Field of Dreams in Iowa: A Complete Guide for Your Family
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Do you have a baseball lover, movie aficionado, or someone who loves visiting famous places in your family? If so, the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa, is a must-visit!
We visited the Field of Dreams this summer, and it was just as amazing as I expected! We loved every minute and were thrilled to finally experience it in person.
This guide will cover everything you need to know for a perfect family visit to the Field of Dreams. Learn the best way to get there, what to do, what to expect, where to eat, and more.
Getting to the Field of Dreams
A road trip is necessary to visit the Field of Dreams, located just over 4 miles from downtown Dyersville, Iowa. Here are the distances from several cities:
- Des Moines, Iowa: 3 hours
- Iowa City, Iowa: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Chicago, Illinois: 4 hours
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Kansas City, Missouri: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Madison, Wisconsin: 2 hours
- St. Louis, Missouri: 5 hours 20 minutes
If you’re planning a road trip through Iowa, consider making a stop in Des Moines, the state capital for a variety of family friendly attractions.
Alternatively, you can take a route through Iowa City to see the University of Iowa and explore additional unique kid-friendly attractions.
Best Time to Visit the Field of Dreams
The Field of Dreams movie site is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting.
Be sure to check the Field of Dreams website before your visit to see if any events are scheduled or if the field is rented out. During these times, access to the field may be limited.
Summer is without a doubt the busiest season at the movie site. Keep in mind that Iowa can get very hot and humid in the summertime.
Fun Fact
On select Saturdays in the summer, the Field of Dreams hosts the Ghost Players, an hour-long show that starts at 1 p.m. This would be a fantastic experience for your family, and admission is free! Just bring your own seating.
For a less crowded visit, late September through October is an ideal time.
Winter in Iowa can be cold, snowy, and unpredictable, while spring weather is hit or miss.
Expert Tip
Summer, with its longer days and many activities at the field or fall, with its perfect weather, are probably the best times to visit. However, the most important thing is to choose a time that works best for your family!
Parking
Parking at the Field of Dreams is free, with gravel and grass options available.
Note that the parking area will likely be muddy if it has recently rained.
How Long Should I Expect to Be There?
A visit to the Field of Dreams can range from one to several hours, depending on what you plan to do.
If you visit on a Ghost Player Saturday, you will likely have a longer visit due to the hour long show.
Additionally, if you do the guided 30-minute house tour that will also extend your visit.
We spent about an hour at the Field of Dreams movie site.
We ran the bases, walked to the outfield near the corn, explored the interactive signs with augmented reality, made our own baseball cards, sat on the bleachers for photos, and visited the Baseballism store for souvenirs.
You can spend as much or as little time as you like here!
Things to Do at the Field of Dreams
- Play catch on the field and run the bases.
- Walk to the cornfield and scan the sign to create your own virtual baseball card and experience augmented reality to see the corn at its peak.
- Take a photo on the bleachers.
- Snap a picture in front of the house.
- Go on a guided house tour.
- Find a souvenir at the Baseballism Store.
- Enjoy a snack from The Stretch, the concession stand at the Field of Dreams.
What to Expect on Your Visit
⚾️ As you approach the Field of Dreams, you’ll drive through the countryside surrounded by cornfields.
⚾️ Look for the baseball diamond shaped Field of Dreams entrance sign and turn down the gravel road leading to the movie site.
⚾️ You can park in the grass or gravel lot (the gravel lot is closer to the Baseballism Store).
⚾️ The number of visitors at the movie site will depend on whether there is a special event, like the Ghost Players show.
⚾️ Take your time to walk around and soak in the magic of this iconic place.
⚾️ If you plan to take a house tour, I recommend booking in advance as tours can sell out.
Note: Only portable toilets are available on-site, so plan accordingly.
Guided House Tour Prices
- Ages 3 and under: Free
- Children: $12
- Adults: $20
- Ages 65 and over: $18
- Active military and spouses: $18 with ID
Tips for Visiting the Field of Dreams Movie Site
- Plan additional stops along your road trip to the Field of Dreams.
- Check the weather before you go.
- Dress for outdoor activities and wear athletic shoes if your kids want to run the bases or play catch.
- Bring a ball and glove to play catch on the iconic field.
- If you plan to watch an event like the Ghost Players, bring your own seating or a picnic blanket.
- Purchase tickets for the guided house tour ahead of time, as some time slots may sell out.
Nearby Attractions
If You Build It Exhibit
The If You Build It Exhibit is just as much a must-visit as much as the Field of Dreams movie site itself.
Located near downtown Dyersville, it makes for a great stop on the same day as your Field of Dreams visit-we found it to be just as cool!
Highlights of the exhibit include a chance to take a photo on a replica of the front porch swing from the movie and dress up like a baseball player to create your own baseball card.
The exhibit also features great photos and interesting information about the making of the movie.
Admission is $5 for age 13 and over, $3 for ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.
Note that the exhibit isn’t open year-round. It is open daily during the summer.
There’s also a gift shop, and tickets can be purchased onsite when you arrive.
The Baseball Hall of Dreams
The Baseball Hall of Dreams is located in the same building as the If You Build It Exhibit, but it has a different entrance and a separate admission fee.
This museum is dedicated to the history and stories of baseball, offering a variety of interactive exhibits like a scavenger hunt and a wishing wall where you can write down a wish and tuck it into one of the cracks. The kids really enjoyed this!
Kids can also have the opportunity to touch different types of gloves and bats.
The Baseball Hall of Dreams may be small, but it’s charming, educational, and full of information.
It always a good idea to check for updated hours but currently, it’s open on weekends in May and daily from June to October, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is the same as for the If You Build It Exhibit: $5 for ages 13 and over, $3 for ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.
Expert Tip
If you’re only planning to visit one museum, I recommend the If You Build It Exhibit. I enjoyed both, but I especially loved the replica front porch, the dress-up elements, and the overall vibe. I think it’s more engaging for younger kids. However, if you’re a die-hard baseball fan, you might prefer the Baseball Hall of Dreams. Both are well worth a visit!
Expert Tip
Dubuque is about a 35-40 minute drive from Dyersville. It’s another fantastic area to explore and offers additional accommodation options. Consider pairing a visit to Dubuque with your Field of Dreams trip in Dyersville!
A visit to the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, is more than just a trip for baseball fans- it’s a chance to step into a piece of movie history and experience the magic of America’s favorite pastime in a whole new way.
Whether you’re walking next to the iconic cornfields, playing catch on the field, sitting on the replica porch at the If You Build It Exhibit, or diving into baseball history at the Baseball Hall of Dreams, there’s so much to see and do in Dyersville.
Plan Your Perfect Family Getaway
Add a side trip to nearby Dubuque or a further drive to Des Moines for even more adventure.
If you’re looking for more outdoor fun in Northeast Iowa, consider visiting Spook Cave for a unique underground boat tour or exploring the scenic views at Pikes Peak State Park. Both are excellent family-friendly stops that perfectly complement your Field of Dreams experience.
Whether you’re staying local or expanding your road trip, these destinations are sure to fill your itinerary with nostalgia, fun, and unforgettable memories!
Download my free travel itinerary planner to plan your family road trip through Iowa.
May you LOVE your adventure. KW
