About Schell Family Farm
Schell Family Farm is run by Chris and Dea Schell on roughly 250 acres in Putnam Township, just outside Pinckney in Livingston County. The family opened the farm to the public in August 2019, and it now runs a season that stretches from summer flowers to winter trees. The farm also taps its own trees for syrup, selling walnut, maple, hickory and apple syrups along with a house blend it calls Mickory.
The season runs roughly July through November. Summer belongs to more than seven acres of sunflowers and three acres of wildflowers, which are popular for photos. Later in the year the orchard and pumpkin patch take over: the county visitors bureau lists U-pick pumpkins, plums, pears, cherries and peaches, and the farm's own site lists apples. Wagon rides follow trails around the property, and Christmas trees close out the year.
The farm books private photo sessions among the flowers, runs school tours and hosts fall events, including a haunted attraction called the Ghostly Grove. Past years have brought a free Easter egg hunt and a free trick-or-treat for kids. The website does not post a calendar or hours, so check the farm's social pages for current dates before you drive out.
Hamlett Lavender Farm is only a few miles away in the Pinckney area. In summer you can cut a bundle from Hamlett's self-serve cart during bloom and then walk Schell's sunflower fields the same afternoon.
What to do
- Walk more than seven acres of sunflowers and three acres of wildflowers in summer
- Pick orchard fruit and pumpkins in fall
- Ride a wagon along the farm trails
- Buy farm-made walnut, maple, hickory and apple syrups, plus the Mickory blend
- Walk through the Ghostly Grove haunted attraction in fall
- Book a private photo session in the flower fields
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open July through November: sunflowers in summer, fruit, pumpkins and the Ghostly Grove in fall; Christmas trees in winter
- Hours
- In season, per the Brighton–Howell visitors bureau listing: Fri noon–6, Sat–Sun 10–6 (confirm on their social pages)
Tips for your visit
- The website has no event calendar or posted hours; check the farm's social pages before visiting.
- Photo sessions in the flower fields are booked through their website.
- The farm's phone number isn't published; use the contact form or email on their website.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Hamlett Lavender Farm · about 10 minutes away
Hamlett Lavender Farm is a few miles away, so a summer visit can pair Hamlett's self-serve lavender cart with Schell's sunflower fields.
Getting there
Questions
When are the sunflowers out at Schell Family Farm?
In summer; the farm's public season runs July through November, with more than seven acres of sunflowers.
Who runs Schell Family Farm?
Chris and Dea Schell, who opened the farm to the public in August 2019.
Does the farm sell syrup?
Yes. It makes walnut, maple, hickory and apple syrups and a house blend called Mickory.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Pinckney & Chelsea, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
