor Market. A go-to place for farm-fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, and delectable baked goods. Savor a delightful lunch or enjoy a steaming cup of gourmet coffee from their coffee bar, paired with a freshly baked donut. With a little something for everyone, Nelson Produce Indoor Market allows you to experience the essence of fresh, local goodness.

The Sunflower Festival at Nelson Produce Farm is a celebration of nature’s beauty that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of sunflowers, the promise of picturesque photo opportunities, or the chance to experience fresh local farm goods, this festival offers a little something for everyone. So, mark your calendar, and get ready to immerse yourself in the golden glow of sunflowers.