Explore a charming Midwest town with a day trip from Dubuque to Dyersville, Iowa. Dubuque is just under 30 miles from Dyersville, and you won’t believe all there is to do in Dyersville.

Despite its population being under 5,000, we think you’ll like this road trip. So, if you’re on a Dubuque weekend getaway, we suggest adding at least a half day to your trip to check out this list of things to do in Dyersville. 

Day Trip From Dubuque to Dyersville

Grab a coffee for your day trip from Dubuque to Dyersville and hit the road! Plan on about a half day to fit these activities into your road trip.

Field of Dreams Movie Set

Let’s start with the star of the show—literally—a visit to the Field of Dreams Movie Site. This is a wholesome experience and one of the top things to do in Dyersville. The baseball fields and gift shop are free. 

You can wander around and even walk into the cornfield from which Shoeless Joe Jackson emerged or sit on the bleacher just below the picture window of the house where the movie was filmed.

If time allows, we suggest taking a 30-minute paid tour of the house. Our tour guide was dressed in his baseball uniform, and hearing the history really added to the experience of visiting the Field of Dreams.

Plan to spend an hour or two at the Field of Dreams Movie Set, and remember a house tour lasts 30 minutes. 

House tour tickets are $20 for adults. 

Find the Field of Dreams Movie Set at 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, IA

If You Build It Exhibit

To enhance the magical feeling you likely felt at the Field of Dreams Movie Set, you’ll want to check out the If You Build It Exhibit in downtown Dyersville. Here, you can learn more about the iconic baseball field and get more behind-the-scenes information about the Field of Dreams. There is also a nice gift shop where you can take home a souvenir. 

Don’t miss a great mural opportunity outside the building

There is a general admission fee of $5 per adult and $3 for kids 6-12.

Find the If You Build It Exhibit at 310 2nd Street SE, Suite #103, Dyersville, IA

National Farm Toy Museum- Embrace Your Inner Child 

You won’t believe the collection of farm toys, ranging from vintage tractors to miniature barns. Two floors of collections fill room after room, likely bringing back many memories for those who grew up farming. 

Dyersville is home to the Ertl Company, now Tomy, and considers itself the “Farm Capital of the World.”

You will hear countless adults recalling memories as they take in the collections. 

Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour. The admission fee is $5-$7.

Find the National Toy Museum at 1110 16th Avenue Court SE, Dyersville, IA

The Basicila of St. Francis Xavier

The stunning medieval Gothic architecture will draw you in the moment you set your eyes on it.  The Basicila of St. Francis Xavier is one of only a few basilicas in the United States. There are two Basicilas in Iowa, one of which is located in Dyersville. The architecture and intricate stained glass windows are magnificent. 

You don’t have to be a ‘church person’ to appreciate a stop at this Basicilia. Guests can stop in for pictures, say a prayer, or even attend mass. You can sign the guest book if you wish; they have visitors from all over the world. 

Admission is free.

Find the Basicilia of St. Francis Xavier at 104 3rd St SW, Dyersville. 

That’s a Wrap on Dyersville!

If you hit these Dyersville attractions, you’ll have a nice half to full-day planned for one of the best day trips from Dubuque. Stop at a local restaurant or hit the brewery or winery in Dyerseville, and you will have the perfect Iowa day trip from Dubuque!

Related: Things to Do in Dubuque Another Day Trip from Dubuque to Potosi Brewery & Museum