It’s flower season in central Iowa, and many local flower farms offer delightful opportunities for visitors. These farms allow you to stroll through fields of beautiful blooms, perfect for photo-ops, and to pick your own flowers, ranging from tulips in the spring to sunflowers in the fall. Add a blossom-filled adventure to your family’s routine by visiting one of these you-pick flower farms near Des Moines.
Be sure to call ahead before heading out on your flower farm visit! Many of the farms listed below have limited seasonal hours, are only open for special events, or accept visitors by appointment only.
For even more ideas to get out and about this summer visit our Calendar, check out the Summer Fun Guide and sign-up to receive the Weekend Fun Guide.
Your guide to Flower Farms near Des Moines:
Bochner Farms
Found in Indianola, about 30 minutes from Des Moines, this family-owned farm provides unique experiences such as U-Pick sessions, garden walks, yoga in the garden, and seasonal events like the Autumn Garden Party. This destination is fun for families, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages and interests.
Jester Hill Farm
In Madrid, Jester Hill Farm has open hours twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays for visitors to pick their own bouquets. They also offer fun family friendly events throughout their season, so be sure to keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for the latest updates and special happenings.
Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch
Known for their expansive greenhouse and sunflower fields, Howell’s offers workshops on creating floral arrangements and crafts. They host a Flower Festival where you can pick your own sunflowers. Additionally, Howell’s will be hosting Picnic in the Petals, where you can enjoy the blooms with a bite to eat.
PepperHarrow Farm
Located in Winterset, PepperHarrow Farm is a boutique flower farm that offers a range of floral-themed events, from al fresco dinners to craft workshops such as lavender soap making and botanical dyeing. With its diverse offerings, it serves as the perfect destination for a memorable outing with tweens and teens alike.
Rose Farm
A family-owned farm located near Norwalk, only 20 minutes from downtown Des Moines. Rose Farm offers various workshops, including floral design, candle making, and culinary classes. The farm also hosts Farm School, a seasonal series that gives children a front-row seat to a modern farmstead. Held on Fridays throughout June to August, it’s a perfect spot for a scenic and educational visit.
Valley View Farm
Valley View is a boutique flower farm that sits high on a bluff overlooking the Des Moines River Valley in Boone County. They also grow on a micro-farm in Des Moines. Valley View Farm specializes in growing heirloom and unusual flowers. They focus on sustainable farming practices and offer flower subscriptions as well as educational workshops on floral arrangements.
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Your family can indulge in a delightful array of offerings at Wilson’s Orchard and Farm. On Farm Market, Bakery, Ciderhouse Restaurant & Bar, alongside an abundance of you-pick crops and engaging farm activities. Conveniently located 10 minutes south of Des Moines on I-35, their cut flower gardens are filled with blooms carefully selected for their beauty and seasonality.
Willow Flower Farm
Located in Prole, just south of Des Moines, this farm offers a variety of more than fifty flower types and provides a U-Pick experience where you can create your own bouquet. The farm emphasizes the joy and therapeutic benefits of picking flowers.
Wren & Willow
Often seen at the Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market, Wren & Willow specializes in delivering stunning specialty cut flowers. They also offer delivery services if you prefer having fresh flowers brought to your home.
