SUMMER SUNFLOWERS

from Starved Rock Country Magazine - Summer 2021

PEOPLE DON’T STUMBLE UPON US

Head to Matthiessen State Park this summer to see its infamous sunflower field

You’ve heard of amber waves of grain, but what above golden waves of sunflowers? The sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby — 60 acres of them — usually bloom in mid-July or toward the end of the month. Last year, the park announced the field was done for the season Aug. 10.

A growing destination for photos and exploration, the sunflower field has walking trails throughout to provide a better look at the gorgeous flowers. Be careful not to pick them, though, so others can have the same experience you did.

Last year, Starved Rock Country photographer Tom Sistak went to the sunflower field to capture their beauty. Here’s just a glimpse of what you may see this summer.

Summer Sunflowers

p Audree Tanas of Sheridan enjoys the view as she strolls through the sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby. Walking trails situated throughout the field provide up close viewing.

t Sam Sanders traveled all the way from Chicago to view the sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park and to take a selfie to prove it.

u Declan Duffy gets tossed in the air by his mother, Kristin, to get a better view of the sunflowers.