·

13 BEST U-Pick Lavender Farms to Visit in Iowa

0 Comments

We love exploring local lavender farms in Iowa, and we’re confident you will, too.

Looking for the best lavender farms nearby? Iowa is home to many hidden gems, including some you may not have discovered yet. Whether you’re after unique lavender products or simply want to enjoy the sight of stunning purple fields, there’s something special waiting for you. In this post, we’ll guide you through the top lavender farms across the state, helping you find the perfect one near you.

As a lavender farmer and busy mom, I’m always looking for simple, natural ways to improve my family’s health and well-being. Lavender has become one of my go-to solutions. From calming stressful days to promoting better sleep, this amazing herb offers so many benefits that fit perfectly into my hectic routine. We create a variety of products with lavender essential oil and lavender-infused oil, available for purchase in our online Farm Store.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a small percent for you visiting our site with no cost to you.

Where are Lavender Farms in Iowa?

As the only lavender farm in north central Ohio, we love talking about lavender and with others who like it, too. We have scoured the web looking for lavender farms in every state and are excited to showcase several lavender farms in Iowain this article.

Credit Iowa Lavender

Below are the lavender farms that we discovered and a brief highlight for each of them. Although we have not traveled to any of these farms yet, we are excited to share a little more about them with you.

What Is Available at Lavender Farms in Iowa?

That is a great question! There are so many great things that you can do at a lavender farm.

Several of the farms below offer u-pick opportunities throughout the growing season and many of them craft unique lavender items that are ready for your home. You are sure to find something that is enjoyable. We were excited to see that several of them are offering special events for the upcoming holiday season, too.

Tips For Shopping at Your Local Lavender Farms in Iowa

We love when customers come prepared for their purchase even if it is their first time at our farm. We prefer to think about the 3C’s when visiting a local farm.

Credit Iowa Lavender

What Should I Bring to a Local Lavender Farm in Iowa?

Comfortable Shoes

This may seem like an odd idea, but many of our local lavender farms have uneven ground as they are “working farms” where the ground is relatively flat but may be uneven. You should come prepared with closed-toe shoes. Please don’t walk in areas that are not allowed at the farm. It is always best not to run or jump around the lavender plants or animals for your safety and the farm’s well-being.

Coolers

If you are buying refrigerated or frozen items, please come prepared with a cooler. There is nothing worse than buying cold items at a local farm and not having a way to keep it cool during your drive home.

Cash

As Dave Ramsey would say, cash is king! Remember that you will need a way to buy your goods from your local lavender farms. Many local farm stores are self-service and cash is the simplest form of payment where the farmer doesn’t need to pay service fees for selling items. Some local farms use electronic payment methods such as Venmo, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Other farms may have access to a credit card machine.

Credit: Red Feather Ranch

Are Bees and Other Wildlife Present?

When you visit a local lavender farm in Iowa, please be aware that bees and other wildlife are likely present. Please follow the directions of the farmer for how you should address this, but we have found that bees and smaller wildlife like butterflies will typically leave you alone. Of course, if you have allergies to specific plants, animals, or seasonal allergens please come prepared.

Before you go further, check out our COMPLETE step-by-step Farm Stand Toolkit to launch and scale your farm stand for more income.

When Are The Best Times to Visit Local Lavender Farms in Iowa?

Although the local lavender farm in Iowa may have specific times that they are open, we have found that some times in the season may be more optimal than others. For instance, to grab fresh lavender bundles, then you will want to shop during the Summer harvest (typically late June to August depending on the growing zone).

Credit Iowa Lavender

Please know that the price of some items may change depending on the season or may be adjusted based on the challenges of the growing conditions during a particular year.

Discover These Lavender Farms in Iowa Near Me

Below is a list of local lavender farms in Iowa. We obtained this list from a generous search online and through submissions to our website. As always, please reach out to the farm directly to verify their farming practices and what they raise or grow. Looking for more awesome local farms? You can check out other beautiful lavender farms here on our blog.

Have you considered a lavender field vacation? Discover 650+ lavender farms in our state-by-state guide across the United States. You can also help us grow this list! Send us a message with any lavender farm you find and help us spread the love of lavender to more people!

