Visiting Iowa's Most Beloved Baseball Field
While not a Hollywood fan, I am a BIG baseball fan. So, when a baseball movie comes along, I have to see it. But, how often does anyone get to see the actual movie site? Well, there is only one especially preserved for tourists to visit. It’s the “Field of Dreams” and it is Iowa’s most beloved attraction.
We lived in the USA’s heartland for nine years, just across the river from Iowa. Being so close to the movie site, we couldn’t move away without making a trip to Dyersville.
Guess what? The trip was worth every minute of the drive and the 9-year wait to enjoy a little slice of heaven.
Part of the famous line from the Field of Dreams movie.
Location:
28995 Lansing Road
Dyersville, IA 52040
Contact:
(888) 875-8404
Hours:
FiELD: Sunrise to Sunset, daily
STORE: 9 AM - 6 PM*
*Extended hours JUL & AUG
Fees:
$20 Adults
$18 Seniors 65+
$15 Active Military, Spouse
$12 Children 3-17
FREE 2 & under*
*(must be carried)
Website:
FieldofDreamsMovieSite.com
The Lansing family 100+ year-old farm house sits atop a small rise, overlooking the Field of Dreams.
The Farm
A large part of Iowa is filled with rolling hills covered with corn. White farm houses, barns, and silos dot the countryside. Out of so many to choose from, how did this farm become “the one” chosen for the movie site?
Universal Studios had a few specific requirements and the Lansing family farm fit the bill. First, it had a big white farm house located down a long lane. Second, cornfields surrounded the farm house. Third, outbuildings were older and were typical of a family farm. Last, it was large enough for a baseball field.
The bleachers were part of many major scenes in the movie.
The Field
The baseball field is the main attraction, drawing crowds every day. During our visit we saw happy families, smiling couples, and friendly groups of people.
They played catch in the outfield. Some used the provided wiffle balls and bats, found near the backstop, for quick batting practice. Others walked in-and-out of the cornfield mixing reality with dreams.
Carved from part of a cornfield, the field sits adjacent to the 100+ year-old farm house. The house, open for tours, is also available for overnight rental.
We didn’t tour the house but did go inside one of two big red barns. One houses “Baseballism,” the gift shop for the ultimate Field of Dreams baseball fan. The other is available for event rental.
The field is devoid of commercialism, however, there is a small concession stand. (No baseball field would be complete without a place to grab snacks!) In addition to bleachers, there are a few picnic tables and lots of grass for just resting while you take in the whole scene.
(FYI, a live camera shot of the field can be accessed HERE.)
Field view from home plate shows the right field rise plus the MLB regulation field in the distance.
View from the pitcher's mound shows team benches, parking, information kiosk, and path to the Baseballism Gift Shop.
How tall is the outfield fence? Depends on the season. It’s the only fence ground level from harvest to planting time. By growing season’s end, it’s more than 7’ high.
The Feeling
There is a special feeling lifelong baseball fans get when stepping across the chalked line onto freshly cut grass, especially players and coaches.
It is something totally unlike stepping on grass in a park, a lawn, or another sports field. This grass exudes the wonder of baseball, including the game’s slow pace and exciting moments as well as its rich history.
For me, stepping onto Iowa’s most loved baseball field was a reminder of happy childhood days and motherhood joys. I have watched it—from Little League to Major League and everything in-between. I have played it (softball) and I have coached my children (fast-pitch softball).
But we weren’t the only ones catching the unique feeling on Iowa’s most beloved baseball field. Everywhere we looked, we saw happy, smiling faces. Relaxed parents were playing with kids. Laughter filled the air.
In the gift shop, you'll find the movie's most famous quote by Terrance Mann, the character played by James Earl Jones.
People Will Come
The most memorable lines from the movie have somehow come true. “People will come,” he said. "They come looking for a piece of the past. Memories will be thick."
“This game: It’s part of our past. It reminds us of all that once was good and it could be again. People will come. People will most definitely come.”
We did....and so have thousands upon thousands of other baseball fans.
The American Flag flies high and proud in right field on the Field of Dreams.
Who owns Iowa’s Most Beloved Baseball Field and Movie Site?
Few people know the Field of Dreams actually straddled two different properties and has changed hands a few times since the field was built.
1906: The farm, originally purchased by the Lansing family, passed from father to son to grandson, remaining in the family for 3 generations.
1988: The Lansing family owned the house, outbuildings, infield and right field. The Ameskamp family owned the left and center field sections.
2007: The Ameskamps sold their portion to the Lansings.
2012: Go the Distance private partnership purchased the property from the Lansings.
2021: This is Heaven, LLC owned by Frank Thomas, Baseball Hall of Fame member, and Rick Heidner, real estate developer, purchased the Field of Dreams from Go the Distance.Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
