Field of Dreams: Cedar Rapids, Des Moines Baseball Trip - Des Moines IA Family Vacation

Preview: Iowa baseball includes a magical site, the Dyersville farm where the movie A Field of Dreams was set. Visitors have been playing on the field, for free, every day in good weather since the movie crew built a ball diamond in the cornfield. Start your Iowa trip in Cedar Rapids, home of Quaker Oats. There’s a brand-new Veterans Memorial Stadium here, and it is as different from its ancient predecessor as a baseball fan can imagine. The Kernels still play Single A baseball in the Midwest League. You’ll find baseball magic 60 mi. northwest of Cedar Rapids, where 70,000 visitors a year play pick-up games on the Field of Dreams cornfield diamond. The town is also home to the Ertl Toy Company, and you can visit their factory outlet shop for miniature tractors and farm toys. Continue west on Route 20 until you reach Interstate 35, the major north–south route that will speed you to Des Moines, which is 155 mi. from Dyersville. Sec Taylor Stadium is a 10,500-seat gem at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, with a great view of the golden state capitol dome. There is an engaging Living History Farm just north of town in Urbandale and a family-oriented theme park, Adventureland, on the city’s east side. Big leaguer Bob Feller rates his own museum in his hometown of Van Meter, 12 miles west of Des Moines. This chapter takes your family on a trip to see the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Iowa Cubs baseball teams including where to stay, where to eat, and nearby sites to see.
© Copyright Bruce Adams and Margaret Engel published by Fodor's Travel Publications all rights reserved.


Best Time to Go: April - Labor Day
This travel guide comes from:
Fodor's Baseball Vacations Guide Book