Day trip: Pepper Ranch Preserve native sunflower viewing, Immokalee

Imagine a panoramic view of fields bursting with Southeastern native sunflowers. Well, now's your chance to experience it for yourself, thanks to this Conservation Collier program. While the Pepper Ranch Preserve remains closed to the general public during the annual wet season till November, an exception is being made for a very special viewing Oct. 11 & Oct. 13-15, 2023, while the flowers are expected to be in bloom.

What & when:

Sunset viewing, Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 6 to 8 pm., reserved for serious photographers.
Daytime viewing, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., reserved for one car in each two-hour time slot.
Registration is limited and is currently open until all slots are filled. RSVP here.

Where & cost:

Pepper Ranch Preserve, 6315 Pepper Road Immokalee, FL 34142
Admission is free with advance registration; entry is timed and access for vehicles will only be permitted during the times listed on your ticket.

By Conservation Collier

Visit the Pepper Ranch Preserve in Immokalee, FL, to experience the annual bloom event of native Southeastern sunflowers.

And don't forget your sunscreen, sun hat and insect repellant while you're at it.

Google Maps

It is 112 miles from Boca Raton to Immokalee via I-75 North. It should take about 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive.

Make sure you read the details and follow the regulations:

No food or drink available on site; take your own and remember not to litter.
Restrooms available at the visitor center and port-o-potties at the viewing fields.

As you travel to the sunflower fields, you may spot deer, turkey, hawks, sandhill cranes and members of the resident cattle herd that call Pepper Ranch Preserve home.

Questions? Email ConservationCollier@CollierCountyFL.gov or call 239-252-2961.

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