Ames

Iowa Lavender is located in Ames, Iowa. Research for the farm started in 2019 after these lavender farmers visited a lavender farm on vacation. This is also how we got the itch to start our farm. Soon after in May 2020, the first 150 lavender plants were put into the ground. This was in the middle of a global pandemic when stress and anxiety seemed to be at an all-time high for everyone.

Soon after, they began producing handcrafted lavender products. As the farm has continued to grow, Iowa Lavender realized the need for an onsite gift shop (open by appointment and for special events). This farm conveniently offers 4 public lavender u-pick events that are typically in June and late August or early September where people can pick their own fresh bundle of lavender and meet the friendly baby goats.

Credit Iowa Lavender

You can find their items conveniently at several markets across Iowa or purchase products and have them shipped or pickup at the farm.

Credit Iowa Lavender
  • Iowa Lavender
    • Address: 25016 Sand Hill Trail, Ames, IA 50010
    • Website: iowalavender.com
    • Phone: (515) 257-6814

Cumming

Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch is located in Cumming, Iowa. This Iowa lavender farm offers an assortment of lavender plants, flowers, pumpkins, and more.

From their website: “The Howell farm was purchased in 1878 with a total of 960 acres. 800 of those acres remain today. The farm was primarily cattle, hogs and row crops. During the farm crisis of the 80’s, farmer Fred decided to try alternative farming and planted a quarter acre of Strawflowers and 4 colors of annual Statice, all for dried flowers. Once picked and dried they were hung and on display in our ancestral 1910 barn.

Fred branched into the greenhouse growing sector and dabbled at growing pumpkins in 1994. Our first school field trip was in 1996.

Over the years the farm has grown from conventional farming into an agrotourism and agri-tainment destination.

Today we grow 3 acres of flowers for preserving and drying, 18 acres of pumpkins, an 8 acre corn maze, just to name a few. The remaining acres are rented to neighbors for cattle grazing and row crops.

But even with all the changes, the heart of the farm remains the same. So come, walk where generations have walked, explore the fields, get lost in the maze, and discover the joy of a baby goat. We’re not just a farm, we’re a family, and we welcome you to be a part of it.”

Iowa City

Always Lavender Thyme Lavender Farm in Iowa City, Iowa, has been growing lavender since 2008. Their family adventure led them to continue growing 5300+ lavender plants and crafting lavender products. You can learn more about their story. Check out their abundance of lavender goodies like dried culinary lavender, lavender lotion bars, lavender goats milk soap, lavender butter cream soap, and more. You can find a full list of their products on their website.

Madrid

Located in Madrid, Iowa, Jester Hill Farm is going to be your summer destination. Check out their Summer Nights, drop in for a lavender u-pick event, or enjoy a Tunes & Blooms event at their Iowa lavender farm. This farm would love to have you attend their events.

They grow an assortment of cut flowers that would be the perfect addition to your kitchen table or night stand. So many varieties are growing! Zinnias, Sunflowers, Dahlias, Lisianthus, Snapdragons, Bupleurum, Yarrow, Celosia, Gomphrena, Dara, Feverfew, Marigold, Cinnamon Basil, Rudbeckia, Amaranthus, Dianthus, Daisy’s, Orlaya, Echinops and Strawflower will all be growing! Give them a call for your wedding bouquet, too!

  • Jester Hill Farm

Mediapolis

Southeast Iowa Lavender Farm is located in Mediapolis, Iowa. In 2020, these lavender farmers started with a small plot of lavender plants on their land. They have been living here for over 27 years. Like so many people, they quickly fell in love with the plant’s soothing beauty and versatility. Since then, they’ve grown over 400 lavender plants and they also added loofah to the farm.

Whether you’re looking for fresh lavender, dried bundles, or lavender-based products, they would love to serve you. If you have never tried using loofah, it is perfect for natural exfoliation and is a great alternative to synthetic bath and cleaning products.

From their website: “We invite you to explore our farm, experience the calming scents of lavender, and learn more about our sustainable farming practices. Whether you visit us in person or shop online, we hope you find something to bring a little piece of the farm home with you.”

