Where the Wildflowers Grow
- Spring has sprung! Have you noticed the sweet smells of freshly cut grass or smoky barbeque? One of the most signature springtime scents is fresh flowers. So, let’s go where the wildflowers grow!
These six spots across the U.S. will fulfill all your springtime dreams.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
This park is known for its rich diversity in wildflowers, which begin blooming in late March. Species like wild geraniums and pink azaleas sprout in May and June.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve, California
Bright orange poppies paint the fields at this California park each spring, with peak blooms during March and April.
Brenham, Texas
The Bluebonnet Trail includes 80 miles of wildflower-covered roads that bloom in April. The roadways are perfect to explore by car, so roll down the windows and inhale the springtime smells!
Crested Butte, Colorado
The wildflowers at Crested Butte, AKA the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, bloom around June. From the Aspen sunflower to the Indian paintbrush, you can see a huge variety of wildflowers here!
Glacier National Park, Montana
You’ll find nearly 1,000 different wildflower species at this massive park. The best time to go is June or July. The vibrant colors and unique flowers will amaze you! Beargrass is one of the most iconic wildflowers found in the park, but you’ll also see the pointed mariposa lily, fireweed, the showy fleabane daisy, and much more.
Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee
In the Great Smoky Mountains, there are over 1,500 different kinds of wildflowers to see, including the foamflower, the painted trillium, the wild geranium, and more. From as early as February to as late as September, the plants provide the perfect spring backdrop for nature hiking and flower spotting.
Rachel Freeman is a storyteller and editor living in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida. She is the current Marketing and Communications Manager at The Florida Holocaust Museum. Rachel graduated from The University of South Florida, St. Petersburg in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Digital Communications and a minor in Leadership Studies. In college and after graduation, Rachel has applied her passion for storytelling to work as a freelance journalist, creative strategist, social media specialist, and editor.