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Seeing the dead in a scientific light!
by shellakers
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Recently, we took my mom to see the amazing Bod...
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When it was time for me to go and meet my future mother-in-law in Iowa, my husband, knowing all too well of my baseball obsession, asked if I wanted to stop on the way and see the Field of Dreams. Until that moment, I didn't realize that it existed as anything more than a movie set. But indeed, nearly 20 years after Kevin Costner heard those voices telling him "If you build it, he will come," people are still making pilgrimages to Dyersville, Iowa in order to relive a bit of that magic.
The field is open from April - November, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. Have the kids bring their mitts, balls and bats and have a catch on the infield, run around the bases, or shag some fly balls. If you visit when the corn is high, you'll see lots of people venturing into the field, trying to disappear like Shoeless Joe. Be sure to check the web sites (there are two, just as there are two owners, and two separate souvenir stands) before you go for special events, including appearances by the Ghost Players.
After you've played to your heart's content, head to downtown Dyersville for lunch at Groovy Grounds, a cafe that provides a healthy and kid-friendly menu, plus coffee, juices, and desserts to die for.
If you want to make a full day of it (or if you get rained out at the field) Dyersville is also home to the beautiful and ornate Basilica of St. Francis Xavier (only one of 52 minor basilicas in the U.S.) and the National Farm Toy Museum. Both are worth a look!
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details
| category: | major attractions | |
| recommended for: | toddlers,elementary,tweens | |
| time commitment: | half day | |
| keywords: | cafe, baseball, toys, farm, movie, magic, basilica | |
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comments about this excursion
I didn't know the field actually existed either! We've driven through Iowa more times than I can count, but I never had any reason to stop before. Thanks, Kristina!
posted by: wanderlust on February 22, 2007.
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