Annual sunflower experience returns to Eckert’s Farm from July 25 to August 4

The Belleville farm also offers special sunflower-themed events including ‘Sunflowers at Sunset’ date night and a Sunflower Festival featuring local vendors, face painting, a coffee truck, and a ‘Sunflower Mini Photo Session.’

Eckert’s Farm, the family farm in Belleville, Ill. (951 S Green Mt Rd), announces the return of its Sunflower Farm Experience from Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, August 4 where guests can enjoy a field of sunflowers reaching up to five feet high as well as Cut-Your-Own Sunflowers to take home.

The two-acre sunflower field is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with ticket prices starting at $8 plus field access starting at $3 during the week and $10 on Saturday and Sunday (children under two are free).

The field pass also includes field access for guests to pick the farm’s tree-ripened peaches, all available vegetables, and vine-grown blackberries. Guests can purchase tickets online through Eckert’s website.

Additionally, Eckert’s is hosting ‘Sunflowers at Sunset’ on Thursday, July 25 and Thursday, August 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. where guests can enjoy the sunset surrounded by sunflowers. Guests will receive a complimentary signature cocktail from the Cider Shed before enjoying a tractor ride to the sunflower fields. After visiting the sunflower fields, guests will return to the Cider Shed to enjoy a flight of Eckert’s signature hard ciders and a ‘jarcuterie’ (think charcuterie in a jar).

Reservations are required for the ‘Sunflowers at Sunset’ and can be purchased for $30 per person on Eckert’s website. All guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event.

Guests can also enjoy Eckert’s Sunflower Festival on Saturday, August 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival features various activities like a Sunflower Mini Photo Session with Sierra Oetjen Photography in the sunflower field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., face painting, sunflower-themed cocktails, coffee from Hot Mess Express Coffee Truck from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and local retail vendors in the plaza between the Country Store and Country Restaurant.

The Sunflower Mini Photo Session package includes a 15-minute photoshoot, five high-resolution, edited images, one Cut-Your-Own Sunflower per person, and access to the sunflower field and any other Pick-Your-Own attractions. The package is valid for up to six people and costs $125 per session. Guests can schedule their sunflower photo session through Eckert’s website.

While at the farm, guests can stop by Eckert’s Cider Shed, featuring the farm’s complete line of handcrafted hard cider, highlighting fruits that are grown on the farm, in addition to seasonal cocktails as well as a food menu with shareables, salads, power bowls and more. Guests can also stop by Mr. E’s Donut & Custard Shop to enjoy frozen custard, sundaes, and sweets that are freshly made utilizing the farm’s produce and available year-round.

For more information on Eckert’s or to reserve tickets for the sunflower trail, visit the website and follow along on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) where the team shares daily updates from the farm.