McKee-Beshers Sunflower Fields

McKee-Beshers Sunflower Fields

Every July, Maryland plants acres of sunflowers at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area near Poolesville, and for a couple of weeks the fields turn into a wall of yellow. For 2026 there are four planted fields, with peak bloom expected to start around the weekend of July 11 and last one to three weeks depending on heat and rain. It's about 40 minutes from DC, it costs nothing, and you don't need a permit or a reservation. You park on the gravel and walk in.

A heads up before you load the car: this is a wildlife management area, not a manicured farm. The sunflowers are planted to feed doves and other wildlife, so picking or cutting flowers is not allowed. The mowed paths between fields get overgrown at the edges, and the mosquitos and ticks are real. Our move is to go early in the morning while it's cool, get the photos, and be back at the car before anyone wilts.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Check bloom status before you drive. Timing shifts with the weather every year. The Maryland DNR page and recent visitor photos on social media will tell you if the fields are actually yellow yet.
• ✓Long pants and closed shoes. Ticks live in the tall grass at the field edges. Do a tick check on everyone when you get back to the car.
• ✓Bug spray first, then sunscreen. You'll want both. There's zero shade out in the fields.
• ✓No bathrooms, no water. There are no facilities at all. Bring more water than you think you need and plan bathroom stops in Poolesville.
• ✓Don't pick the flowers. The sunflowers are planted for wildlife and cutting them is prohibited. Photos only, and it's a good chance to explain why to the kids.
• ✓Make it a Poolesville double. Homestead Farm and its pick-your-own peaches are about ten minutes away, so you can do sunflowers early and peaches after.