When you think of pop culture locations that people from around the world travel to see, chances are a cornfield in the middle of Iowa won’t immediately come to mind. The allure of the film "Field of Dreams" extends beyond baseball, resonating with themes of pursuing dreams, rectifying regrets, and the powerful connection between generations. This article explores the legacy of the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, its impact on tourism, and how the "If you build it, they will come" philosophy has been applied in various business contexts, including the development of condo hotels and spa resorts.
The Real-Life Field of Dreams: A Tourist Attraction
Thanks to the 1989 blockbuster Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner as farmer-turned-baseball field architect Ray Kinsella, the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, has become an enormous tourist attraction, drawing movie and baseball fans alike and routinely hosting celebrities and sports stars.
In 1987, the Lansing family living at 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, got an interesting visit from a member of the town’s Chamber of Commerce. Universal Studios was scouting locations for its new project, wanted to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield, and thought the Lansing farm might just fit the bill. After a series of meetings and test shoots, the producers chose the Lansing land, the field was constructed, and filming for Field of Dreams began on the site. Dyersville is located 26 miles west of Dubuque, Iowa, part of the Quad Cities metro area. It’s a 4-hour drive from Chicago and a 3-hour drive from Des Moines. Visited year round, the area is served by the Quad City International Airport, which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away in Moline, Illinois; the airport is serviced by carriers American, Allegiant, Delta, and United.
As you approach the farm, it’s impossible not to feel both nostalgia and anticipation. Half-hour tours of the home are on offer and can be booked online in advance. Admission to the field and the surrounding area is free, and you can snap as many photos as you’d like. Plan to take your time, play a few games of catch, get your selfies in, and savor being there. Aside from the home tour and field, there’s a great gift shop on-site where you can purchase movie memorabilia and trinkets, baseball-related items, and much more. For the ultimate over-the-top evening, consider staying in the farmhouse itself! If you opt for the luxe Kinsella Experience, you will have access to a homey bedroom on the upper level of the home, be personally greeted by the site’s staff, and receive all sorts of fun items, including an official MLB Field of Dreams baseball. You’ll also get a bottle of wine and a picnic blanket so that you can recreate the scene where Ray and his wife picnic centerfield.
While the Field of Dreams and the Kinsella farmhouse are open year-round, Iowa can and often does get pretty cold in the winter. That said, the place really comes alive in June, July, and August, once it’s warmer. Just like in the movie, the corn is high, the sun is hot, and the boys of summer are up to bat on diamonds - Major League and Little League - across the country.
The real-life "Field of Dreams" set was built on the century-old Lansing family farm in Dyersville, Iowa, back in 1989 and has since become a popular tourist attraction for movie buffs. For those not familiar with the classic story, it centers around an Iowa farmer and baseball fan (played by Kevin Costner) who hears a mysterious inner voice urging him to plow part of his corn crop to build a baseball diamond in the backyard. Over the years, some damage has been done to the field due to vandalizers who presumably hate baseball and dreams alike. Staying at the "Field of Dreams" house grants you access to daily programming like youth baseball tournaments, movie showings in the outfield, and concerts. Bookings can be made with or without exclusive access to the field, available at an additional fee. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pretend you're Ray Kinsella summoning the legends of baseball's past.
The Enduring Appeal
Baseball is all about nostalgia. Love for the game and its traditions is sewn into our country’s fabric and is passed down from generation to generation. You’ll see fathers and sons, moms and daughters, and grandparents and grandchildren playing catch, taking terrific family portraits, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Some wear jerseys from their hometown teams; others pose near the corn where the players of yesteryear mysteriously emerged in the movie. This is a bucket-list trip that will delight the whole family. With that in mind, consider including older relatives, especially if they love the game of baseball.
MLB at the Field of Dreams
As alluded to earlier, the most-quoted line from Field of Dreams is, “If you build it, they will come.” It’s the ghostly, mysterious message that Ray Kinsella keeps hearing, and the one that ultimately compels him to plow over his cornfields and construct a regulation baseball field. After the success of its White Sox/Yankees matchup in 2021, the MLB hosted another primetime game Thursday, August 11, 2022, between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. The league expected a capacity crowd at the 8,000-seat ballpark, adjacent to the actual Field of Dreams. The game was televised to a national audience, and fans, both in-person and watching from home, got to see their favorite players once again emerge from the cornstalks. The Field of Dreams movie site game in 2021 was a magical event, echoing the iconic film. Played in Dyersville, Iowa, a cornfield-turned-ballpark hosted the White Sox and Yankees. Like the 2021 contest between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, ‘Field of Dreams’’ Game 2022 was played at the same Field of Dreams movie site. Neither team tallied a home run but the night ended with a fireworks display over the corn. Given the remarkable success of MLB’s ‘Field of Dreams’ games, one could wonder why there wasn’t one in 2023. Because of the $80 million construction project at the Iowa field, on June 20, 2024, MLB will bring the St. The ‘‘Field of Dreams’’ game featuring the San Francisco Giants and St. 31 in 2024. There wasn’t a game in 2023 due to construction around the movie site. In 2021, MLB veteran Frank Thomas became the majority owner of the “Field of Dreams” movie site.