Missouri Valley

Loess Hills Lavender Farm is located in Missouri Valley, Iowa. These Iowa lavender farms visited the lavender fields of Sequim, WA, during the Sequim Lavender Festival and it was love at first sight.

After much research, their vision of bringing fresh lavender aroma and beauty to their home in the Loess Hills of Iowa was realized in 2009 when they planted 1,200 lavender sprouts. 

In 2011 the Lavender Farm’s Craft Store opened which features wonderful handmade items from over 40 vendors. Soon after, in 2013, they started distilling their first lavender oil.

Since that time, a greenhouse was constructed, a working windmill was erected, a pergola was added, and the craft store building was expanded to host special event receptions. They continued to add plants and at one time, hosted 4,000 plants and 10 varietals.

Credit: Red Feather Ranch
  • Loess Hills Lavender Farm
    • Address: 2278 Loess Hills Trail, Missouri Valley, IA 51555
    • Website: loesshillslavender.com
    • Phone: (712) 642-9016

New Providence

Located in New Providence, Iowa is Quakerdale Farms. This Iowa lavender farm would love to invite you to explore their beautiful lavender fields this summer.

From their website: “In May 2024, we planted 3,000 lavender plantlets across six test fields on our campus. These fields are currently marked with pink flags, and we welcome visitors to walk the grounds and enjoy the scenery.

We are testing 24 lavender varieties to monitor their performance and growth in different soil types, both natural and manufactured. Each plantlet is crucial to our future plans. The plantlets in the fields are approximately one year old, with the first harvest expected next summer. Therefore, we kindly request that visitors do not touch the plants or remove any blooms without staff approval.

Our Tissue Culture Lab is now open to visitors, who can observe our work through observation windows. The lab is located in the main office building. Please be patient as our plants grow. It will take a couple of years for them to reach the appearance of the promotional photos on our website.”

Big Plans Ahead!

They have currently reserved over 100 acres for lavender with plans to span over 400 acres. This will make them the largest lavender farm in the world!

A Commitment To The Creator

They are excited to offer free tours and we love their commitment to our Creator. While the farm operates as a for-profit venture, it remains deeply committed to fostering hope, love, and community support. A percentage of all proceeds supports the Quakerdale Foundation, ensuring the philanthropic spirit of the original campus continues to thrive. This blend of commercial success and charitable giving creates a unique atmosphere where guests can enjoy their stay while contributing to a greater cause.

“We have opened our fields, farm, pasture, and hearts for those to stay here for free to enjoy what God has built for all.”   

Credit: Red Feather Ranch

Oxford

Winning the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Award is Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging. This Iowa lavender farm is located in Oxford, Iowa.

Calyx Creek is a destination with fun for the whole family. This lavender farm offers an AirBnB with a Tree House, a Suite, and a Shepherds Hut. Enjoy year-round lodging with all the amenities 30 feet above fields of lavender. You can also explore their private nature trail to escape the everyday!

Join them in their event venue on site for weddings, celebrations, corporate events, and more. Make sure that you remind your guests to stay onsite for the event or the entire weekend.

In addition to lavender field activities like u-pick, Calyx Creek also offers classes about Bee & Honey Experience, Lavender Wreath Making, Yoga & Lavender, and More!

  • Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging
    • Address: 1722 255th St NW, Oxford, IA 52322
    • Website: calyxcreek.farm
    • Phone: (319) 900-5992

Pleasant Hill

Lavender Life of Pleasant Hill is located in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. This Iowa lavender farm started with over 600 lavender plants, including Hidcote, Royal Velvet, Twinkle, Grosso. Using essential oils found within the plants, this lavender farm created a product line that was chemical-free, lavender-infused, and handmade here in Iowa.

