By Scout Nelson
North Dakota welcomes visitors to experience its famous sunflower season as millions of bright yellow blooms cover the countryside from late July through August. The colorful fields create beautiful views across the prairie and offer travelers a chance to enjoy one of the state's most popular summer attractions.
North Dakota remains America's leading sunflower-producing state after harvesting more than 1 billion pounds of sunflowers from over 500,000 acres in 2025. The impressive bloom season attracts photographers, families, road travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts who come to enjoy the scenic landscapes while learning more about the state's rich agricultural heritage.
"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."
To help visitors enjoy the best blooms, North Dakota Tourism offers the 2026 Sunflower Map, featuring a record 28 participating sunflower fields. The online map provides updated bloom conditions throughout the season and highlights nearby restaurants, attractions, lodging, and suggested travel routes. Visitors are encouraged to check bloom updates before traveling because flowering times depend on weather and planting dates.
Travelers can also enjoy North Dakota's sunflower products during their visit. Complimentary GIANTS sunflower seed samples are available at select viewing locations through special "Be Sunny" mailboxes. Other local products include SunButter sunflower spread, JC's Smoked Spitz, Old 81 Gourmet, and many sunflower-themed foods and gifts offered through Pride of Dakota businesses and the Bismarck-Mandan CVB Gift Store.
Sunflower season also provides opportunities to explore destinations including Bismarck and Mandan, Medora, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Devils Lake, Kenmare, the International Peace Garden, and Grand Forks.
Visitors can combine sunflower viewing with fishing, hiking, museums, shopping, local restaurants, and community events.
Photography is one of the highlights of the season. Early morning and evening provide ideal lighting for pictures, while visitors should always respect private property and only enter fields with landowner permission.
Travelers are also invited to celebrate National Sunflower Day on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, by sharing photos using #NDLegendary.
Categories: North Dakota, General