Accommodation Options
If an overnight stay at the farm isn’t in your budget, don’t fret. In Dyersville, you’ll find low- to mid-level chain hotel options. Keep in mind that their prices are elevated because of their proximity to the Field of Dreams, and you won’t get a whole lot of bang for your buck. If you’ve driven to the site, or you have a rental car, consider staying at one of the nicer options in the nearby Quad Cities. Nearby Dubuque is home to a variety of bed and breakfasts, most located within the town’s charming and historic downtown district. The Redstone Inn & Suites is a spot with a fascinating past: Constructed as a home for some of the town’s elite, it was used as a tavern before it was saved from the wrecking ball and converted into an inn.
Applying the "If You Build It, They Will Come" Philosophy
The phrase "If you build it, they will come" has become a mantra for entrepreneurs and developers who believe in the power of creating something unique and compelling. However, it's crucial to understand that this philosophy requires careful planning, market research, and a deep understanding of the target audience.
Condo Hotels: A Case Study
The concept of condo hotels, where individuals can own a unit within a hotel and benefit from rental income when not in use, has gained traction in the real estate market. The success of a condo hotel depends on various factors, including location, amenities, and management.
Key Considerations for Condo Hotel Development
- Franchise and Reservation System: A strong franchise and reservation system is essential for attracting guests and ensuring rental success. However, developers need to strike a balance between brand recognition and affordability.
- Unique Features: Differentiating a condo hotel from its competition requires special and unique features such as a mega-spa or a signature golf course.
- Location and Demand Generators: A prime location is crucial, but additional demand generators, such as a nearby convention center or on-site meeting rooms, can further boost occupancy rates.
- Experienced Developer: An experienced developer with a strong reputation is essential for ensuring the project's success.
- Pricing: The property must be priced competitively to attract buyers and offer value for money.
The Residences at the Bonaventure Resort: An Example
The Residences at the Bonaventure Resort in Weston, Florida, exemplifies the "If you build it, they will come" philosophy. The Ireland Companies invested \$120 million to remodel and redesign the Bonaventure Hotel & Spa, creating a world-class condominium resort with various amenities:
- A state-of-the-art, 48,000 sq. ft. spa
- Over 23 landscaped acres with lakes
- Two championship golf courses
- A 16-court tennis facility
- Four pools
- Three on-site restaurants
- 84,000 sq ft. of meeting and ballroom space
- Proximity to Markham Park
The redesign was done by Howard Design Group, a firm that had completed the Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove. The Red Door Spa, continuously ranked among the best spas in the world, was a key feature of the resort.
The Residences at Bonaventure is located in Weston, a master-planned community in Southwest Broward County, close to Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, Port Everglades, Sawgrass Mills Mall, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Spas: Havens of Relaxation
In the serene coastal town of Jupiter, Florida, there lies a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. Explore the top spas this charming town has to offer, and let your worries melt away. Located in the heart of Jupiter, Pure Bliss Spa Day is a sanctuary for those yearning for an escape. Nestled in Jupiter’s scenic surroundings, Coastal Day Spa is a blend of elegance and tranquility. This spa offers an extensive menu of massages, ranging from hot stone therapy to aromatherapy massages. Coastal Day Spa also offers a variety of other services such as contouring cellulite, body scrubs, luxurious body wraps, facials & peels, and waxing & tinting. Conveniently located in Jupiter, Hand and Stone is synonymous with luxury and relaxation. Hand and Stone offers an abundance of other services such as facials, hair removal, cryo skin, and image skincare. Field of Dreams Spa also features revolutionary skincare products from Osmosis Beauty MD, a scientifically advanced skincare line that focuses on optimizing skin and body rejuvenation. Unlike other skincare lines, Osmosis takes a holistic-medical approach, targeting the root causes of skin imbalances without excessive exfoliation. Experience a Field of Dreams with customized facial treatments, luxurious pampering, and pure relaxation. Paradise Foot Spa offers a unique and rejuvenating experience that focuses on the often-neglected but vital aspect of foot care. This hidden gem combines traditional massage techniques with specialized foot therapies. While they specialize in foot care, you don’t want to miss out on their variety of body massages as well. These 5 Jupiter FL massage spots offer a diverse selection of massage techniques catering to every individual’s unique needs. Whether you seek the tranquility of Pure Bliss Spa Day, or the elegance of Coastal Day Spa, this charming town has plenty of relaxation options for everyone.