I’m always on the lookout for unique places and experiences off the beaten path. One such hidden gem is The Wildflower Farm located near the Chicagoland area in Monee, IL. Established just last year, 2021, this business is a beautiful boutique flower farm with a twist—you get to select and cut your own flowers!
My friend Alyssa and I planned a surprise birthday adventure at this farm for our friend Allie’s 22nd birthday. As the three of us drove further and further out into the corn fields to arrive at The Wildflower Farm, it was entertaining to hear Allie’s guesses about where we were taking her. Each theory became more and more suspicious: “Lunch? Line dancing? Umm, are we going out for drinks? I know, you’re taking me paintballing!”
When we finally pulled off onto the dirt road that would take us to the farm, Allie saw The Wildflower Farm sign staked into the ground and was pleasantly surprised. We stepped out of the car into a beautiful sunny day and walked towards the barn to receive our instructions.
A friendly face greeted us and explained the process. Prices depend on the “u-pick container” that you choose. Mason jars range from $15-$25 and ceramic mugs and pitchers from Idle Hands Pottery, a local pottery shop, range from $40-$60. (Pro-tip: If you come back to The Wildflower Farm after your first visit and bring the jar you purchased, you can re-fill this jar at a discount.)
We each chose a small mason jar, pre-filled with water, and we were each given a pair of scissors to cut our flowers. The kind lady—who we later discovered was the mother of the farm’s founder, Anna Carmine—directed us towards the flower fields and told us that we could pick as many flowers as would fit into our jar. She also advised that if we cut the flowers at different heights, we could fit more in.
The fields were beautiful, blooming in brilliant colors – hot pink and dark red Geraniums, orange-sherbet Marigolds, pretty white Cosmos, and so many more. We all had fun scouring the rows of flowers and cutting ones that we found pretty or that matched the color scheme we were going for. It was a wonderful experience that got us out in nature and allowed us the opportunity to be directly involved in the process of creating our own bouquets—much better and more intimate than going to the grocery store to buy flowers.
Plus, the beautiful fields offered a great opportunity to take pictures. In fact, the farm has two acres set up just for guests to do private photo sessions. Alyssa, Allie, and I spent a long time in the tall sunflower fields, exploring and taking various photos together to remember our time there.
After we were satisfied with our bouquets, we returned our scissors and explored the grounds. There was a little on-site coffee and treat shop called “The Stand,” a duck house, and, for the kids, a jumpy pillow, climb-friendly tractor, and barrel carts.
While The Wildflower Farm is primarily a space to pick flowers, they offer all sorts of events throughout the summer and fall seasons. They have live music on the weekends and often invite food trucks and local catering for special events. They’ve hosted a Daddy Daughter Event, Girls’ Night, Date Night, and various morning yoga events. They’ve even had occasional Princess appearances for the kids. Plus, this year they have a fun, new addition to the farm—two cute little baby goats named Coco and Ella!
The founder is deeply invested in supporting local businesswomen and often invites these vendors to The Farm to promote their businesses—everything from boutique owners to cookie decorators to female farmers.
This farm is an amazing, warm, and welcoming space to be out in nature, participate in community, and share good times with friends and family. If you’re looking for a new and unique experience, I highly recommend taking a trip out to 11332 West Dralle Road, Monee, IL to visit The Wildflower Farm this summer—opening day is just a few weeks away on July 22! If you want to learn more about their business, check out their website here. Or follow their Facebook page to stay up to date on current events!
Thanks for sharing! This sounds like such a wonderful place. It seems so peaceful and a beautiful place to share with family and friends. It is wonderful to hear that the founder supports the local people in their ventures.