Des Moines to Field of Dreams & Dubuque Road Trip

For movie lovers and river enthusiasts, this eastern Iowa journey (about 350 miles round-trip) offers a mix of nostalgia and scenic beauty. Begin by driving east on I-80, then north on US-151 toward Dyersville, Iowa (roughly a 3-hour drive from Des Moines). Dyersville is home to the Field of Dreams Movie Site the actual farm, baseball field, and farmhouse from the beloved 1989 Kevin Costner film Field of Dreams. Pulling up to the site, you’ll see the pristine baseball diamond carved out of a cornfield, exactly as it appeared on screen, and the classic white farmhouse overlooking left field. The site famously asks, “Is this heaven?… No, it’s Iowa.” and indeed there’s a special magic here for fans of the film. Visitors are free to walk onto the field and “have a catch” bring your baseball and gloves if you like, as it’s common to see parents and kids tossing a ball on this storied field. You can also tour the farmhouse (for a fee, if you’re interested in the movie set interior) and browse the small souvenir shop in the barn. Many describe the Field of Dreams as a nostalgic and almost peaceful place, unchanged by time. Standing on the pitching mound or sitting on the wooden bleachers, you can almost hear the film’s whispered voice, “If you build it, he will come,” and it’s hard not to get goosebumps if you’re a baseball fan. (Fun fact: The site still hosts special events, like celebrity ballgames and youth tournaments, on select days check their online schedule in case something coincides with your visit.)

After your movie moment in the cornfields, drive about 25 minutes east to Dubuque, Iowa, perched on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city (founded in 1833, before Iowa was even a state), and its riverfront setting provides plenty to see and do. A must-do in Dubuque is riding the Fenelon Place Elevator, a historic funicular dubbed the “world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway” at just 296 feet long rising up a bluff. For a few dollars, this cable car will carry you up to Fenelon Place, a viewpoint that offers a panoramic vista of three states Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin and the Mississippi River flowing below. It’s a quick ride but the view at the top is magnificent, especially on a clear day (you can see church steeples, riverboats, and rolling hills in every direction). Back down at the riverfront, don’t miss the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in the Port of Dubuque. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum brings the ecology and history of the Mississippi River to life with interactive exhibits and live animals including river otters, giant catfish and sturgeon, turtles, and even an old steamboat dredge you can walk on. It’s a great stop for families or anyone interested in river lore; you can easily spend a couple of hours learning about river science, local history, and watching the playful otters. Nearby, take a stroll along Dubuque’s Riverwalk at the Mississippi riverfront you might see barges moving cargo or catch sight of the river cruise boats that dock here. If time permits and you want a bit more nature, drive a few miles south of downtown to the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. There you can do a short hike to Julien Dubuque’s Monument, a stone tower on a bluff overlooking the confluence of Catfish Creek and the Mississippi. It’s another stunning overlook, and it marks the resting place of Julien Dubuque (the city’s namesake and early settler). The view from this monument, especially near sunset, showcases the majestic expanse of the Mississippi River valley.

For the return trip to Des Moines, you have two main options: the fastest is to head west on US-20 to I-35 (about 3 hours drive). Alternatively, if you have more time (or an overnight), you can follow the Great River Road south down the Mississippi from Dubuque before turning west. This scenic route adds time but takes you through charming river towns. For example, Bellevue, Iowa offers a pretty riverfront and state park with panoramic views, and Le Claire, Iowa (just north of the Quad Cities) is home to the Antique Archaeology store known from TV’s American Pickers (Mike Wolfe’s shop is based in an old fabrication shop in LeClaire). In Le Claire you can also watch boats navigate the locks on the Mississippi or visit the Buffalo Bill Museum (Buffalo Bill Cody was born nearby). Whether you take the direct route or the leisurely river road, you’ll eventually head back west on I-80 to Des Moines (about 2½–3 hours from the Quad Cities area). If you started very early, doing this entire loop in one long day is feasible, but it makes for a very long day. Consider staying overnight in Dubuque (or even in a smaller town like Le Claire or Maquoketa) to split up the trip. Dubuque has riverfront hotels and a thriving dining scene after a day of exploring, you might enjoy a hearty dinner at a local steakhouse or brewery in Dubuque’s historic Cable Car Square district, then perhaps try your luck at the Mississippi Moon Bar or catch live music. In summer, there are often evening river cruises or events along the riverfront as well. By making it a two-day adventure, you can enjoy both the daytime attractions and a relaxing evening by the Mississippi.

Highlights & Tips Summary:

• Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville): Iconic baseball field in a cornfield from the Field of Dreams movie. Free to visit the field (open daily, daylight hours) “If you build it, they will come.” Walk on the field, play catch, sit on the bleachers, and tour the farmhouse (small fee). A nostalgic, only-in-Iowa experience for baseball and film fans.
• Dubuque Iowa’s Oldest City: Historic river town with beautiful architecture and river views. Founded 1788 (first European settlement in Iowa). Explore the revitalized riverfront.
• Fenelon Place Elevator: Short funicular railway lifting you up the bluff in Dubuque. Called the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railroad (296 ft long, 189 ft rise). Offers panoramic views of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin from the top.
• Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (Dubuque): Engaging Museum with aquariums, interactive exhibits, and historical displays about the Mississippi River’s environment and heritage. Features river otters, giant fish, a 4D theater, and a historic steamboat. Plan 1–2 hours; great for families and history buffs.
• Great River Road option: Scenic drive along the Mississippi. Small river towns like Bellevue (scenic overlook, state park) and Le Claire (home of American Pickers Antique Archaeology store, plus quaint shops and eateries) are worth stops. This route adds time but lets you follow the Mississippi’s path south before returning west.
• Overnight vs. Long Day: This itinerary can be done in a very long day with an early start (especially if you return via the faster highway route). However, to fully enjoy the sites, consider an overnight in Dubuque or along the river. An overnight stay allows time for a relaxing evening meal, maybe a casino or river cruise in Dubuque, and breaks up the driving.
• Travel Notes: Dubuque’s downtown and Cable Car Square have unique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings nice for a stroll. The Field of Dreams site is generally open (weather permitting) but check ahead if visiting in winter, as heavy snow might limit access to the field. Lastly, don’t forget to take a moment by the Mississippi River watch barges float by and soak in the view of one of America’s great rivers, a perfect finale to your eastern Iowa road trip.