Did you know that there is a sunflower maze located just outside Chicagoland? Located in Hebron (once you spy the basketball-painted water tower, you know you’re in the right place) at Von Bergen’s Country Market, you’ll find the most amazing sunflower maze that will surely bring a smile to your face.

Note: This writer’s experience is from July 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Von Bergen’s has issued new safety guidelines. In 2020, there will be three mazes available. Each maze will last about 2 weeks. The first one is closed. The second maze will be available in August and the third one in the fall. It’s encouraged to practice social distancing when in the maze and at the market. Masks are required in the market and when you’re not able to social distance outdoors. Toys and play equipment may not be available when visiting. Things may change, so please visit their Facebook page to find the latest updates. Stay safe! 

My kids took the lead and guided us through the 2-acre maze. It was easy enough to navigate, stopping every few feet to take photos. About halfway through the maze, there are seats and a platform with great vantage points.

After about 20 minutes, we successfully exited the maze but we had more fun in store. The Von Bergen’s Country Market offers a fun play area with activities like ride-on tractors, basketball, a huge sandpit with toys (you’ve been warned!) and so much more. To complete your experience, you could say hi to their friendly farm animals like chickens, goats and the cutest pot-bellied pig named Turbo.

Our entire sunflower experience was every bit magical and amazing as I thought it would be. After a successful first year in operation, the Von Bergens were pleasantly surprised at the turnout and have been so happy to have met so many families. In fact, they are planning on adding more sunflower fields for the future. Count me there! Read more about our experience at the sunflower maze here.

Know Before You Go

• Admission is only $5 per person. Three and under are free.
• The maze takes about 20 minutes to go through at a leisurely pace. That doesn’t include taking all the pictures.
• Feel free to go through the maze again … and again … and again.
• The play area activities are all included with admission.
• Stop by their country market to grab some of their sweet corn.
• Be sure to check their website or call before making the trip to make sure the maze is still available.
• They don’t serve food here. Head to the charming town a few minutes down the road to grab some grub and ice cream!

Where to Eat

• Looking for breakfast and lunch? Be prepared to eat well at Hazel’s Diner and Bakery with their hearty portions and food made from scratch. Try their larger-than-your-head cinnamon rolls.
• If you’ve worked up an appetite, the award-winning broasted chicken is calling your name from Crandall’s Restaurant. Their pot pie is freakin’ fantastic and I’ve heard their banana creme pie and cheesecake are top-notch.
• Celebrating their 50th anniversary, The Dari has been a Hebron staple serving soft-serve ice cream, shakes, burgers, sandwiches and more.
• Located across from The Dari, Main Street Ice Cream Station is a blast from the past with its restored 1900 Ferris wheel seats as booths, cherry red swivel seats at the counter, retro candy and vintage decor. Plus, the ice cream is pretty darn good. The family favorites include Blue Moon, Superman and the new lemon cheesecake. Note: Temporarily closed due to COVID-19. 

If You Go

Von Bergen’s Country Market

• 9805 RT 173, Hebron
• $5 per person. Kids 3 and under are free
• Credit cards accepted. Parking free.
• For more information as well as maze updates, visit their Facebook page and website.

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This article originally published on Aug. 2, 2019. It has been updated with the most recent information.