Visit the Sunflowers of McKee-Beshers In Maryland

Updated July 23, 2021

Nothing spells summer fun like basking in a sea of golden sunflowers. Luckily for us living in the Capital region, we are blessed with many sunflower fields. Among them are the ones at McKee-Beshers in Poolesville, Maryland. About an hour drive outside Washington, DC, they are certainly worth the detour. The flowers usually reach peak bloom mid-July to the delight of photographers, nature enthusiasts, Instagramers and local tourists alike. Just like the cherry blossoms in the Spring, the McKee-Beshers sunflowers’ lifespan is subject to the weather. The bloom last between 1 to 3 weeks.

Tens of acres of sunflowers are planted each Spring. Why you ask me? Well their main purpose is to provide a food source for the local wildlife most notably for mourning doves, songbirds and honeybees. Because the sunflowers are planted for the benefit of wildlife, it is strictly forbidden to cut, remove or destroy them. Keep reading to find all you need to know to enjoy your visit.

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How to Get to the Sunflowers of McKee-Beshers

The sunflowers are planted across several fields. The number of fields and their locations vary from year to year. Except for the main field or Field #1, the others can be a bit tricky to locate especially if you are a first-time visitor. Of course you can use Google Maps, but from my experience, it will send you to the middle of nowhere on Hunting Quarter Rd. Instead use the map below and keep scrolling for driving directions.

Update for McKee-Beshers sunflowers in 2021:

There are no sunflowers at the main field and the other fields are smaller than in past years. Also there are tall (if not taller) weeds everywhere.

Here are the GPS locations of the sunflower fields planted in 2021:

• Field #1: 39.075688, -77.402296
• Field #2: 39.079172, -77.388253
• Field #3: 39.075627, -77.380313
• Field #4: 39.075504, -77.422652​

You can also refer to the map below

Click here for pdf version of the map

Driving Directions to the Sunflower Fields of McKee-Beshers

As I mentioned above, the main field is easy to find. From I-495, take exit 39 (River Rd) toward Potomac. Proceed 11 miles to the intersection of River Rd and Seneca Rd. Turn left and continue 2.5 miles past that intersection. McKee-Beshers will be on your left on River Rd. There is a small parking lot that can overfill during full bloom. If that is the case, some people might illegally park on the side of the road so be extremely vigilant when approaching this area. From the parking lot, it is a quick walk to the field. Tip: if the parking lot is full, consider going to the other fields first. NOT AVAILABLE IN 2021

The location of the other fields vary each year so make sure to refer to the map. However you can usually find some off of Hunting Quarter Rd. To get there from the main field parking lot, go further down on River Rd about 0.5 mile then make a left on Hunting Quarter Rd. Be advised that it is a gravel road so drive at your own risk. I wouldn’t recommend driving in the rain or even after heavy rainfall. You will find 2 parking lots 0.5 mile apart with the fields within walking distance. Tip: even though Hunter Quarter Rd loops back to River Rd, I don’t advise going past the 2nd parking lot. Instead turn around and back track to where you came from.

Finally you can usually find some field off of Sycamore Landing Rd. There are trails connecting these fields with the ones off Hunting Quarter Rd, but I have not used them yet. That would require a long hike in the July heat and humidity with a kiddo in tow. No, thank you! So from Hunting Quarter Rd, drive 1.8 miles down River Rd to Sycamore Landing Rd. It might be difficult to see the signage so look out for the Palmervale Farm sign. Make a left on the gravel road (again, proceed with caution). Sycamore Landing Road dead ends into a parking lot with sunflower fields just across from it.

What to Expect

Not until seeing the sunflowers of McKee-Beshers in person do people realize how tall they can get. This is why you will find many photographers carrying a ladder/step stool as it will allow them to shoot above the height of the flowers. If you explore a bit, you should be able to find short flowers in the main field. They tend to be towards the center. If you don’t find them, check out the other fields. We chanced upon a field filled with shorter flowers on our first visit when my daughter was around 3.

For the best viewing times, I would say come early to mid mornings when temperatures are still tolerable enough. It makes for a more pleasant visit. However I find that more people come in late afternoon and/or around sunset to photograph the sunflowers during golden hour. It adds a little extra to your photos.

As you will be in nature, be ready to encounter wildlife. One year, we were “attacked” by an army of angry-looking crawdaddies! There possibly was at least a dozen of them swarming toward us! I had to carry my hysterical daughter on my back and hop over them to the parking lot. It was the longest half a mile of my entire life! Another year, we saw a baby snake. Honestly, I don’t know why my daughter still agrees to accompany me to see the sunflowers. But then she is the bravest kiddo I know (I’m a little biased of course)

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What to Bring To Visit the Sunflowers at McKee-Beshers

• Closed toe shoes. The grounds will be muddy when wet so wear appropriate footwear
• If you can tolerate it, wear long pants and a long sleeved top
• Insect repellent like this one or for a deet-free alternative, we love this one
• Hat or umbrella to protect against the hot sun (tip: they also make great props thus serving 2 purposes)
• Step stool for cool photography
• Tripod or selfie stick
• Water bottle to keep hydrated

Things to Know Before You Visit the Sunflowers of McKee-Beshers

• It’s FREE!!! Free parking as well
• There are no bathrooms so plan accordingly
• There are no shaded area, picnic tables or benches
• The area is full of ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, snakes and some out-of-this-world-alien-looking crayfish
• Destruction and removal/cutting of plants is strictly prohibited
• Dogs are allowed but must be leashed
• The area is trash-free and you must take your trash with you

There are other sunflowers fields in the DC area but I find myself coming back to the sunflowers of McKee-Beshers year after year. It helps that we only live 25 minutes away. And honestly another reason is because it’s FREE!!! As a solo mom on a strict budget, I can’t pass up free entertainment. With the kids having fun running around the sunflowers and exploring, it makes for a great family outing. Just remind them not to trample on the flowers. So I hope you decide to make your way down to Poolesville, Maryland for a visit. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions.

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FOR MORE DC AREA OUTINGS:

• Washington DC: how to enjoy the DC cherry blossoms
• Washington DC: top 10 gardens in DC
• Maryland: cool off at the Poolesville swimming hole
• DMV: best free outdoor playgrounds in the DC area