Chasing Dreams: Visit the Field of Dreams, Iowa
Is visiting the Field of Dreams in Iowa on your bucket list?
Fulfilling a loved one’s bucket list wish is always special. It’s even more meaningful when that wish involves stepping into the nostalgic world of a beloved movie. For my dad, visiting the Field of Dreams, in Iowa, has always been one of those dreams.
This iconic movie site, in Dyersville, is where fantasy meets reality in the heart of the Midwest. It is a perfect place for a family adventure, blending the magic of cinema with the charm of small-town America.
This guide will help you plan your trip to the Field of Dreams, in Iowa, and discover other sites along the way. Start chasing your dreams, both old and new, on this unforgettable road trip.
“Ray, people will come, Ray. They’ll come to Iowa for reasons they can’t even fathom. They’ll turn up your driveway, not knowing for sure why they’re doing it. They’ll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past.”
Terence Mann (James Earl Jones)
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Please see our Disclaimer for additional information.
Where is the Field of Dreams in Iowa?
Great question! I knew it was in Iowa, but where? The Field of Dreams is in Dyersville, Iowa. This small town is in the northeast part of the state. It’s about 25 miles west of Dubuque. To get there, you can drive from major cities like Des Moines or Madison, Wisconsin.
The site is in the rolling farmlands of rural Iowa. When you arrive, you’ll find the famous baseball field surrounded by cornfields, just like in the movie. It’s easy to reach by car, and the scenic drive adds to the experience.
How to Get to the Fields of Dreams in Iowa
If you’re flying to the Field of Dreams, you have several airport options. You can fly into Madison, Wisconsin, Des Moines, Iowa, or Chicago, Illinois. We chose to fly into Madison from Philadelphia. From there, we rented a minivan and started our road trip to Dubuque, which made for a scenic and easy journey.
We drove to Dubuque, Iowa, which served as our base for the visit. The drive from Madison to Dubuque took less than two hours. Once in Dubuque, it was just a 35-minute drive to Dyersville, where the Field of Dreams is located. This route made it easy to explore both Dubuque and the movie site.
Things to Do During Your Visit
The main highlight of the trip is the Field of Dreams Movie Site. The towns of Dyersville and Dubuque are also worth a visit while you are in the area.
Field of Dreams Movie Site
The road to the Field of Dreams winds through cornfields, which adds to the excitement for the visit. As you enter the site, there is a long driveway leading to a booth. The attendant will explain about the farmhouse tours, where to park and will accept any donations. It is free to visit the movie site.
As you approach the field, it looks just like the movie – the bleacher, the farmhouse and the outfield lined by the thick cornfield. A wonderful feeling to be able to see it in person.
There is a storage box with gloves, balls and bats for your use on the field. We grabbed a couple of gloves and had a catch with our dad. It was great to watch him walk the bases (with his walker). But the best part is walking into the cornfields.
We visited the site in mid-September, so the corn was tall and thick. You literally disappear into the field, which is super cool. Of course, we took lots of video of each of us walking in to, and out of, the field.
And you will need to sit on the bleacher to watch the game. On the top row, Kevin Costner carved into the bench “Ray loves Annie”.
Practical Tip: Before your visit, be sure to check the Field of Dreams website or call ahead (563-875-8404) to confirm there are no special events scheduled. The field is available for team rentals, so it’s a good idea to verify availability to ensure you’ll have full access during your visit.
Also, during the summer, the Ghost Players will perform on specific dates which is free to the public. You just need to bring a seat!
Kinsella Farmhouse
When you visit the Field of Dreams, touring the Kinsella farmhouse is a must. This is where you’ll uncover fascinating details about the making of the movie. Before our trip, I reserved a time slot for the tour, which runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., April through the end of October.
The guided tour lasts about 30 minutes, after which you’ll have plenty of time to explore the house on your own. Inside, you can admire baseball and movie memorabilia, including signed balls by James Earl Jones, Kevin Costner, and Ray Liotta, displayed in the dining room’s china cabinet.
There’s even an old console TV showing film clips. While you can only explore the first floor, the experience offers an intimate look at this interesting home.
For the full Field of Dreams experience, consider renting the house for a night. It sleeps up to seven guests, with three bedrooms and a sofa bed. The rental includes a house tour and a complimentary gift basket. Available from March through December, rates for 2024 are $600 per weeknight and $700 for weekend nights.
Shopping and Food
The Baseballism gift shop is the perfect spot to pick up Field of Dreams’ shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and other souvenirs. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours may vary based on the number of visitors or evening events at the field.
If you want food and drinks, The Stretch is the on-site concession stand. They also sell beer. You are not permitted to bring your own food or beverages to the site.
Best Time to Visit the Field of Dreams
The best time to visit the Field of Dreams is early- to mid-fall (September and October). The corn is fully grown, the weather is cooler, and the crowds have thinned out.
During the spring (May to early June) the weather is pleasant, but the cornfields won’t have fully grown yet. However, it can still be a beautiful time to enjoy the peacefulness of the site.
The peak months to visit are July and August, but it can also be hot during this time. And it can be busy, due to the little league having tournaments on nearby fields.
Practical Tip: The planting and harvesting of the corn are based on the farming schedule and what is best for the crop (not the tourists).
Dyersville – Things to Do
Visiting Dyersville, Iowa, home of the Field of Dreams, provides a charming small-town experience. During our visit, we explored the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, a stunning piece of local history built in 1889. It has a Gothic exterior with an impressive interior, with 64 stained glass windows and gold leafing.
