The Iowa cornfield where Field of Dreams was shot still stands

The main filming location for Field of Dreams (1989) is a real farm in Dyersville, Iowa, about 25 miles north of Dubuque. The production built the iconic baseball diamond and farmhouse on the property, and both structures remain there today. The field itself is now called the Field of Dreams Movie Site, and the owners have opened it to visitors who want to walk the same ground where the film was shot.

The farm belonged to Don Lansing when filming took place in the summer of 1988. After the film's release and growing popularity, the property became a tourist destination. In 2021, the site was purchased by a group of investors who have maintained it as a public attraction. Visitors can see the baseball field, the farmhouse exterior, and the corn that surrounds the property much as it appeared in the movie.

Key Takeaways

  • The Field of Dreams Movie Site is located on a working farm in Dyersville, Iowa, and is open to the public year-round for a fee.
  • The baseball diamond and farmhouse were built specifically for filming and have been preserved at their original locations on the property.
  • The site sits about 25 miles from Dubuque and is accessible by car; there is a parking area and a visitor center on the grounds.
  • The surrounding cornfields are still planted and harvested seasonally, so the landscape changes throughout the year just as it did during filming.

What you can see at the Field of Dreams Movie Site

The baseball diamond is the centerpiece of the site. It is the same field used in the movie, with the same dimensions and layout. Visitors can walk onto the field, stand at home plate, and take photographs. The infield dirt and outfield grass are maintained during the season, though the field is not used for actual games.

The farmhouse visible from the field is the exterior used in the film. The interior was shot on a soundstage, so visitors cannot tour inside the house itself. However, you can walk around the property and view it from different angles, including from the field where many of the movie's most famous scenes were filmed.

A visitor center building on the grounds provides information about the film's production, displays memorabilia, and sells merchandise. The center also has restrooms and a small concession area. During peak seasons, staff members are present to answer questions about the filming and the property's history.

Hours, admission, and what to bring

The Field of Dreams Movie Site is open daily from April through November, with limited hours in winter months. Admission is charged per vehicle, and the fee varies depending on the season. The site's official website lists current hours and pricing, which can change year to year.

The property is outdoors and largely unshaded, so visitors should bring sunscreen, hats, and water, especially during summer months. The field can be muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. There is a parking lot near the visitor center, and the walk from parking to the field is short but may involve uneven ground.

The site is busiest during summer vacation months and around the anniversary of the film's release in May. If you prefer fewer crowds, visiting in April, September, or October may offer a quieter experience. The cornfields surrounding the property are tallest in late summer and early fall, which recreates the appearance most recognizable from the film.

Other filming locations in Iowa

While the cornfield and farmhouse are the primary locations, other scenes from Field of Dreams were shot elsewhere in Iowa. The town of Dubuque appears in the film, and some exterior shots were filmed on its streets and in its downtown area. The river scenes were filmed along the Mississippi River, which borders Iowa to the east.

The Lansing family home, which served as the farmhouse interior on the soundstage, was not filmed in Iowa. However, the production chose Iowa specifically for its landscape and rural character, which were essential to the film's story. The state's flat terrain, extensive cornfields, and small-town atmosphere provided the authentic setting the filmmakers wanted.

Getting to Dyersville from nearby cities

Dyersville is approximately 25 miles north of Dubuque, Iowa, which is the nearest city with a commercial airport. The drive from Dubuque to the Field of Dreams Movie Site takes about 45 minutes by car. From Cedar Rapids, another regional hub, the drive is roughly 90 minutes.

The site is located on a rural road, so a GPS or detailed directions are helpful. The address is 28995 Lansing Road, Dyersville, Iowa 52040. There is no public transportation to the site, so a car is necessary. The parking area can accommodate tour buses and large groups, though advance notice is recommended for groups of 20 or more.

The farm's history before and after filming

The Lansing farm was a working agricultural property before the film production arrived. The family had owned and operated the land for generations. When the filmmakers approached them about using the property, the Lansings agreed, and the production built the baseball diamond and made modifications to the farmhouse exterior to match the script.

After filming ended, the Lansings initially kept the field and farmhouse as they were. As word spread about the movie and its themes of redemption and connection to the land, visitors began arriving at the farm asking to see the location. What started as occasional visitors grew into a steady stream, and the family eventually decided to formalize the site as a tourist destination.

The property changed hands in 2021 when a group of investors purchased it with the intention of preserving it and expanding visitor amenities. The new owners have maintained the field and farmhouse while adding the visitor center and improving parking and facilities. The surrounding land continues to be farmed, keeping the site's agricultural character intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you actually play baseball on the Field of Dreams diamond?

The field is maintained but is not available for public play. Visitors can walk on it and take photographs, but organized games are not permitted. The site occasionally hosts special events or exhibitions, which are announced on their official website.

Is the farmhouse open for tours inside?

No, the interior cannot be toured. Only the exterior, which was used in the film, is visible to visitors. The interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage in California, not at this location.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Late summer and early fall offer the most authentic appearance, as the cornfields are tall and the landscape matches the film's iconic imagery. However, the site is open and visitable from April through November, and each season has its own appeal depending on your preferences.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend one to two hours at the site. This allows time to walk the field, view the farmhouse, visit the visitor center, and take photographs. Some people spend longer if they want to explore the property thoroughly or attend any special events.

Is there food or lodging near the Field of Dreams Movie Site?

Dyersville has a small downtown area with restaurants and a few hotels. Dubuque, 25 miles away, has more dining and lodging options. It is possible to visit the site as a day trip from Dubuque or to stay overnight in the area if you want to explore other attractions in the region.