When you take a short drive south of Hwy 85, you will quickly be greeted by fields of gold. Every August/September, these beautiful flowers bloom in memory of a beautiful woman. Keep scrolling to read the story behind Babbette's Sunflower Field and the dates when you can see them for yourself in person. 

A field of sunflowers at Babbette's Seeds of Hope

The Story 

In the spring of 2006, Babbette was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She fought her strongest fight for 9 years while her family was right alongside her through it all. Babbette, who was a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, lost the fight in the fall of 2014. In honor of her and all those fighting similar battles, her family has planted sunflowers every year since her passing. 

To this day, Babbette's family strives to give hope to other patients and families that may be going through that same battle they endured. Their mission is to raise money for organizations that engage in cancer research and support patients going through cancer treatment. 

2023 Viewing Dates

Babbette's Seeds of Hope typically bloom from mid to late August. The fields are open 24/7 to the public and there is no fee or cash donation request. If you would like to make a donation, check out their fun through the Eau Claire Community Foundation here

Walking through aisles of sunflowers at Babbette's Seeds of Hope

The Location

Babbette's Seeds of Hope is located right off HWY 85 on Fuller Rd in Caryville, WI (coordinates: 44.751179, -91.650198).

Laughing in a field of sunflowers at Babbette's Seeds of Hope

The Sunflowers

The origins of sunflowers trace back all the way to archeological sites from 3,000 B.C. Native Americans that resided in the southwest or the Mississippi River Valley area were the first to cultivate the flowers using them as a source for medicine, fiber, seeds, and oil. When European settlers arrived to the United States, they immediately sent seeds back to Europe. Van Gogh appreciated the beauty of sunflowers so much that he painted them in his artwork. Their beauty and radiance have captured the eyes and hearts of people worldwide. 

While they are wonderful to look at, their seeds also make a nutritious snack. They are rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals. You can mix them with nuts or even sprinkle them on top of your salads. 

Taking selfies in a field of sunflowers at Babbette's Seeds of Hope

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