Practical Tip: The Basilica has a handicap side-entrance, across from the handicap parking spots. There are wheelchairs for use and a lift to the main floor.
There are only a few other attractions in town, including the If You Build It Exhibit and the National Farm Toy Museum. We enjoyed lunch at the Dyersville Family Restaurant, which is open Sunday to Thursday, until 2pm, and Friday and Saturday, until 8pm. We were in town on a Monday so several places were closed.
Dubuque – Things to Do
Dubuque, founded in 1833, is Iowa’s oldest city and the county seat of Dubuque County. Located along the Mississippi River, it’s just 28 miles from the Field of Dreams. While our main goal was to visit the Field of Dreams, we spent a few hours exploring the city. We rode the historic Fenelon Place Elevator and enjoyed a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.
Fenelon Place Elevator
The Fenelon Place Elevator, also known as the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway, is a unique Dubuque landmark. Originally built in 1882, this funicular railway rises 189 feet from the bottom of Fourth Street up to Fenelon Place. The short, but steep ride, offers panoramic views of the city, the Mississippi River, and the tri-state area.
At the top, the lookout provides a clear view of both the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge, which connects Iowa to Wisconsin, and the Julien Dubuque Bridge, which links Iowa to Illinois. The stunning views of the river and surrounding areas make it a must-see attraction. A roundtrip ride costs $4.00 (cash only), one-way is $2.00. It is open daily from April 1st to November 30th from 8:00am to 10:00pm.
Cruise on the Mississippi River
If you want to experience the Mississippi River, consider taking a cruise. During our visit, we enjoyed the Happy Hour Cruise on the American Lady. The 90-minute ride included light narration by the captain, free beer, soft drinks, and chicken tenders. If you’re a vegetarian, be sure to mention it when making your reservation—something we learned the hard way!
Other Places to Explore in Dubuque
There are plenty of attractions to explore in Dubuque, including the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, which highlights the region’s rich history and wildlife. You can also visit the Dubuque Museum of Art, take a scenic walk along the Mississippi Riverwalk, or explore Crystal Lake Cave for an underground adventure. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area offers hiking and nature trails just outside the city.
If you are in Dubuque on a Sunday, please note that some of the attractions and restaurants are closed. Again, something we learned the hard way!
Where to Stay During Your Visit
We stayed, in Dubuque, at the Hilton Garden Inn, which is about a 35-minute drive from the Field of Dreams. Next to the hotel is the Q Casino and a Houlihan’s restaurant. To our surprise, Houlihan’s is closed on Sunday and Monday.
There are several hotel options along Route 20 West, just outside of downtown Dubuque, providing easy access to the Field of Dreams.
🎈Click here to check prices and book your stay near Dubuque, Iowa
If you prefer to stay closer, there are also a few accommodations available in Dyersville, the nearest town to the field.
🎈Click here to check prices and book your stay near Dyersville, Iowa
FAQs: Field of Dreams, Iowa
In preparing for your trip, the following are answers to some of the most asked questions about visiting the Field of Dreams.
Can you visit the Field of Dreams field?
Yes, you can visit the Field of Dreams, and there’s plenty to do! You are welcome to step onto the field to play catch, hit some baseballs, and even run the bases. One of the most iconic experiences is walking into the cornfield, just like in the movie – it’s a magical moment that brings the film to life.
How long does it take to tour the Field of Dreams?
Plan to spend at least 2 hours at the Field of Dreams. We took the Kinsella Farmhouse tour and enjoyed time exploring the field, sitting on the bleachers, and browsing the gift shop. Whether you’re soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere or taking photos, you’ll want to take your time to fully appreciate the experience.
When is the Field of Dreams open?
The Field of Dreams movie site is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. For the full cinematic experience, plan your visit when the corn is tall, typically from mid-summer through the fall. This is when the site looks most like it did in the movie, adding to the magic of your visit.
Can I bring my dog to the Field of Dreams?
Yes, you can bring your dog if it is on a leash, but you must clean up after it. Only service dogs are allowed inside the farmhouse.
Is smoking allowed at the Field of Dreams?
No, smoking or vaping is not permitted at the Field of Dreams site, according to Iowa state law.
Are there any public restrooms on the Field of Dreams site?
There are porta-potties on-site but no inside restrooms.
Final Thoughts: Chasing Dreams: Visiting the Field of Dreams, Iowa
Visiting the Field of Dreams, in Iowa, is truly a bucket list experience. There’s something magical about stepping onto that iconic baseball field. It’s a place filled with nostalgia, where the peaceful surroundings invite you to pause and reflect. Walking into the towering cornstalks feels surreal and, even though it’s a movie set, the emotions it stirs are very real.
Beyond the field, the trip offers a chance to explore the charm of small-town America. Dyersville and Dubuque welcome visitors with open arms, showcasing the beauty and warmth of the Midwest. As you drive through miles of cornfields in the heartland, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and the history of these towns. For anyone looking to connect with the past while enjoying the serenity of rural America, this trip is a must.
Please contact me if you have any questions about visiting Field of Dreams. For assistance in planning your trip, please refer to our Travel Planning services page.
See below for more bucket list places to visit:
Is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Alabama Worth Visiting?
Ultimate Guide for RVing to Alaska 2024 (By An Expert)
Epic Alaska Road Trip from New Jersey – 2024 RV Planning Guide
Ark Encounter and Creation Museum: 15 Best Visit Tips
Two Days in Taos New Mexico – Best Things to Do & See
National Air Force Museum: 10 Best Things to See
Is the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Worth Visiting?
