Filmmakers targeted a cornfield, spread over two different properties, for the baseball diamond's location. It narrowly escaped a life condemned to raising corn, though, when the owner of left and center fields planted the crop on his property soon after filming concluded. He reconsidered this move once fans began descending on the property in large numbers. Today, visitors from all over the world find solace at a place that serves as an antidote, in true Midwestern fashion, to the U.S. Cellular Fields that mark 21st century sports venues.

Today, baseball fans, day-trippers, and movie star rock bands pay homage to the Oscar-nominated film by enjoying the field free of charge. Although the field's two owners do not charge a fee to see and use the field, a small donation box behind home plate awaits visitors who wish to help offset the cost of maintaining it. No public money finances its upkeep.

Visitors to the Field of Dreams will find the farmhouse, a 100 year-old structure owned by the Lansing family, intact. The familiar residence of the film's Kinsella family, juxtaposed to the field and the game of baseball, reflects the American commitment to family and tradition. Anyone wishing to follow the footsteps of Archibald “Moonlight” Graham and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, may take to the field for a pickup game. A concessions stand along the left-field fence will provide bats, balls, and gloves for free in the event that you did not bring your own. If it's Sunday, tourists may seize the opportunity to compete against the Ghost Players, a team comprised of Dyersville community members-many of whom appeared as extras in the film. At noon, the Ghost Players emerge from the centerfield edge of the corn, reminiscent of the film's players taking to the field. They host an hour-long friendly pickup game with anyone willing to play. The résumés of these players disclose former all-state Iowa high school baseball stars, college and semi-pro players. They have, as a group, traveled all over the United States and to several foreign countries for appearances in charity and corporate events.

The field is open to tourists from April to November, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional information may be found on the field's two official Web sites: www.leftandcenterfod.com and www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com , which include information about other area attractions as well as lodging options. The Field of Dreams site is approximately 200 miles west of Chicago and makes for a pleasant road trip away from the chaos of city life.

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