Product Lineup

From their website:

  • Our Lush Lotion is a perfect blend of almond oil, bran oil, and aloe extract. It’s ideal for an all over body experience!
  • Our Lavender Balm is a favorite amongst all ages! It’s a deeply moisturizing balm made for chapped areas of the body, such as hands, elbows, heels of the feet, and lips. Coconut and almond oil provide a rejuvenating remedy to seasonal dryness.
  • Our Lavender Soy Candle is one-of-a-kind gift crafted with essential oils and a 100% cotton wick. It has a burn time of 40 hours, giving you endless afternoons full of lavender’s aroma.
  • Our soaps have been made to cleanse, exfoliate, and scent the skin. Coconut, sweet almond, and sunflower oils are used to clean and comfort.
  • Our sprays (including a linen spray!) give textiles the scent of serenity. Even spraying a bit in the air is guaranteed to calm your senses!

Not yet open to the public (as of 12/2024), but reach out to this lavender farm to see when you can drop in for a visit.

State Center

Minervas Meadow is a flower farm in State Center, Iowa. This Iowa lavender farm and cut flower farm is passionate about returning to the roots (pun intended). What all started as a dream – to live and work in a bucolic setting with family and friends surrounding us, became a reality in 2019 when they began planting seeds.

From their website: “In 2020, we launched Minerva’s Meadow, LLC – our little family-run flower farm. We have grown in many ways since our founding, and gone through much evolution, not to mention some real challenges. Still, we rise. We look forward to growing seeds with you all. To us, flowers are family.

We are still learning about ourselves, our ancestors, and the people whose land we inhabit. If you’d like to learn more about your area, we’ve found Native Land Digital and the Native Governance Center good places to start.”

Check out this lavender farm when you are in the State Center area!

Walker

Walker, Iowa is home to Pine Hill Farm a beautiful lavender farm. This farm is closed to the public, however, they are open for special events and photography. Experience the enchanting aroma and vibrant colors of our lavender field when you book a private 1-hour photography session amidst the blooming lavender from late June to mid-July. Immortalize breathtaking images while surrounded by nature’s beauty.

From their website: “We embarked on a journey to share the beauty of local flowers with you. Farmers Jacob & Cassandra Kubik, pour their hearts and minds into everything they do. Pine Hill Farm specializes in cultivating exceptional cut flowers and crafting exquisite items using the bounties of our farm. Come visit our farm stand during the growing season to explore our products. Stay connected on Facebook for updates and event schedules. Thank you for your invaluable support towards our farm.”

  • Pine Hill Farm

Winterset

Pepper Harrow Farm is a beautiful farm in Winterset, Iowa. This Iowa farm grows cut flowers and several varieties of lavender. Perhaps you have found them, as we did, through their YouTube channel where they invite you on a journey across their beautiful landscape.

From their website: “Welcome to PepperHarrow Farm, where our love for nature blossoms into beautiful, farm-fresh flowers. Nestled in the heart of Iowa’s rolling hills, our 20-acre haven offers a tranquil escape just 30 minutes southwest of Des Moines.

Our journey began with a shared passion for the outdoors. Adam, a Louisiana native, brought his love for nature from playing in the swamps of a nature preserve, and gardening in some of the most historic gardens in Middle Tennessee. Jenn, an Iowa native, inherited her love and knowledge for flowers from generations of her family’s matriarchs. Together, we nurtured our passion, co-founding PepperHarrow Farm and cultivating blooms on a 9-acre oasis.

Today, PepperHarrow Farm is more than just flowers. We’re proud Master Gardeners and co-authors of the book “Small Farms, Big Dreams,” published in April 2022 by BLOOM Imprint. Our farm has been featured in numerous publications, such as Midwest Living and Better Homes and Gardens. We share our floral expertise as nationally recognized speakers on cut-flower gardening, via our popular YouTube Channel, hosting workshops and other fun events right here at PepperHarrow.”

  • PepperHarrow Farm

United States Lavender Farms (GOOGLE MAP)

For an interactive map of all 650+ lavender farms across the United States, please click on the map below. If you would like to add a United States lavender farm or sponsor this tool, please contact us.

Conclusion

As you can see, Iowa is home to several great lavender farms. From culinary blends to homemade skin care products, there are so many wonderful options to try. We were excited to see that several of these farms offer u-pick events throughout the growing season which provides a unique experience to get up close with lavender fields.

If you have visited any of these lavender farms, we would love to hear more about your experience in the comments below.

Pin This Post

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Are you human? Please solve:Captcha