Iowa and baseball, they just go together…thanks to the movie, “Field of Dreams.”
Picture it. The sun is starting to set on a midsummer’s night amongst the Midwest plains. Almost as if in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fields of green stalks of corn, sits a baseball diamond. But not just any ball field. This one is filled with players who are dressed in uniforms of times past. As an evening of America’s favorite pastime is wrapping up, a New York Yankees player strikes up a conversation with the owner of the field, a man from a different time. Their conversation proceeds and the man asks…
“Is this heaven?”
“No, it’s Iowa.”
Most of us are familiar with this famous movie scene from the 1989 classic film “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones, among other Hollywood stars. The Academy Award-nominated film was filmed at an actual farm in Dyersville, Iowa.
Over 30 years later that ball field, the “Field of Dreams” Movie Site, still stands and is a must see spot to visit in this almost heaven of a state, Iowa. Time to plan a visit!
Play a Game of Catch
Step onto the field and experience the magic. Be sure to pack your baseball gloves and baseball so that you can have yourself a game of catch among the waiving rows of corn.
Keep in mind that during busier times of the year there will be multiple families enjoying the field. However, we have always been able to find space to enjoy our time and make lasting memories.
Related post: This is definitely one for the 101 things to do in Iowa list!
Sit for a spell
Have a seat on the famous movie bleachers that still displays the etching “Ray loves Annie” from the film. A perfect place to take in the view and, of course, any game of sport happening on the field.
Tour the House
Take a 30-minute guided tour of the farmhouse that was used in the film as the Kinsella family home. Note there is a fee for home tours. More information on rates is listed below.
Shop for a Souvenir
Visit the Baseballism Field of Dreams Store for some class baseball goodies. From hats, T-shirts, baseball gear and more, you will be bound to find something to take home with you as a reminder to your stop at the famous movie location.
Have a Bite to Eat
Stop in at The Stretch for a nice cold drink or delicious treat to eat. From hot dogs and hamburgers to peanuts and crackerjacks, they have something to please most everyone’s appetite.
Don’t forget a cold beverage to wash it down with. They serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. When we were there they gave us each a free bottle of water, which was perfect on a warm, windy day.
Watch a Real Life Game
During select dates the field hosts the Ghost Players. Fun for the entire family, it is described as “The Harlem Globe Trotters meets baseball show.”
The event is free, but there is a VIP option available that includes a house tour, concession meal, autographed Field of Dreams baseball which is signed by the Ghost Players, and jar of souvenir corn harvested from last season.
Last year was also the first ever MLB game was held on the field as the New York Yankees faced off against the Chicago White Sox. This year the legacy continues as the Chicago Cubs take on the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 11, 2022.
Field of Dreams What You Need To Know
- Location: 28995 Lansing Road, Dyersville, Iowa
- The Field is available for your viewing all year round. However, The Stretch and The Baseballism Store are open different hours during seasons. Be sure to check times of locations before visiting.
- Be sure to pack your baseball gear for playing on the field. I also highly suggest water and sunscreen!
- While admission is free to the field and store, the Field of Dreams is currently asking for donations, which go to help maintain the field and house for generations to come.
- 30-Minute Home Tours are every hour starting at 9:30 a.m. The last tour of the day is 4:30 p.m. Tickets must be booked online at least 48 hours in advance from November to March. Tours are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (65+), $15 for active military and spouses, $12 for kids, and FREE for infants.
About the guest writer
Tiffany Nation is a full-time working mother and wife. In her free time she loves creating, doing yoga, spending time with her family and enjoying all of what Iowa has to offer.